“Girl, yes!”
From then the madcap circle of songs went from Evanescence, Lana Del Ray, Stevie Nicks, Radiohead, and Lizzo. Even Bailey got into the fun, running around and between the aisles with the microphone for those who didn’t just shout out their requests.
The hour went by in a blink. “Okay, guys. One more.”
“What’s your favorite song?”
I sat for a moment, with my hands on the keys. “It’s a little bit older. Not as old as ‘Lily Was Here’ though.” A few people laughed. “While my songs are ever changing, this one resonates.”
It was more of a guitar song, but Taylor Swift was very easy to translate to piano. Most of her songs had that component to them. And this one fit me down to the ground right now.
I let the crash of the piano fill the arena as the song built, and I sang my heart out about the freefall of love. Of the seasons and the changes and the colors of that particular emotion.
The quiet part of “Red” in the middle left me breathless all of a sudden. I glanced up the stairs and saw a form in the shadows. My heart jumped, and a chill raced down my spine, and then I saw the familiar rugged jawline and I couldn’t stop the smile. He edged out of the shadows, his hands in his pockets.
I sang the lyrics to him. Because he made me feel all of those feelings and all the colors, especially red. The passion between us burned hot and fiercely.
Thank God.
The slow and breathy end was just for him before I turned back to the fans I was supposed to be singing to. Whoops.
A couple of people had turned in their chairs to see who I’d been looking at, but Cooper was too good at the whole sneaky thing. He melted away into the pocket of darkness.
To bring the crowd’s attention back, I stood and crossed to sit at the edge of the stage. I fixed my skirt, so I wasn’t flashing anyone. “Thanks so much for coming guys. This was a ton of fun. I wasn’t sure if you’d be into it.”
“Every show,” someone called out.
“I can guarantee that our security peeps would literally faint at the thought of doing this all the time. But we can make it a yearly thing for sure. Maybe I can even get some help next time. If you think I’m a jukebox, you should see Jamie. That girl knows every song.”
I caught Noah’s head nod and gave a playful pout. “Speaking of security, I’m getting the old hook from the manager types.”
Cole came out and helped me down.
“At least they’re gentlemanly. Bailey is going to bring you back and get some food while the rest of the band arrives and we set up for rehearsal. Don’t forget to bring your dog or cat item to the show tomorrow for a chance to win front row seats. Food and kitty litter is definitely the most wanted. We’ll be donating to the local animal shelters.” I waved. “Thanks, guys.”
My heart was racing with happiness. From singing to Cooper, from the bit of success on my own.
And for not freaking flopping in front of a bunch of people.
I stopped at Bailey and drew her in for a hug. “You did amazing.”
“I was so nervous, but you made it so fun. God, my phone is exploding with all the tweets, posts, TikToks—it’s crazy. It’s all anyone has been talking about.”
“Guess I gotta get the band to do some thinking.”
“Definitely.” She fixed her glasses, and then stared at her shoes. “Is Zane okay? I saw some news things.”
“I can’t really talk about it.”
“Oh, no. I don’t want details. I mean, I know some—uh, saw some stuff. Just, you know, making sure he’s okay.” She started braiding her hair again. “It’s none of my business.”
I took her hand. “He’s good. I promise.”
Relief washed over her face, and her shoulders eased. “Thanks. I feel like I know you guys and that was scary stuff. A lot of us were worried.” She cleared her throat. “Online, of course.”
“And we really appreciate it.”
She nodded and played with her hair again before knotting her fingers together. “I’ll go take care of everyone.”
“Thanks again, Bailey.”
“Sure. Of course.” Then she was gone, and Noah was guiding me to the dressing room area where the rest of the band had convened.
“What the hell, High Tea?” Jamie barked at me as soon as I opened the door.
“What?” My stomach dropped. “Did something happen?”
James lifted her ever-present acoustic off her lap and set it on the couch. “Yeah, you showed us up. How the hell are we supposed to top that now?”
I hid a smile and went to sit next to Cooper. “I think they had a good time.”
Zane came over to sit at my feet. “Girl, you’re trending.”
“What?” I snatched his phone.
“All sorts of vids are popping up,” Jamie came over to sit next to me. She swung one of her mile-long legs over mine and leaned back into the corner of the couch. “Nice job. I don’t want to say we phone it in when we do those things, but I sure as shit don’t get that invested. I’d rather be on stage for real.”
Lindsey rolled her eyes. “Effusive as always, Jame. It was really amazing, Teagan. Now we’re going to have to talk about what we can do in the future. My brain is exploding with ideas.”
“I feel that this will be bad for me,” Oz muttered. “You’re going to make me work and shit.”
Lindz gave him a bland look. “Heaven forbid.”
He sprawled out on the battered couch against the wall, and then dumped Daisy into his lap. “There’s only one kind of work I like lately.”
Zane threw a paper cup at him. “Enough, man. You couldn’t even come up for air to help a guy out.”
Oz ducked his head and buried it in Daisy’s hair. “Save me, sprite.”
She elbowed him and moved to sit on the
