I looked at Mandy who had pushed her ear next to my cell and was listening in on his conversation with me. She was mouthing, “Oh.My.God.”
I pressed on, “I’m a student.” It was all I could manage to say.
“Well the commitment is three nights a week, one at each club. I have two other acts that alternate, so there is room to schedule in for exams and other commitments. I’m sure your studies will fit around that, I know the college gives dispensation for students to gain practical experience.”
We chatted on for another ten minutes, and I agreed that I would do the audition the day after tomorrow. He was getting the band to email the information and song choices for the audition.
When we’d set up the audition and business was done, he didn’t linger on the phone.
Mandy stared at me, and she looked as if she was going to go into cardiac arrest any minute. I have to say, until I looked at her, I hadn’t realized that I probably looked the same way. My heart pounded in my chest, and my breathing was erratic with excitement.
Mandy screamed with excitement and everyone fell silent in the restaurant and turned to stare at her. “What?” She threw her hands up in the air at them smirking. “Have y’all never been excited before?”
CHAPTER 27 – AUDITION
Mandy was fabulous. She helped me rehearse, and by the time I was going to the audition, I was as polished as I could be in the time I had to practice. The band wanted me to sing Mumford and Sons ‘Lover of the Light’ and Paramore’s ‘Now.’
They weren’t exactly my taste, but when I started to rehearse them, I quickly understood the relevance of their choices. The first was full of deep tones and slow tempo, and was a lower pitch. The second, a faster paced, rock tune and was in a higher key. They would show the band my versatility and range.
Mandy was funny, every time I ran through them, she was gushing, “Awesome.” I didn’t even have to bribe her to say it. She had a friend who was a personal stylist, Megan, who transformed me for the audition.
I wanted my hair cut, but Mandy told me that as Louie had liked what he saw, I shouldn’t play around with my appearance to that extent, in case it didn’t appeal to him.
Megan dressed me in a short, black spandex dress, which I was dead set against initially. However, with a sheer white, silk baggy blouse draped over, it gave just an outline of my figure underneath. It was perfectly teasing and gave me a sexy, disheveled kind of look.
My legs were now a beautiful golden color, so she just topped them off with my pair of red killer heels. She made my hair a little wilder, keeping it curly, and used eyeliner and kohl to give my eyes a smoky effect.
Mandy and Holly came with me for moral support. Holly wanted to come into the venue with me, but I drew a line at that. I was a big girl; like Louie said, all grown up, and I could at least do this part on my own.
The band was made up of four guys and the missing girl. Shawn on the drums, Lennon on lead guitar, Digs on bass, and Cody on lead vocals. Sometimes he played the keyboard too. I would be expected to play guitar and sing with Cody, and sometimes do back-up vocals.
I tried really hard to look cool, but my insides were freaking out and I inwardly chanted to myself, you can do this, as I approached them.
The guys were sitting in a round booth near the stage when I walked into the main dance floor area. No one moved as they watched me walk towards them, each appraising me from their own perspectives. When I reached the table, Louie stood up. “Hey, glad you’re here. Let me introduce you to the guys.”
He went around the table singling the guys out one by one, and I was picking out things about the appearance of each individual that would help me remember who was who.
Lennon,… fair hair… good-looking, lead guitar… green t-shirt. Digs,… black mohawk, I didn’t need anything else, I’d remember him, he was weird looking and covered in ink. Cody,… lead vocals…. sometimes keyboard… smooth talker… charming… requisite great looks and mussy hair. Shawn,… drummer… massive muscles… goatee beard.
I wondered briefly what they were thinking about me. Louie glanced around the guys and asked if they were ready to hear me. Cody answered for all of them. “Hey Louie, if she sounds like she looks I’m gonna have to learn to jump around the stage with a permanent hard-on.” He said that as if I wasn’t even there.
Shawn chuckled and muttered almost to himself, “And I’m never glancing out towards the crowd with her in front of me, if I’m gonna keep my percussions on the money.”
