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“Hey, Hazel.” He gave me a huge grin in return.
Mike opened the door for us, and the moment we stepped inside, what was different hit me in the gut. The parking lot was full of cars, and the noise inside, with the doors now open was deafening. We pushed our way through the crowd to get to the bar. People jostled into me and I whispered ‘sorry’ more times than I probably should have.
“What is going on?” I yelled, trying to get Jess to hear me above the noise.
“Wicked Ways is here,” a guy next to me answered. “Isn’t that awesome?”
“Wicked Ways is here?” I forced the strangled words out of my mouth. I’d always wanted to see them in concert and this event would be everything to Niki and Lacey. There’s no way people wouldn’t have heard of The Wooden Nickel after this.
“I’m totally going to say hi to the lead singer, Killian Hook. He’s freaking hot,” Jess spoke loudly in my ear.
“What about Alden, Jess?” I teased.
She grinned. “Killian’s my free pass. Besides, you love the band too. Don’t think I haven’t noticed that you know the words to all their songs.” Now I knew why their music was playing on repeat the whole way here. Jess pulled me toward the bar, and it wasn’t until we got closer that I noticed the people surrounding it.
My eyes locked on Lacey and Niki, who were not behind the bar tonight, and their parents. Then to Ashlyn and Dean, Alden, Harper and Lincoln, Ruby and Grayson, Wren and Beckett, and finally, Gran.
“You said he wasn’t going to propose tonight.” My voice cracked on the last word. I’d been harassing Jess all day and had already asked if Jareth planned to break up with me or propose. She’d told me to get out of my head and stop asking crazy questions.
“Hazel.” Jess gave me a little shake. “I promise that’s not it.”
“Then what?”
A woman I didn’t recognize now stood before me and offered her hand. “Hi, I’m Trixie McBride. I represent V&S Productions.”
“Nice to meet you.” I had no idea why she was here or introducing herself to me. “Oh, wait, you represent Wicked Ways. We share a boss.” I smiled at her and shook her hand.
She smiled, and her whole face lit up. “Yes, but I’m also here for you tonight.”
“For me?” I think I might have stuttered. My heart raced, and my palms grew damp. I had to have heard her wrong.
She winced. “I heard this would be a bit of a surprise for you. I take it no one has said anything yet. I’m so sorry.”
“Sorry for what?” My gaze rapidly jumped around the room until it settled on Gran.
Gran looped an arm around my waist. “Congrats, sweetheart. We’re all here to listen to you on stage and for you to get the attention you deserve.”
“Gran, what are you doing without your wheelchair?” My head was going in circles, and latched onto the thing right in front of me instead of what was creating this confusion.
“It’s okay. I’ve got her,” Alden said, standing directly behind her and helping Gran ease back into her seat.
“It was too clunky for this place. Besides, now I’ve got a big strong gentleman to escort me all night.” Gran winked. “Don’t let nerves get the best of you, love. Tonight let your magic shine.”
I gasped. “So if Trixie is here to listen to me… ” The pieces still weren’t entirely in place.
Jess rubbed my back. “Jareth asked for a rep to be here to determine if they should offer you a contract.”
I sucked in a deep breath, suddenly light-headed.
“And actually you’re on right now. Surprise.” Lacey did a terrible impression of jazz hands. “We didn’t want you to get nervous and psych yourself out.”
“But Wicked Ways… ” Everything fell into place. My hands shook and my throat seized. “Water,” I gasped. Wicked Ways was one of the most impressive rock bands of our time.
“Jareth thought having you as a guest lead singer would be fun.” Lacey hugged me.
My legs trembled and I would’ve fallen to the floor if Jess hadn’t grabbed hold of me. “I… I can’t. It’s Wicked Ways. Like the Wicked Ways,” I whispered and pointed at the room with so many people at the ready with their camera phones pointed at the stage where the band was warming up. “If I suck everyone will know.”
“Hazel Anne Finley, snap out of it. This is your chance, and you will take it.” Gran’s harsh tone yanked me out of my spiral. No one argued with her when she spoke like that. Least of all me.
