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Jimmy patted her shoulder awkwardly, and he sensed Dario’s eyes drilling holes into his back. “You should really be thanking Dario! I mean, I really couldn’t have done it without him!”

“Aw! Dary!” Rowena released Jimmy to go grab Dario, smooching his cheek several times and wrapping her arms around him. “Thank you so much! Mmph, it’s so good!”

Dario looked positively euphoric, mouthing a silent I love you to Jimmy and hugging Rowena back. “Anything for you, Roe.”

Rowena teased his hair a little but then had her attention back on Jimmy, snapping her fingers. “Okay, now! I took the liberty of getting you a tux because I’m what? Amazing. Now, come on. I’ll show you to your new dressing room.”

Following Rowena backstage, Jimmy caught one last glimpse of Dario’s blissed-out face. He wondered if that’s what he looked like around Cold, but he shrugged off the thought as Rowena led him to a modestly sized dressing room. It might have once been used for storage as there were several boxes and sundries still stacked up against the far wall.

Hanging on a clothes rack was a slick black garment bag. Rowena had also procured hair styling products and cologne, which were lined up across a small vanity.

“Here ya go, sweetie! Get ready and come find me at the bar. We’ll get you a bit of liquid courage and some food, okay?”

“Wait!” Jimmy looked around quickly, frowning. “Did you bring me any other shoes?”

“Wear the Chucks!” Rowena planted her hands on her hips. “They’re black! Trust me, it’ll look so good!”

The door shut, leaving Jimmy to get dressed. He fixed his hair, sprayed on the cologne, and checked himself out in the mirror.

Rowena was right.

The sneakers totally worked.

He left the dressing room and found her at the bar, and he immediately got her approval and a Long Island iced tea to go with it. The club filled up quickly as the hours ticked by, Dario leading the band throughout the evening and his piano often stealing the show.

Jimmy was impressed.

Dario really was incredibly good.

But as much as he was enjoying the music, there was no sign of Cold yet.

“Are you sure he’s coming?” Jimmy asked, his voice strained with worry.

Rowena rolled her eyes and squeezed Jimmy’s shoulders. “Yes, I told him what time you were going on, and he yelled at me about messing with your schedule, and blah blah blah.” She wagged her hand, imitating a yapping mouth. “Don’t worry about it. It’ll be fine.”

Jimmy didn’t feel reassured.

“Just keep your eye up on that booth.” Rowena ran her nails through Jimmy’s hair and gave it a fluff, nodding to the private box overlooking the stage. “He will be there. Now, finish your drink and get your cute butt backstage. It’s almost time!”

Jimmy gulped down the alcohol, gave her an obedient salute, and headed to the back. The band had taken a brief break, and he saw Dario hurrying up to him. He had changed into a tuxedo too, gold and black, and he also happened to be wearing Chuck Taylors.

“Nice kicks!” Dario laughed, giving Jimmy a high five.

“Yeah, you too!” Jimmy smiled nervously.

“Remember. Make me look good, okay? You got this.”

Jimmy watched Dario walk out in front of the curtains to return to his seat at his piano, waiting for his cue to go. He heard the first few notes of “The Way You Look Tonight,” took a deep breath, and stepped out onto the stage, smiling brightly at the audience as his heart dropped into his intestines.

Holy crap, that was a lot of people.

Even with the lights shining down on him, he could see that there was quite a crowd.

He glanced up at the private box overlooking the stage.

Still empty.

There was a light smattering of applause as Jimmy moved to the microphone. He glanced behind him to nod at Dario, his new friend smiling and giving him a wink. Jimmy smiled anxiously back, remembered to breathe, and sang.