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Jackson pivoted in his seat towards his best friend, Tommy Wilkes. “I'm in the middle of something right now.”
“Jake had an emergency and can't play tonight in your place. Plus, Piper has the flu.”
“Is everything okay?” Bailey asked.
Tommy looked over and grinned. His eyes diverted back to Jackson, and he extended his hand. “I'm Tommy. His best friend and fellow band member. I'm lead guitar.”
Bailey shook his hand. “Bailey Cummings.” She looked at Jackson. “You play here?”
“Three nights a week,” Jackson said. “I thought there was—”
“The band tonight ran into severe weather and their bus couldn't make it. We’re on. Alex just got here. Where are we going to find a singer?” Tommy asked.
Jackson excused himself from the table. He and Tommy walked off to the side.
“I told you, I was—”
Tommy held up his hand and interrupted him. “I know, that’s why I called Jake, but what can I do? We’re in a tight spot, man.”
Jackson weighed the cons and pros. Could he deny his responsibility to his band? He glanced back at Bailey, who tapped her fingers on the table. Would she understand?
“You said no matter what it takes, right?” Tommy asked. “Things happen. If we’re going to make it, we have to adjust. I’m sorry, bro.”
Jackson ran his hand down his bearded face. “I know.” He walked over to Bailey. Tommy followed.
Bailey rubbed the back of her neck, as an idea popped into his head. Their lead singer was out. It was a long shot but why not?
“You want to?” Jackson asked, gesturing towards the stage.
“What?” she asked.
Jackson motioned to the stage once more.
Bailey's eyes widened. “I-I-I can't.”
“You got it.”
“I don't sing in public, Jackson. I told you that. Like, never,” Bailey said.
He then leaned over her. “We need you Bailey.”
“Can she even sing?” Tommy asked.
“I guess we‘ll find out,” Jackson said.
Chapter 5
Bailey gulped down breaths to stay quiet. She heard wrong. Her eyes roamed the lounge as people danced to the music through the speakers. Cologne and perfume filled the air. Singing at home in front of the mirror was one thing. Perform in front of a crowd? No way. It had been too long. Adrenaline shot through her system. Would they stop her if she dashed for the exit?
“Bailey, I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important,” Jackson said.
Why should she sing for him? It had only been two weeks since their connection online, and this was their first time meeting face to face, anyway. Yet, a hyper-awareness took over her body staring into his whiskey eyes.
“We're on in ten minutes,” Tommy said. Then he hurried back to the stage.
Bailey's heartbeat raced. She couldn't do what he asked. She didn't have what it took.
She swallowed despite her dry mouth. Her eyes scanned the room once again. Would the crowd jeer and taunt if the band didn't perform? They would. When Mac's place advertised live music, the crowd expected it. What was their band name again? Did Jackson say Infinity Signs the last time they talked on the phone?
