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I pump myself up mentally. I’ll be the only guest who will be there all morning, making the soundtrack to the show. That’s quite important, or so Sandra says, but my bet is that Sweets Tyler declined the invitation to be there, and they got me as replacement.
Kevin taps me in the shoulder to let me know it’s time to go. He gently pushes me to the entrance of the studio space, and gestures for me to wait until Vivian calls my name.
I see her from the back. I’ve never watched The Morning Chatter, so I have no idea what Vivian looks like - all I know is that she’s a redhead with a penchant for pink.
“Let’s give a warm welcome to Lily Rockwell!” she finally says, and I walk towards her with a big smile on my face and a wave to the audience and cameras.
I believe Vivian to be in her forties, though one too many plastic surgeries might mislead my perception. She smiles broadly, looking really kind, and I hope to be in good hands while standing by her side.
The studio itself is a single space filled with plants, a large couch, and a big high-resolution screen behind it, currently showing the logo of the show.
I greet Vivian with two fake kisses - her choice, not mine - and take a seat on the couch, where a properly plugged in guitar waits for me in a small stand.
“So, Lily, how was the trip here?” she asks, full of spirit. I quite like her.
“Worst part was waking up early, but I’m alive!”
The audience quietly laughs. Some teenagers in the back scream my name, and I send a “Yoohoo!” their way, to more enthused laughter.
“So, you have big news for us today, huh?” Vivian asks, making big eyes.
“I do! But my manager said I’m only supposed to say it later…” I say conspiratorially. The audience hollers.
“Of course, when the rest of these people at home wake up!” she says with mock disdain. “But now tell me about your newest single.”
“Honey Spiced Ale!” The audience cheers with fervor, and I smile at them in delight. “It’s a little song about having fun, and then losing the chance of having fun again, then missing it dearly!”
“I see…” Vivian says with interest, conferring her cards. “Is it based on a real story?”
I widen my eye and look at the audience. “Well… Yeah!”
More hollering from the audience ensues and I turn to smile at them before continuing, “I met a guy once, and it was fun to be with him. But in the end, we didn’t even exchange phone numbers, so all I had was the memory of that honey spiced kiss.”
I look over my shoulder as Vivian makes her comments, and see Brody there backstage, standing imposingly like a statue.
For a second, I wonder what he thinks of this story. Does he feel any jealousy? But then Vivian brings me back to reality.
“Can you play us the song?” she asks, rubbing her hands together in anticipation.
“Of course!” I say.
When I sing the first verse a cappella, the audience sings with me, and when the first chords hit, clapping accompanies. When I’m done with the song, there’s more clapping, and I look at the small audience with a huge grin from ear to ear.
The show continues. Vivian brings out a medium and astrologist, a psychiatrist who specialized in dog behavior, and a dog trainer with a cute little poodle who performed some tricks live.
All the while, in every block before commercials, I perform a song, and everyone is happy.
“Thank you, Lily, for another lovely song. We’ll be right back after these commercials!” Vivian says.
The director yells, “Cut!” and we’re free to speak.
“Are you folks ready for the last block?” Vivian continues, clasping her hands in front of her chest with excitement.
“What’s in the last block?” I ask, naive.
“You never watched the show, sweetie?” Vivian asks with surprise, holding onto my arm. I shake my head with a small smile, feigning embarrassment.
“Oh, we have viewer interaction, from the audience here, and live video calls. Are you excited?!” she yells to the audience, arms wide open.
