AllFreeNovel
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He stands with his hands professionally tucked behind his back and broad shoulders and chest puffed forward, and suddenly he appears very unapproachable.
Even though he’s right there, there is so much distance between us, and I feel a sense of longing for him rise to the surface that surprises me a little.
But then I remember the producer in the crowd.
“Thank you,” I smile back at him, solemn.
Sandra pokes her head out of the stage curtain and searches for the announcer in the middle of the crowd. He’s a tall man with long hair and a beard. With a thumbs up, she lets him know I’m ready, and upon seeing it, the announcer jumps off the dance floor to the stage and runs to the microphone.
“Good night, people!” He says with pep. “I hope you’re feeling fine tonight, because the Fountain House brings you none other than the talented — and gorgeous — Lily Rockwell!”
He points in my direction, and I run to the mic to the sound of cheers and applause. I want to get started, but he stays there by my side and points to his cheek, asking me for a peck.
I can’t say no.
Mark - that’s his name! - leaves the stage laughing and charismatically caressing the side I kissed, leaving me free to finally talk to my people.
“Good night!” I shout to their cheering, feeding on their love. “I hope you’re ready for a wild ride, because that’s what we are bringing you. Here you go…”
I start to sing, holding into the microphone stand, full of drama. The band follows me and the audience hollers. I dance, I jump, I kneel, and that is only the beginning.
Or so I thought.
The lights go out as I’m nearing the end of the song, driving everyone to scream in shock. I get back to my feet, straining to see through the limited visibility provided by the emergency lights.
Disappointment sits heavy in the pit of my stomach when I see people turning around and leaving.
“Hey!” I yell the loudest I can, but without the microphone, my voice is inaudible. “Stay!”
Sandra comes over, using her phone as a flashlight. Behind her comes Brody, walking stiff and solemn as ever.
“City wide blackout.” Sandra states the news, and I roll my eyes.
“What are we going to do?” I ask with worry, taking her free hand.
Then Sandra puts an arm around my shoulders.
“Maybe we can bring your guitar here and play for those who stay?”
I feel my eyes shining in the dark at the idea, but Brody waves a finger in front of my face.
“I’d recommend you go back to the dressing room.”
I cross my arms and stare at him, once again feeling angry. “Why?”
“Because your friend is here.” And he discreetly points to the left edge of the stage.
Ben is there staring, with a serious look in his eyes. He’s shaking again and holding onto the woodwork for dear life.
I try to go and greet him, if only to talk to him and get his overall vibe. Brody, however, has a different idea, and holds me back from approaching Ben.
“I think it’s best if you don’t,” he says, calm as ever.
While I understand his logic, I’m seething. I already have plenty of other people - one of them being his own sister - always telling me what to do. And now Brody is yet another one.
I bow my head, arms still crossed until I need to support myself on the rails, going down the stairs and backstage.
The band follows us, heading for their own dressing room, and I head to mine without looking over my shoulder.
