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She’d loved her tribute band. It was a blast. But never, not once, had Lorelei been in the audience.
The singer greeted her with a giant smile, and the audience roared its approval.
Grace leaned in close. “What’re you doing?”
But the superstar faced the audience, ignoring her. “Ladies and gentlemen, here she is. The Singing Baker.”
The response was deafening. With the lights practically blinding her, all Grace wanted to do was go back to her truck and surround herself with her pretty pastries and happy customers.
But nope, that wasn’t going to happen. Lorelei made a settle-down motion with a hand. “As the artist-in-residence, I’ve had the super fun job of inviting the talent to the festival this summer. I was going for a whole range of bands—from the unknowns who’ve tagged me in their songs all the way up to the superstars. But one thing I hadn’t considered was a tribute band.”
Another wave of applause.
“As you all know, the Singing Baker sings my songs. And a lot of people are saying”—she hitched a thumb toward Grace—“she’sbetterthan me.”
Grace lunged for her mic. “It’s not true. I’m not. I’m totally not.”
Amid the loud boos came a few claps and shout-outs.
God. Stop. Just stop.
“So, we’re going to have a face-off to figure it out once and for all. Who’s better at singing my songs, me or the Singing Baker?”
The crowd went wild. It was clear Lorelei truly meant this event as something fun. There wasn’t an ounce of resentment or negativity in her.
And why would there be? She had fifteen Grammys. She was beloved globally because her lyrics were smart, romantic, and real, while her melodies were evocative and moving.
No one was her competition. It had to give her all the confidence in the world.
Well, what could she do but play along? Grace pulled her mic off the stand. “Takes some mighty big lady balls to throw down wheneveryone’sbeen saying I’m better than you.” She got a lot of boos for that, but even more laughter and applause. The singer’s shocked expression made Grace laugh. “But you asked for it, so let’s do this.”
“All right, here’s how it’s going down,” Lorelei said. “We’ll trade off each verse and then duet the choruses and bridges. Think you can handle that?”
“Pssh. I could do it in my sleep.”
“Oh, you think so?” Lorelei glanced to her band. “You ready, guys?” In response, she got a drum roll and a guitar riff. “Hit it.”
The drummer rocked the beat, and then Lorelei busted out her chart-topping Grammy-winning song that utilized her entire four-octave range.
He said no
And I said yes
And that’s the way it goes
With heartbreak
Luckily, Grace had the same range. Together, their voices joined together for the chorus.
Could you ever love me
The way I want?
Could you ever ever ever
Be the man I need?
Or are we destined