I blushed, but stared straight at them, then quipped, “Well, I don’t have to worry, none of you are my type, so I’ll do the best I can to cover any of your mistakes if you get distracted by me.”
Louie chuckled loudly. “I love it, sassy too! Didn’t I tell you she was a find? Any girl that can sing as well as she can and isn’t interested in getting jiggy with you guys is definitely on the short list.”
Cody winked at me, and I felt embarrassed, but I saw that his action hadn’t gone unnoticed by Louie and the other guys. So I knew I needed to stand my ground.
I knew the last thing they needed to see was any weakness in me. So I got bold. “Sorry, don’t waste your time flirting with me Cody. I’m not fucking lead singers. Been there, done that, and I got very bored of the drama. I don’t mix business with pleasure, besides, with what I’ve been used to,” I paused for effect… “anyway, like I said, I wouldn’t bother.” I looked at my nails and shook my head for extra effect.
They all cracked up laughing, and Louie shook his head and gave me a broad grin. “Beyond my wildest dreams, honey, I can’t wait to hear you sing up there, get to it.” He nodded at the guys, and they all took up their instruments, and I had to sing with them.
I was able to anticipate when to sing and when to leave it up to Cody. No one told me the arrangement they had chosen, they just wanted to see if I could find a fit myself with the song.
We sang ‘Lover in the Light’ for the second time, the first being with Cody. This time it was with me playing rhythm guitar alongside Lennon’s lead guitar arrangement.
I was as nervous as hell, but soon I soon as I was in touch with the music I relaxed. It gave me the extra confidence to be more extroverted on stage with them.
Cody was smiling at me when I played and sang, and Lennon nodded and winked at Cody, when I had sung it the first time. We sang through the second song ‘Now’.
It was much faster paced and new to me, but the tempo and speed weren’t a challenge. When we were done, Cody and Louie sat talking whilst I sang again with Lennon taking over Cody’s vocals.
Louie called us down when the song finished.
He waved over a stunning Miami-beach-type girl and told me to follow her for some refreshments whilst the band discussed me. I was feeling really nervous, I didn’t realize how much I wanted to play with these guys until I had a taste of it.
I wondered how I’d done, and I only hoped I met their expectations after Louie’s build-up of me to them. The girl gave me a coke and I quickly took my cell out of my bra to text Holly.
Lily: Didn’t make any mistakes…they’re all deliberating now, sitting at the gallows waiting. Did myself justice, whatever the outcome, please share with Mandy.
I slid the lock on my cell and tucked it back in my bra. I only waited another five minutes until the pretty girl appeared and flashed me her expensive dental work.
“Follow me. Mr. Dyer is ready for you now.” I stood and smoothed the spandex dress down. I was sweating buckets inside it. I followed the girl back to where they were waiting for me. Louie waved me over. “Come sit down, honey.”
The guys scooted around the seating, bunching up to make space for me. I sat on the warm leather seat where Digs had been sitting and felt a little odd at sitting where he had been, I still found him weird-looking.
“What are you frowning for?” Louie grinned. “We loved you. It’s unanimous. Even poor Cody agreed, although his ego needs stroking.”
The
other guys started laughing, and Cody took it in good part. “Yeah, Daddy’s gonna have to get some sugar later to make up for that,” he joked.
“Sugar… daddy… seriously?” Lennon teased, “Dude, no wonder you’re not getting laid much lately.” They all roared with laughter again.
I guessed I was going to have to get comfortable around these guys. They may be talented, but I could tell that innuendo was the male adult equivalent of toilet humor for small boys.
The guys talked about where they rehearsed and were keen to fit in with me as much as possible. The band was their lives. They rehearsed daily and played three nights a week.
It suited them as they were all working on an album with the promise that one of Louie’s friends would produce it for them, if the quality was good enough.
I spent the next week rehearsing nonstop for my debut with XrAid, the band. The guys were really nice when I got to know them. They were all very funny and good-natured. Lennon was the most serious one, but still had a great personality.
