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Once we get to Medusa’s, Carla clocks in and starts inventory before the bar actually opens for business. I go straight to the stage and make sure everything is set up. Pulling my laptop out and plugging the speakers in, I do a mic check and try to work the nerves out of my system; no matter how many times I’ve gotten up here it’s the same thing.
Nervous energy and adrenaline.
I have a long list of songs set for the night, but I’m also prepared to take in requests. While I’m finishing up, Carla comes over with a shot of whiskey for me. She does this every night because she knows the jitters I have are no joke and without the amber liquid, they’ll only get worse when the customers arrive.
“You’re gonna do great as usual, Sia. Also, not to put pressure on you, but there’s someone important coming in tonight. He saw a video of you on Facebook singing that sexy ass song and called in to make a VIP reservation with Joe.” Joe being the owner of Medusa’s
Wait, what?
Eyes wide, I say, “Hold up, someone got ahold of the owner so they could come and see me? Who is it?” I’m about to panic, so I quickly down the whiskey.
Damn. I’m really going to need another shot, or two.
“Aye, don’t worry, girl. It’s just a customer who always spends around seven thousand every time he comes here.”
Just a customershe says, ha!
“We always take good care of him and his crew when he does come in.” Seeing my panic rising with each word, she runs to grab another shot for me, but Joe comes out and grabs everyone’s attention.
“Okay, ladies, it’s time to open up. We’ve got a long line of people outside ready to see Sia and enjoy our specialty drinks. Make sure everyone is satisfied but pay special attention to the VIP areas. No empty glasses, no empty ice buckets, and no empty bottles.”
Everyone starts getting ready for the customers as Joe walks over to me, asking me if I’m ready.
“Yes, sir. I’m good. I’ve got everything set up.”
With an exasperated sigh, he says, “How many times do I have to tell you, doll? Call me Joe, okay?” Without letting me apologize—Texas manners and all—he continues, “Carla should have filled you in, but in case she didn’t, we’ve got some VIP guests coming in who want to hear you sing. He really liked the cover songs you did for that singer, Layla Rey.”
Who the hell is that?
At my confused look he says, “I don’t know the name of today’s singers. The singer everyone is always requesting from you.”
“Oh! You mean Lana Del Rey. Okay, got it. Anything else?” I do get a lot of LDR requests. The people around here practically worship her. Hell, even I light candles for her in my mind’s shrine.
He rolls his eyes, mumbling something about kids. Crazy old man.
Louder he says, “Sera will be handling their section, so if you see her standing next to the stage it’s because they have a request that goes before any of the other requests. Understand?”
“Yes, sir—Joe! Yes, I got it. Carla said that this person...” I motion with my hand for him to fill in the blank.
“Gavriel Renzetti.”
What a sexy name. “Right. Well, she said he liked ‘Gods and Monsters.’ Should I start out with that song when they arrive?”
“Sure, kid. Just be sure to keep an eye out for Sera, okay?”
“Yeah, got it.” Blowing out a heavy exhale, I try to work out my nerves without the aid of an extra shot.
My worries were for nothing because after singing for an hour I’m relaxed. I get a small break and use it to go drink some water and sit for a bit. Carla finds me in the small changing room sitting and swiping through my phone, looking at new social media posts. I see on Medusa’s Facebook page that there are tons of tags that include me.
Medusa has a queen now,says one of the posts.
Manhattan’s very own sensual singer is singing for the Famiglia tonight!says another one.
“Here’s the shot you missed earlier.” Carla hands me the glass with the amber whiskey swirling inside.
I take the tumbler with a smile. “Thanks. Hey, what’s ‘famiglia’ mean?” I quickly down the shot. It burns but feels so good on my throat.
“Why would you ask that? Where’d you hear that word?” She sounds almost accusatory.
The fuck did I say wrong? I cock a brow in question at her.
Chuffing a little, she sheepishly smiles and says, “Sorry, I forget you’re new in this city. It’s just an Italian word that means ‘family.’ Why?”
I show her the post and ask, “Why would they say it like that? What family am I singing for?” But before she can answer, Sera pops her big head in the doorway and it takes everything in me not to throw the glass at her.
“You’re needed on stage, Sia. The VIPs are here and they want you singing now.”
The bastards just show up and demand shit to happen at the snap of their fingers? Fuck that noise. I need to breathe a bit, but when I roll my eyes and continue sitting, Carla pulls me up by the arm, saying, “They’re important people,chica, ones we can’t afford to piss off. So, get your sexy ass out there and make some money.”
Laughing, I follow her back out and look up toward the second level where the VIP section holds theseimportant people.
