And then, it’s time. The lights dim, the crowd hushes, and the show begins.
Wren steps into the spotlight and greets the audience. They amp up the crowd until the excitement reaches fever-pitch. Backstage, I take one final deep breath, closing my eyes and centreing myself. Adrenaline courses through my veins, the familiar thrill of performance chasing away the last of my anxiety.
Wren announces my name.
This is it, my moment to shine, to prove to myself and everyone else that I’m still the rock star I was born to be. I step out onto the stage to a roar from the crowd. The energy is amazing. The lights are blinding, but as I glance down at the front row, I can see Kyle, his eyes shining with something that looks a lot like pride.
I throw him a smile, and launch into the opening chords of “Shattered Heart.” I pour every ounce of my soul into the song, and with Kyle watching me, I let myself go and lose myself in the performance.
The crowd goes wild as I finish the last note, their cheers and applause filling the auditorium. I take a moment to bask in the energy, my heart racing with the thrill of it all.This is what it’s all about—the joy of bringing my music to life.
I walk to the front of the stage and lock eyes with Kyle, his smile radiant as he claps furiously. In that moment, I feel invincible, like I can conquer the world.
I launch into the next song, and the set flies by, each song building on the last, until I’m left standing centre stage, sweat dripping down my face and my chest heaving with exertion. I take a final bow, the cheers echoing as I exit the stage where I’m greeted by Wren. “That was incredible,” they say, clapping me on the back. “Awesome show.”
I nod but continue to press through the backstage area until I spot Kyle waiting for me as we’d previously arranged. He pulls me into his arms, holding me tight, and I bury my face in his neck, breathing him in.
“You were amazing,” he says.
I pull back, cupping his face in my hands. “It was bloody awesome, but I couldn’t have done it without you.”
He laughs. “Somehow I doubt that. Now do you want to go watch the rest of the show?”
I can hear Crystal Starlight on stage and there are a few acts to follow including an aerial acrobatic display and a comedy set, but I have no interest. I’m on a high and I want to go celebrate. “Actually,” I start to say, but see Kyle’s face and change my answer. He deserves to make the most of everything the cruise offers and that includes the entertainment. “Sure.”
“Damn,” he says, surprising me.
“What?”
“I thought you’d say you wanted to leave,” he says.
“You don’t want to see the show?”
“God no. I can think of better things to do.” He takes my hand and tugs me towards the exit. “I just want to spend time with you.”
I find Brian across the room and give him a nod as we leave.
The corridor is less crowded, most passengers in the auditorium watching the show. We pass a few stragglers along the way until we come to a larger group of guys. They’ve obviously had a good time at the bar, given the staggers and the raucous laughter, and I tense as they get closer.
“Oh, hey! Look! It’s Zelman,” one of them says and the others all stop and stare.
“Oh my God.” A good-looking guy steps forward from the pack. “Can I get a photo?”
I freeze. My heart is in my throat. Then there’s a squeeze of my hand. I turn my head to see Kyle’s gentle smile.
“Breathe,” he whispers.
I find myself nodding and taking a deep breath. Kyle steps back slightly, but I know he’ll be at my side in an instant. I look back to the guy who already has his phone out in anticipation. “Sure.”
I take a selfie with him, then they all want a photo, but it’s over in a matter of minutes and they’re laughing and on their way.
Kyle steps back to my side and takes my hand and we continue on our way as if nothing had happened. I look over my shoulder and Brian gives me the thumbs up. I grin. I know I’ve still got a way to go but I feel as if I’ve reached a milestone.
Chapter Fourteen
Kyle
Ican’twipethegrin off my face as we make our way through the atrium. Axel’s performance was wild, his stage presence leaving me in awe, and the crowd ate it up. I steal a glance—his dark hair is messy, and he’s flushed, but his eyes are sparkling.
