“This is so cool!” Nikki says in absolute awe as she peeks out at the crowd again.
“This is insane!” I respond, trying not to panic.
She turns to face me, knowing she needs to give me her full attention before I freak out completely. “You’re going to be amazing. This is everything you’ve worked so hard for! Why are you so worried?”
“This is what I thought I would work my way up to. I never in a million years thought my first paid gig would be to a crowd like this.” I start to pace back and forth, but she stops me.
“This is because you absolutely killed the first showyou did for free, and this is God’s way of showing you that you deserve this!”
I look into her eyes and inhale a deep breath, nodding my head. “Yes, I deserve this.”
“You absolutely do. You’re going to kick major ass—I have no doubt!”
I rub my lips together, nodding my head some more. “I got this.”
I turn around and start pacing again, this time taking in long and slow breaths of air while repeating to myself,I got this.
“Can I sneak back to say hi?” I hear a guy’s voice say and look up to see Silas.
Every ounce of my fear washes away as I jump into his arms, wrapping mine tightly around his neck and burying my face in his shoulder.
“Whoa,” he says in response as he catches me and holds me tight.
“Thank you,” I say, not moving from my spot.
He holds me tighter. “No need to thank me. You did this.” He puts me on my feet to look into my eyes. “My sister said the QR code on the flier that led to your video had a ton of views. They are here because they like you and your music.”
Tears well up in my eyes, and I blink them away. “I just can’t believe they’re all here.”
“Believe it, girl,” Nikki says. “I’m Nikki, by the way. I take it, you’re Silas?”
He lifts his hand to greet her properly. “Yes. Nice to meet you.”
“I have to say, I’m impressed.” Nikki motions toward the door—where, on the other side, everyone is waiting for me to go on—to make sure he knows what she means.
He grins my way. “She impressed me first.” He leans in and gives me a soft kiss on the lips. “You’re going to do great. I’ll be out there, cheering you on.”
I inhale a deep breath, not sure what to say, so I don’t say anything at all. I love the fact that he doesn’t question it or feel the need to speak. He just smiles and heads out the door, giving me my own freak-out moment without making it weird.
Once he’s gone, Nikki turns to me. “Yeah, you’re definitely going home with him tonight.”
I close my eyes and let out a sharp laugh. “One big milestone moment at a time, please.”
“Hey, it doesn’t have to be a milestone moment. It can be a quick thank-you to him for putting this all together and a celebration at the same time—or rather, a party just for two.”
She winks, and I laugh loudly.
“You’re crazy—you know that, right?”
“Yep, and you love me for it. Now, let’s get this show on the road. You have everything you need?”
I look around at the stuff I dropped off earlier today so I wouldn’t have to bring anything in tonight. “Here goes nothing.” I reach for my guitar and strap it around my neck.
She places her hands on my arms, steadying me to look me in the eyes. “No, here goes the first day of the rest of your life.” She brings me in for a hug. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you,” I say, trying not to cry.
I always imagined my family being at my first big show, but with them in Ohio, I didn’t even think about having them come down since I didn’t know this would be such a big deal. Nikki has become my family here though, and I’m so thankful for all the support she’s given me in such a short time.
