Chapter 10
Naomi
“So tell me all about the big jam session,” Stephanie asks me over the phone. I feel like she must have been spying on me because she’s called me the moment I’ve reached my car.
“It was good. Great actually. I can’t stop smiling,” I confide in her, as I slide behind the wheel of my forest green Rav4.
“That great huh? Are you part of the band now? What’s happening?”
I fill her in on the details of the session, and how I’m to practice with them a bit more this week before we perform next weekend. “And get this – we’re performing at The Basement on Friday night. I’m excited and freaking out at the same time.”
“Oh god, I so need to come and watch!” she squeals.
“I think you’d better. If the crowd doesn’t go for it, then this will be my one and only performance.”
“Nomes, they will love you – there’s no way they won’t like you,” she assures me.
“I hope so.”
“What’s it like playing with Marcus again?”
I connect my phone to the Bluetooth in the car and start the engine. “It’s fine. All of them are really nice. Well, except for Theo.”
“Who’s Theo?”
“Marcus’s brother. Supposedly he went to our school. Do you remember him?”
“No. I don’t remember a Theo. What grade was he in?”
“He was a year above Marcus, so two above us.”
“Is he as hot as Marcus?”
“Well, yeah. As long as you find guys who are permanently angry, hot. He looks like a more manly version of Marcus. He’s not as pretty - if that makes sense.”
“Yeah it makes sense. As long as he has those same killer blue eyes.”
“They’re brown actually – almost black. And his hair is darker too, still brown, but darker.”
“I’ll have a perve on Friday night.”
“No perving young lady. You’re a married woman,” I joke.
“I’m just window shopping – it’s not like I have any intention of buying.”
“Fair enough,” I laugh. “Listen, I have to get going. I need to get ready for work,” I tell her as I pull into the parking garage of my apartment building.
“Alright, well text me the details of your gig on Friday and Gary and I will be there. We’ll leave Amanda with my mum.”
“Sounds great. Talk soon,” I say, hitting the button on the steering wheel to disconnect the call.
Looking at the time read out on my phone as I grab it from its cradle, I curse myself silently. I only have fifteen minutes to get ready and be at work.
Racing up the stairs, I give my armpits a sniff and decide I can forego a shower in favour of a good dousing of body spray and some roll on deodorant.
Thankfully, I’m already in jeans, so I just grab the black fitted t-shirt that is my uniform and race for the door. I don’t have any time for makeup, so every time I have to stop for a traffic light, I try to apply my eye liner and lip gloss.
When I run into work, I only have minutes to spare.
“Cutting it fine aren’t we Naomi?” my boss says from the office as I drop my bag in the staff room.
“I still made it though,” I point out breathlessly, grabbing my apron and heading for the bar where my co-worker, Kylie, is already setting up.
Kylie is a uni student. She’s only twenty, but she’s a hard worker. I like being on shift with her. She’s small like I am, but she has deep auburn hair and green eyes. Between us, we manage to attract enough admirers to amass a good collection of tips. On top of that, I don’t catch her wasting time, flirting with the patrons like a couple of the other girls and guys I work with are prone to do.
“Good evening,” she says, pulling some glasses out of the cabinet and setting them on the bar.
I move right over and pick up the bucket of ice she’s already collected from the back room and tip it into the basin, shoving the scoop in it, ready for later. “Hey. Sorry I wasn’t earlier.”
“It’s no worry. You seem like you’re all buzzed though. A good day?”
“The best,” I sigh.
She grins and pauses to watch me as I pour off the stale beer that gets trapped in the line. “Did you spend it with a guy?”
My lips curve uncontrollably upward. “I spent it with four actually.”
“You hussy,” she laughs.
“It’s not like that, I was auditioning for a band. It was amazing. I haven’t played with anyone for ages,” I sigh again.
“Play? Naomi, I had no idea you could play anything.”
“Well, I can. I can play a lot of things actually,” I inform her quietly. I guess I’ve kept it all a bit close to my chest until now.
“The things you never learn about people. I’ve known you nearly two years Naomi. What do you play?”
“For the band, I’m playing the violin.”
“A violin in a band? It’s not an orchestra or something?”
“No,” I laugh. “They’re an indie rock band. They have this folky sort of sound. It’s really nice and the violin fits in beautifully. I just…” I sigh, I can’t seem to stop myself. I really am that happy right now. I lean down, placing the glass I used to pour off the beer into the dishwasher before standing back up to face Kylie. “You know, I didn’t realise how much I was missing it. I used to play all the time. It was all I cared about, but then I took some time off, went travelling, and then when I came back I only played for myself. I had given up on music as a career option – or even as a dream. I just played when I felt like it. But now – getting the chance to play in a band… I feel alive again, you know?”
