Because I couldn’t think about what would happen if it didn’t work.
The other singer was making his introduction: “Please welcome to the stage, the lead singer and guitarist for Cherry Midnight… Riot Kane!”
In her chair by the stage, Roxie’s entire body jerked like a gunshot had gone off.
Riot strode out from the back, an acoustic guitar slung across his chest rather than an electric one. The crowd was surprised, then elated to see the now-famous Riot Kane playing in a room normally reserved for no-name bands. We’d all written this song together over the past two months, tweaking and editing until it was perfect. But it was made to be played with a full band, and an electric guitar. We had no idea how the acoustic version would sound. Or if it could stand on its own without other instruments.
Time to find out.
Our job was to make sure Roxie didn’t leave. Fortunately, she remained in her seat. Frozen while she stared up at Riot.
“Wish I could see her face.”
“Shh,” Cash said.
“Thanks for that warm welcome,” Riot said, which drew a few more screams—mostly from two women by the bar. One of them flashed her tits, but Riot’s gaze was locked onto the woman sitting by herself in front of the stage. “This song… isn’t like our other songs. It has a purpose. I wrote it to put into words something that I feel very deeply, something I haven’t been able to express the way normal people express their love. It’s never been played before, so I hope you guys enjoy it. It’s calledMy Muse in the Flame.”
He took a seat on a stool, then lowered the microphone to his mouth. His fingers went to their normal places on the guitar automatically. A master at his craft, whether for an audience of ten thousand or an audience of one.
I could tell, here in this bar, that it was the latter.
Riot struck a chord, letting it ring through the bar, and everyone went quiet. In a voice that was as smooth as silk yet as strong as leather, Riot began to sing the first verse.
You walked in like a match in the dark,
Leather boots, gasoline heart,
The ink on my skin lit up your name,
I was smoke, baby, and you were the flame.
His guitar pick flashed faster, picking up the speed, and a cheer went up among the fans. The song lived in that sweaty borderland between a hard rock power ballad and modern alternative rock, and it really shined with just an acoustic guitar.
“It’s good,” Cash whispered, somewhere between awe and relief. “Itworks.”
“Can’t wait to hear it with drums and bass,” I said.
Down in front, Roxie remained perfectly still. I wondered if that was because she was entranced, or because she was too upset to move.
You touched me and Atlanta fell quiet,
All of the chaos, and none of the Riot,
I’d been lost in the noise for days,
Then your lips pulled me out of the haze.
He strummed faster, picking up the beat as he leaned into the microphone, and the crowd began swaying as he hit the chorus.
Yeah, you got that dangerous glow,
Kiss me like you already know…
Ohh! You’re my muse in the flame, my beautiful fire,
Every caress of your lips drives me higher,
Your body’s a spark on my skin,
