“We couldn’t have done it without the amazing Rave.” Jasper lifts me in his arms and spins me around.
“We need to answer them before they choose someone else,” Beck says, looking like he might shoot to the sky with all that adrenaline. “Let’s get back to the dorm.”
We wish each other goodbye and they leave, talking animatedly about the gig. I smile as I return to my friends. I’m so happy for the guys, but I can’t believe that my song will reach more people, too. I’ve always wanted to touch people’s hearts with my songs, and it seems my wish is actually coming true.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Kylen
Our equipment has already been transported to the club. The guys and I spend most of the day busy with that. We’ll be performing in the evening, only for an hour because other bands are performing tonight as well.
A few hours before we’re set to leave for the gig, I’m a nervous wreck. I stay in my room, mostly lying on my bed and staring at the ceiling, trying not to let my thoughts sabotage us. We’ll do great. The song is amazing. What’s there to be so worried about?
The hours pass quickly—way too quickly. It’s not long before the guys and I are on our way to the club. After we talk to the manager and take care of a few things, we go backstage to prepare. The club only opens in the evenings and we’ll be the second ones to go on stage.
Many kids from school should be coming, including Raven and her friends. Knowing Raven will be here with us calms me a little. I always feel better when she’s around.
When we’re waiting to go on after the band that’s currently playing, someone sits down next to me. For a second, I think it’s Beck who’s come to crack a joke to ease my nerves, but I’m surprised to find Raven.
“I snuck back here,” she tells me with a sweet smile. “I’m not sure I’m allowed, but I don’t really care. I didn’t have a chance to wish you good luck.”
I rub my forehead. “Yeah, we’ve been busy all day. Thanks. I’m really nervous.”
Placing her hand on mine, she gives me an encouraging smile. “I know you’ll do great. Where are the guys?”
I point in the distance. Her eyes shift to where Jasper, Leo, and Beck are peeking their heads out from the stage, watching the all-female band perform. They sound amazing. Not that I’m comparing myself to them, but it’s hard to go after a band that does so well. I don’t want to disappoint anyone.
The guys and I have never performed in front of an audience before, unless you count our family members and Raven, and that time during lunch.
“You guys look great,” Raven tells me. “You sound great. Go out there and kick some butt.”
That gets a soft chuckle out of me. “Always appreciate your pep talks.” I take a deep breath. “What if I forget the lyrics?”
“Then you improvise and make it seem like youpurposelyforgot them. Never show them that you’re frazzled. Besides.” She takes my hands. “You won’t forget the lyrics. I bet you can sing them in your sleep.”
My mouth hangs open. “Do you spy on me when I sleep, Raven Mitchell?”
“That’s for me to know and for you to never find out.”
I laugh again. “Thanks. I really appreciate you coming here and being with me.”
She rests her head on mine. “Anytime.”
Her body is so warm, it makes a calmness wash over me. I wrap an arm around her waist.
I’m not sure how long we sit like this before the band finishes and the manager announces us.
I sit up sharply. “Holy crap. It’s time.”
She squeezes my hand. “You’ve got this.” She stands. “I’d better go before someone finds me here and kicks me out of the club.”
I throw my arms around her, holding her close.
“Good luck, Kylen,” she whispers in my ear. “You’ll do great.”
She heads over to the guys to wish them good luck as well, then scurries away.
My heart crashes against my chest as the guys and I make our way onstage. I think I’m under extra pressure because I don’t want to disappoint Raven. Of course she wouldn’t be upset if I messed up the song, but I still want to perform it perfectly.