“Well, it definitely suits you, you look like you’re floating on clouds. When do I get to see you play?”
“Actually, that’s what I needed to talk to you about. Can you please cover my shift on Friday night? We have a gig and I can’t miss it. One of the guys is already a bit funny about having a girl in the band, so I don’t want to appear flaky. Can you do it? Please, please pretty please,” I beg, holding my hands clasped together in front of me.
Kylie, laughs at me as she shakes her head from side to side. “Enough, stop begging. I’ll do it for you on one condition… actually two.”
“Ok, what are they?”
“Firstly, you thank me for this in your Aria speech.”
“Done,” I laugh, not sure I’m ever going to be in the position of winning one of those awards. “What’s the other condition?”
“You have to lend me your Kindle Paperwhite for a month.”
My mouth drops open. “A month!” I cry. I love my Kindle. My parents gave it to me last Christmas and I carry it with me everywhere. Thousands of books are at my fingertips and I don’t know if I want to give that up… but the gig… it’s important.
I chew my lip as I war between my love of romance novels and my love of music. Music wins. “Fine. It’s yours. One month only. And don’t delete or one click any books, alright?”
“Deal,” she grins, holding out her hand to shake mine triumphantly.
“You drive a hard bargain Kylie Sanderson.”
She giggles as she takes the bucket off the bench top and returns it to the ice machine.
Our boss comes out of the office and unlocks the front doors, talking quietly to our bouncer and door man about how busy they expect to be tonight. I overhear them say that the line outside is quiet large.
Before I know it, the lights get turned down and the music turns on. A few people enter through the main doors after paying their entry fee. They’re all talking excitedly to each other and heading straight for the bar.
Kylie returns from the ice machine and we position ourselves ready to take orders – it’s show time.
Chapter 11
Naomi
Friday night feels like it takes forever to arrive. I’ve been dying for it to come but as soon as it arrives, my nerves make me wish that I had longer to prepare.
“You’r
e going to be fine,” Stephanie tells me as she sits on the edge of my bed and watches me fling clothes about as I try to decide what best to wear.
“God, I’m sweating. I haven’t even stood on stage yet and I’m sweating! My bow’s going to end up sliding out of my fingers and hitting some poor bastard in the eye ball. They’ll never let me up there again!” I moan, throwing yet another dress on the floor. None of them look right.
“Calm down. How many times have you performed before? You’ve never choked, and you’re not going to choke now. You’re like the Rain Man of music. The moment you heard those songs you knew them. Plus, you’ve been practicing with the guys all week. It’s going to be amazing.”
I stand back from my wardrobe and survey the mess I’ve made of my room. I run my fingers through my hair, frustrated with myself for not thinking about what I was going to wear tonight.
“I should have bought something new to wear,” I whine. “I don’t have anything!”
Stephanie laughs as she looks at the mountain of clothing on my floor.
“Nomes. I want you to stop this nonsense. I’m going to choose your clothes, and you’re going to go and take a shower. Gary is going to be here in twenty minutes, and then we’re leaving. You don’t have any freak out time left. So go.”
“God, you’re such a mum now. When did you become the responsible one?” I ask, half in jest as I concede defeat and head for the bathroom.
“I was always the responsible one,” she grins, picking through my clothes and starting to match items together.
I laugh as I close the bathroom door, turning the shower on with a shaky hand. I try to breathe and calm down. I’ve gotten myself into such a state, that when I look in the mirror, my face is bright pink.
“Ok, you can do this. It’s like riding a bike. You never forget how to perform. Right?” I say to my reflection, still feeling very unsure as to whether or not I’m capable of playing in front of a crowd again.
Quickly, I shake my head and my nervous thoughts away. Steph is right – I don’t have time to freak out or I’ll be late. I test the water temperature and quickly remove my clothes, stepping into the shower recess and allowing the water to pour over my body.
Closing my eyes, I try to picture myself on stage, strong and confident. Singing and playing at my best. In my mind, the crowd is loving me. Then my doubts take over and the crowd starts to boo me off stage.
Rapidly, I open my eyes and shake my head again. “Just stop, this isn’t helping,” I admonish myself. “Everything will be fine… Everything will be fine.”
***
Marcus
“Where is she Marcus?” Theo glowers. “She’s supposed to be here by now.”
“She will be Theo, relax. She’ll be here,” I assure him as confidently as I can, although I look at my phone furtively, silently hoping I’m right.
