“We do,” I agree. “Later. Let’s enjoy this moment.”
I gesture to the crowd, and he hesitates before approaching centre stage with open arms, bowing low before taking his place at the mic.
The applause swells again, washing over me, warm and bright. I nod once, lift my hand to thank the audience, and step down from the stage.
Jack can keep the spotlight.
I’ve already found my light.
As the applause rises to whatever Jack’s saying about Lilloughby’s future tours, I’m already slipping out the door, my breath shaky but elated.
I don’t look back—nor at the scout, nor the stage, and not at him. I just leave, the noise of the café fading behind me.
32
Slipping the Silk
Lily-Anne
I wait outside the café for Ellenor to pick me up. After last time, I’m reluctant to walk home alone, so I linger just beyond the glow from the windows, admiring the festoon and fairy lights with a newfound sadness. I knew I’d feel melancholy saying goodbye to this place. I just didn’t realise my memory of tonight would become tainted.
I tense when Jack appears in the doorway, silhouetted against the light as he scans the small crowd outside—people laughing, finishing their drinks, waiting for rides. Instinctively, I edge back into the shadows, hoping he won’t see me.
“Hey, Lily-Anne! There you are!”
He jogs over, that easy grin plastered back on, voice light as if he didn’t just try to commandeer my song.
“What are you doing out here?” he asks.
For a second, I can only stare at him. “I’m just waiting for my sister.”
He nods like that makes perfect sense. “Right. But everyone’s asking about you. The scout wants to meet you. You should come back in.”
“Are you serious?” I ask, incredulous. “After what happened in there?”
He blinks. “What do you mean?”
“The lowered mic? The way you didn’t let me sing my own song?”
The part where you tried to control me?
He blinks again, confusion melting into a grin. “Ah. Yeah, the tech stuff always gets a bit niggly towards the end of a night. Luckily, we didn’t get any huge dramas! And hey, you’ve got to sing that song by yourself. Brilliant, by the way. You’ve been holding out on me.”
He gives my arm a playful punch.
I’m struck speechless. I can still picture the brittle smile he wore onlyminutes ago when I played solo. He’s changed his tune, and I think I know why.
“Come back in. You’ve got to meet Hilary.”
“Youmeet her.” I fold my arms against the chill. “I’m going home.”
His smile falters. “Come on, Lil. Don’t be like that. It’s a huge opportunity for us.”
“Sorry. I’ll pass.”
A faint whine slips into his voice as he rubs his neck. “But Lil…Hilary wants to sign us as a duo—Lilloughby.”
“I’m sorry, Jack. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me—truly—but I don’t want to be part of a duo. Not now, anyway.”