Cody wasn’t really the stereotypical cool, hard drinking, hard partying lead singer of a band. He was quite a sensitive guy that loved his art, and spent hours and days between gigs, drawing and painting.
Maybe I wasn’t being fair to lead singers everywhere. Alfie wasn’t typical either as far as I saw. The few public assholes that did run with that lifestyle, perhaps tainted the reputation of others.
My life seemed to go from a zero when Alfie left to full throttle. Who would have thought I would be singing in a rock band at the start of the year?
Everything was happening so fast. Jack and Elle were due in at 4:30pm from London, and I was making my debut as a band member of XrAid at 9pm at Blazers, one of the hottest clubs in Miami.
I drove the short distance to Miami International Airport to meet my friends. I left home when they texted me to say their plane was on the ground, but they were still inside.
I knew with customs I had plenty of time to get there. As soon as Jack saw me he bent his legs, crouching a little, and ran towards me. He picked me up and spun me around, and Elle jumped on Jack’s back and hugged me from behind him. It felt amazing to have them with me.
We talked nonstop on the way to the apartment. Jack was desperate to get to the beach. I think that was more to do with ogling the women than wanting to swim; but he was from the UK, so maybe he just wanted some sun. Elle fell asleep five minutes from the apartment.
Jack turned and looked at her gaping mouth. “Do you see that? So not pretty, I’ve been looking at that for most of the flight, she’s such a weak assed traveler.” I chuckled at him and he grinned wickedly at me. Jack knew it was a big night for me, and he was as nervous for me as I was. It didn’t stop him from flirting with me though.
“So, can I be a groupie when you’re done later?” I stared him down then pretended to check him out.
“Not sure Jack, if you come back stage later I’ll ask, but I’m not sure you’re batting for the same team as any of the guys.” He grinned widely and laughed heartily.
“When was the last time you got laid? That was a tight-assed, frustrated answer if ever I heard one.”
Holly and Brett, like most people, were confused by my relationship with Jack. Especially when they heard that Elle was staying in Saffy’s room, and Jack was sleeping with me.
Elle explained that she needed a lot of space when she slept and usually woke me up all night as she tossed and turned, unless of course, she was really drunk.
Jack, on the other hand, slept better in a strange bed if I was with him. We blamed our parents for putting us to sleep in the same bed since the age of four. As we got older, any time we stayed over at each other’s houses, we snuck into the other’s bed for comfort.
Brett commented, “Shit, I always thought my parents were the best, guess I never had the level of parenting you did Jack. Now I know I was definitely deprived.”
Elle snickered. “Nah, sleeping with Lily had a traumatic effect on Jack during his teenage years. It turned him into a man-whore. Although I believe he’s had counseling, and his urges are more under control now.” She grinned.
Holly came into the room. “Y’all are craaaaaazy! I’m listening to this, and I wished I had friends like you when I was a child. All my girlfriends were boring pageant dolls and playboy playdates smelled like girls.”
Jack slung his arm over Holly’s shoulder. “Awe poor baby, I’ll play with you, tell me what you want,” he teased with a sleazy tone to his voice.
Brett stiffened, and Holly screamed with laughter when she noticed his reaction. “I guess Brett’s staying while y’all are here.”
Brett grinned. “Now you’re talking,” and high fived Jack.
Holly and Brett took Jack and Elle for something to eat, whilst I got ready for my debut. They were coming to the gig, so I wouldn’t see them until after the deed was done.
As I got ready, my mind went back to Alfie. I couldn’t help but think of him. The way he carried himself off on stage and how he looked will be burned into my mind’s eye forever.
Seeing him on stage at the O2, his performance had been effortless. I could never hope to be at his level. I sat on the edge of the bed, desperately trying to fight back tears.
I couldn’t afford to cry. I flicked through some of our old texts and smiled. Then sighed and swiped it closed before stuffing it in my bag and turning my attention to dressing for the gig. Megan had come up trumps again for me.
