The cheers were deafening, even from the other side of the stage. Danielle grabbed Trey’s hand. All around them, musicians stood in nervous clusters, everyone waiting for names to finally be called.
“First our runners-up for each category,” Anthony said. “As a reminder, the runners-up will still be attending the nationalUnbound competition in New York City. Each group will have the chance to play a set during the opening-day showcase, in front of a live audience of ten thousand people.”
Despite not being eligible for the grand prize and record deal, those eight bands would get phenomenal exposure. Not only to the audience, but to any attending producers, agents, and managers.
Anthony took his time introducing all six of the panel judges, industry professionals in some capacity, including a well-respected member of a retired Hall of Fame metal band. Trey had read the roster of judges ahead of time, but for some reason, hearing their names booming over the loudspeakers made everything more real.
“I’m going to be sick,” Danielle said.
Bobby grabbed her other hand. “Don’t you dare, sis.”
Andy closed ranks, and they stood together. Hoping.
Anthony read four categories and congratulated their group members before he finally said, “In the indie rock category, the runner-up is?—”
Trey held his breath.
“Fading Daze!”
Surprise punched the air back out of his lungs. People were slapping his shoulders and shouting congratulations at them, and it finally sank in. They hadn’t won, but they were still going to New York.
Danielle screeched and yanked him toward the stage. Trey couldn’t do anything except let her lead and try not to fall over his own stumbling feet. Up the rear stage steps. Across the floor to the black curtains, and then beyond. Into the hot, harsh lights and the roar of the crowd. He let her bully him into a bow with his friends, and then they were off to the side while the next category was announced.
Runner-up.
The promised recording contract died in front of his eyes, but they weren’t done. Anyone could notice them during the opening-day showcase. Trey was going to New York City to play for ten thousand people. Pride surged hard and fast, and he started laughing. He grabbed Danielle and swung her into a tight hug. It wasn’t first place, but it felt fucking amazing anyway.
Trey let Danielle go, then went in for hugs from Bobby and Andy. They’d played their hearts out, and they were going to perform at nationals, and knowing that almost made up for what he’d lost today.
Almost.
He glanced around the crowded stage, seeking a face he knew wasn’t there. Dominic was backstage with his bandmates, waiting to hear if they’d won or not. He wouldn’t care that Fading Daze placed second. He wouldn’t care how proud Trey was of himself.
Except . . . maybe?
Anthony finished the runners-up, then asked for another round of applause from the audience. They were all herded offstage to the roar of the crowd. Lauren and Rose met them on the ground and gave out hugs. They hadn’t placed runner-up in their category, but neither girl looked too terribly worried.
Over the celebrations behind the scenes, Anthony’s voice rang out, ready to announce the first-place winners. The bands who would be competing against each other for both the audience and a panel of judges, on a national stage.
Anthony went in the same order as before, including the folk category. Lauren and Rose didn’t win, and they shrugged it off. “Getting here was reward enough,” Rose said.
Trey looked around. He spotted Tyson in the crowd.
“Our winner in the indie rock category is?—”
Tyson turned, giving Trey a clear view of Dominic, who was hugging Lincoln from behind. Both of their eyes were shut tight.
“XYZ!”
Trey let out a whooping scream he barely recognized, so stupidly happy for Dominic that he couldn’t contain himself. Dominic swayed in place a beat, then charged forward with his bandmates. Trey watched him get swallowed up by the stage, his heart thundering, pulse racing. Dominic had done it.
He’d proven himself to his father, and Trey couldn’t be more proud.
Danielle smacked a wet kiss on his cheek. “Good for them.”
He couldn’t help it. He texted Dominic:Your dad will be so proud of you. I know I am.
Trey couldn’t think of a single other thing to say, so he texted Beatrice about their placements, and then put the news on his own Insta. Bobby was furiously typing on his phone, probably updating the band’s Facebook page and Instagram account. Trey’s phone started pinging with replies almost immediately.
