“I think so,” she replied with a weak smile. “I just want to sit down and talk to him.”
“Plenty of time to talk after the show.”
“But there’s the reception back at the gothic palace,” countered Lori, her tone anxious and more than a little unsure.
“And it's big enough for you both to find a quiet corner to talk,” assured Grey warmly.
With a smile, Lori nodded, knowing he was right.
On stage, Jake had slipped into “music mode” and was focused on supporting his friend. Methodically, they played through the next couple of songs and, gradually, he watched Garrett begin to relax and look as though he was enjoying the set.
“Folks,” began Garrett, smiling for the first time since he’d taken to the stage. “Give a warm New York welcome to my next guest. Please give it up for my favourite little green rock goddess, Miss Riley Johnson!”
Bursting with energy, Riley ran out on stage, her own nerves set aside. Grinning from ear to ear, she took up her position to Garrett’s right.
“Folks, this is Black Heart Dark Mind,” introduced Garrett.
As soon as Riley began to sing, Lori recognised both the song and the vocalist from the album. Black Heart Dark Mind had been one of her favourite tracks from the first time she’d heard it but, watching it being performed live, she was struck by how young Riley looked. The maturity and power in her voice was a rare talent indeed.
“That girl’s the future,” declared Maddy, appearing to stand beside Lori at the side of the stage. “Wait till you hear her singing Being Silent.”
“She’s amazing,” agreed Lori, smiling as she watched Jake glancing across at her.
“You ok?” checked Maddy, spotting Jake’s smile.
“I think so,” sighed Lori.
“He loves you so much,” began Maddy sincerely.
“Stop. You’ll have me crying again,” interrupted Lori, feeling fresh tears stinging her eyes. “Let’s just enjoy Garrett’s big night.”
Out on stage, the trio had reached the final chorus. As Riley hit the last, long, breathy note, the fans began to cheer enthusiastically, blown away by the big voice that had come from the tiny songbird.
“Thank you,” said Garrett as the cheers began to ebb. “Riley’s going to stay out here with us for the rest of the show.”
This news was the cue for more rapturous applause.
“We’d like to welcome two more friends out now. New York, please give it up for Paul Edwards and Grey Cooper! Silver Lake’s powerhouse.”
Almost an hour later, with only two songs left on the main set, Garrett welcomed his final guest out on stage. Both Paul and Grey had slipped off stage after Ebony Eyes, almost unnoticed by the audience.
“Folks, Mikey from Weigh Station had been scheduled to join us this evening for the last two numbers but his flight’s been delayed and he’s still in London,” apologised Garrett. “I’m delighted to welcome my last-minute final guest out here. New York, give this young man a huge cheer for stepping in at two hours’ notice. Todd Denby, get out here!”
Picking up a hastily borrowed guitar, Todd walked on stage grinning out at the crowd.
“You ready for this?” checked Jake as he stole a quiet word with his former protégé.
“I hope so,” replied Todd with an anxious smile. “I’ve been practising backstage.”
“New York, this is Same Strings New Vision,” called out Garrett, before counting the two guitarists in.
Thanks to the intense backstage rehearsal, Todd played the complex song flawlessly then repeated the feat on set closer Young Eyes Old Soul. Beside him, Jake was positioned between him and Riley, keeping a protective eye on both of them. To their right, Garrett was in full flow, glowing with sweat from the heat of the lights. With the final notes of the song still reverberating round, Garrett said simply, “Thank you and safe journey home.”
The older musician led them off stage to deafening applause and cries for more. Once in the wings, Jake grabbed a bottle of water then hurried over to Lori.
“Still here, li’l lady?” he checked with a smile, still not truly believing she was there.
“Still here,” she replied. “That was fabulous. I’d forgotten how good Garrett was live.”
“Once we got him out there,” laughed Jake, glancing over at his friend.
“And that little green-haired girl is amazing!”
“Riley’s awesome,” agreed Jake, watching for their cue to go back out. “I’ll introduce you later. You’ll love her.”
“Mr Power,” called over Jethro. “When you’re ready.”
Placing a soft kiss on the top of Lori’s head, Jake said, “I’ll be five minutes. You’ll like this one.”
The drumkit had been swiftly moved to the side, leaving the back of the stage in darkness. Soft tendrils of smoke wafted across the open space, swirling out towards the front few rows. Two stools had been brought on stage and, as Jake and Garrett settled themselves to play, the older musician said, “New York, you’ve been amazing. Tonight has been huge for me, so thank you for being here to share it. I’d like to thank all of my guests for being here to support me.”
He paused to allow the applause to die down.
“We have one final song for you. This is Being Silent.”
The lights dimmed and two white spotlights illuminated Jake and Garrett as they played the long, delicately intricate acoustic intro. Around them, the smoke swirled like mist. A third spotlight was trained on a point centre stage. Softly at first but growing in power, a crystal-clear note rang out from the shadows at the back of the stage. Slowly, Riley walked forward, holding the note steady till she reached her mark. Keeping her voice clear and pure, she sang the intense lyrics of Being Silent.
As she watched, Lori felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand to