She put together a hot pants outfit, which consisted of black leather hot pants and a super tight, figure hugging, red stretch t-shirt, with a black top that looked like strings or laces, but they didn’t detract from the red t-shirt. She gave me heels too, black patent with red soles and lots of funky chains and a wrist band. I definitely looked like a rock chic.
My cell phone buzzed, and I rummaged in my bag again, thinking of Alfie. I swiped the cell window, wouldn’t it be just like it for him to contact me today. It was Mandy.
Mandy: Break a leg honey. You are going to be sick. I am jealous, and remember I’ll be right there in the crowd cheering for you. See you on the other side.
CHAPTER 28 – ACCEPTANCE
I got to the club at 6:30pm and had dinner with the band, although I hardly counted the four nachos, three pieces of lettuce, and tomato that I had to force down as dinner.
I thought my bladder was going to give out on me when Louie came in at the ten minute call to wish me luck. I flew back to the toilet for one last try as adrenaline coursed through my body.
At five minutes we were standing at the side of the stage. My heartbeat was swishing in my ears, and the blood that was pumping was visible, pulsing in the vein on the side of my neck. We made our way to the side of the stage.
Cody wrapped his arm around my neck and pulled me to him. “You’re gonna do great, babe, just do it like we’ve been doin’ in rehearsals, and it’s no sweat.”
As soon as he pulled his arm back, we were up. Cody bounced onto the stage, grabbed the mic and started shouting at the club goers. They were shouting back, their arms in the air, singing along and dancing to the beat we were putting out there.
Lennon nodded and smiled; I took my cue and began singing, focused on Cody’s face initially then as I got braver I turned to the crowd.
The rush I felt was incredible, it was on a par with sex, hot sweaty sex, no orgasm but close. I began to get a feel for the music and soon forgot about the hundreds of people watching us.
When the music took over, it was about making it the best I could and getting lost in it. Cody was a natural, Lennon too, they worked the crowd, and these guys were obviously popular, as some girls were calling out to them, their arms swiping at the stage.
Cody flirted with them, bending close when he sang, wiping his face on a towel that he threw to one girl. She wiped her face with it; I mean…eww!
It was apparent there would be groupies to deal with afterwards. There were phone numbers attached to all sorts of things
landing on stage. I even saw a number on the cardboard of an unused tampon; novel I must admit.
I didn’t interact with the crowd at all, except when I was introduced near the end. The club goers cheered for me, and when Cody asked if they should let me stay, they cheered louder. It was reassuring that I hadn’t made an ass of myself. I was pumped, though. I had never felt anything like it.
If I thought I had been making music with Will, I was completely wrong. Music was about moving people, and like my tattoo said, “Music is the sound of feelings.” I hoped we made them hear how I was feeling tonight.
We came off stage after our one hour set and Cody, Lennon, and Digs all gathered around me in a group hug. “Damn you’re sick,” Digs told me. I looked at the others, and they were grinning.
“You did it, we’re proud of you.” Lennon was grinning widely.
I felt more than a little chuffed with myself that meek little Lily pulled that off. I was sweaty, my makeup was plastered to my face along with half my hair, but I was so exhilarated.
We made our way back to the dressing room, and Shawn got busy getting beers for everyone. “Lily?” He wiggled a green bottle at me, and I screwed up my nose.
“Is there anything else, apart from beer…a Coke?” He started laughing.
“This cute little chic just rocked the house, and she wants to celebrate with a Coke. No fucking way, dudette.”
He raked around in the cooler. “There’s champagne and some of these things…fuck knows what they are, but they look girlie…you want one of those?” he asked, holding up a pre-mixed margarita bottle and waving it at me.
I smiled approvingly at him. “Yeah, much better.” He tossed it over to me.
I caught it, but almost dropped it as it slipped in my hand. It was wet with condensation. He threw the bottle opener as soon as I’d secured the drink and winked. I took the cap off my bottle as he walked away and started stripping.
Everything She Needs (The Everything Trilogy) Page 21