At our stop, Trent holds the door and after Lexi passes through, he whispers, “You’ve got this.”
My stomach tightens with nerves. I hope he’s right. I can’t believe I get to play here. Even if it’s only to an audience of sound techs and my sister, it’s still a freaking big deal. I don’t want to screw it up.
Inside on set, the rest of the band is waiting. Leighton lifts his gaze, flashing a smile meant only for me before schooling his features.
I lift my hand and wave, a new flutter of butterflies hitting my belly. It’s really difficult to not stare at Leighton. It’s as if my eyes don’t care for anything else.
“We’re ready to go whenever you are,” one of the crew members says to the band. The set is simple, but I know they’ll bring down the house tonight. The guys don’t need anything fancy. Their music speaks alone.
Lexi takes a seat in the front row, an eager smile in place.
Trent struts up to the lead mic and picks up the guitar from its stand. It’s the one Austin’s as good as given me for how often I play it. “Ugh, Opal? Did you have the crew send over my guitar?”
This is it. “What’s that?” I rush over, pretending to be concerned when really I’m trying not to puke.
“Here.” He hands it over and slides the strap over my head. He nods, the hint of a smile on his lips. He lowers his voice so only I can hear. “Shine, baby girl. Shine.”
As Trent strides toward the wing, I swallow any lingering doubt and step up to the microphone. I meet Lexi’s curious stare. “So, there’s this thing I’ve been working on. To surprise you.”
“Yeah?” She leans forward in her chair.
I shrug, and bite at the inside of my cheek. “It’s not much. In fact, it’s stupid really.”
“Opal.” Trent narrows his glare as he comes back on stage with his Fender.
“I’ll just . . .” My voice trails off and my hands shake.Here goes nothing. Closing my eyes, I bob my head and strum. The guys join in and amplify the sound. I wrote this song, so it might be narcissistic of me to admit, but I freaking love it. The notes are familiar, the melody true. And when I open my mouth to sing the first verse, I’m not a scared girl from a nothing town in Texas. I’m just me, and that’s more than enough.
Trent belts out his part, and our voices complement the other.
The words are powerful. They’re written from my musings about love. But today they feel stronger, as if the tenderness I have for Leighton only elevates their meaningfulness. I wish I could turn around to meet his gaze. To let him know how much they’re meant for him.
“She’s not running from her past,
She’s searching for a future to call home.
And for these few hours he’ll be hers.
She’ll be his even more.”
We move into the bridge and Austin steals the show. He wrote the part and it makes the compilation even more significant. Each of these men have placed their mark on my music. On my first song.
The last chord strums and soon the studio is silent. Lexi holds my gaze and her eyes are shining. A big ol’ smile stretches her red painted lips and my chest brims with pride. She likes it. She doesn’t have to say a word. I can read it on her face.
“Uh, we thought you guys were starting with Cut,” the sound tech sounds confused. “Did the set list change?”
Trent laughs and brushes his hair from his face. “Sorry, man. We wanted to warm up with an Opal Evans original. We’re still playing Cut for the show.”
“Wait, what?” Lexi leaps to her feet, and faster than I can set the guitar back down she’s on the stage, her eyes wide and eyebrows arched. “You write music? How come you never told me?”
My cheeks flare with warmth as I chance a look across the stage at Leighton, and then the rest of the guys. “I’m still learning all of this.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re a natural.”
Trent tips his chin. “Austin and Leighton taught her how to play, but she’s incredible, yeah?”
“Yeah! I want to write a song with you. I mean, if you want.”
Emotion tightens my throat, but I swallow it down. “I would love that.”