As if hearing my prayers, she bursts through the door, all breathless and well… gorgeous. I can see immediately what took her so long. She looks absolutely smoking hot in a short girly looking skirt, that’s purple like her violin. They show off her tan legs perfectly, my eyes can’t help but drag down the length of them, pausing at the pair of killer black heels she’s got on her feet.
“Seriously, if you fall over in those things, I’m not catching you,” Theo spits out. It’s the first thing anyone has said. The rest of us are just staring at her open mouthed. She’s got her hair pulled up into a messy bun and her face isn’t overly made up. It’s just enough to make her look like she’s glowing.
“It’s ok Nomes, I’ll catch you,” Lachlan smiles.
“Thanks,” she smiles, fidgeting slightly. I think Theo has made her feel a little self-conscious now. Fuck he can be a dick.
“You look gorgeous, Naomi. You’re going to knock them all dead tonight,” I tell her with a wink, glad when I’m rewarded with a huge smile.
“I hope so,” she admits.
“Alright ladies. Enough gushing,” Theo interrupts, clapping his hands together. “We’ve got just enough time to finish setting up before they open the doors. So let’s get this finished.”
We finish preparing the stage as Theo talks quietly with the venue’s sound guy. Our band is doing well, but at the moment we are responsible for all of our own equipment, sound, bookings and everything else promoting a band entails.
Theo has taken on the crux of it. He’s got a good head for the business side of things. Admittedly, we wouldn’t be where we are without him. Although, I don’t really tell him that, because I don’t want him thinking he’s the boss or anything. But it’s true. He’s like, our music industry guru. I have no idea how he does it.
When everything is checked and ready, we all head out to the back room to wait until it’s time to get on stage. We don’t say a huge amount. All of us guys just try to make normal conversation in an attempt to put Naomi at ease.
She’s sitting on a stool and bouncing her leg up and down frantically, occasionally blowing out steadying breaths and complaining about the heat in the room.
I exchange glances with Theo, who just looks at her and shakes his head. Suddenly, I find my knee bouncing too – shit, if she blows this, I’ll never hear the end of it. Theo will murder me.
Chapter 12
Naomi
“Five minutes,” we’re told by someone from the venue. We’ve been waiting almost an hour and I’m dying from nerves. I’ve taken to pacing the small room, trying to keep my arms away from my body to lessen the amount of sweat that’s pouring out of me. I know. Gross, right?
I silently thank Stephanie for choosing a black fitted singlet top for me. At least I don’t have to worry about sweat stains. Oh god. I’m dying right now. I’m not sure I can do this.
The guys had been trying to talk to me in between their own pre-show warm up routines, but they gave up after about ten minutes of my incoherent bumbling. Now they’re just sitting around, exchanging raised browed glances as they watch me freak out.
“You’re going to do great. Stop worrying.” Jack attempts to soothe me. This is like the fiftieth time one of them has tried… well, except Theo. He seems to have waves of contempt rolling off him each time he looks at me. I keep seeing him shaking his head at me. But I can’t calm down. I can’t keep still. I just need to get through this night.
I guess this is like getting back on the proverbial horse. You’re nervous that you’re going to get thrown again, but once you do it, you get your confidence back – right? I’m hoping that’s how it will be. I mean, it’s not like I’ve ever been booed off the stage, I’ve always performed well. But the last time I did something like this was in high school. Most of the stuff I did at Uni was more classical in nature. I was part of a string section – and I didn’t have to sing.
Oh god, that reminds me – is my voice warm enough?
“Let’s go,” Theo says, standing from his seat and picking up his sticks as he moves toward me, dipping down to pick up my violin case. “Calm. The fuck. Down,” he growls into my ear, as he hands my case to me.
I swallow the thick ball of saliva that’s lodged itself in my throat and nod at him quickly, our eyes locking as he looks at me intently, his eyebrows raised. I realise he wants some sort of answer. Wait. What was the question?
“I’ll be fine,” I tell him in a small voice, wrapping my sweaty palm around the handle of my case as I take it from him. “I promise.”
He lets out a slight grunt and heads out the door, closely followed by Jack, and Lachlan - who gives me a pat on the shoulder and a few encouraging words.
“Come on,” Marcus says, sliding his arm around my shoulders. “Let’s go make beautiful music together.”
When we get out on the stage, I look out and try to find Stephanie and Gary in the crowd. The lights are dim, and in front of the stage are tables and chairs. My eyes find them to the left of the stage, seated at a table they’re sharing with Amy and Erica. They give me a little wave, and I feel glad to have the support of them there.
As I ready myself to start, I look around the room. Every table is full, and the standing room on the upper level is jam packed with people.
I let out a slow breath as I hold my bow and violin at my side. This is it. Show time.
My attention goes to Marcus as he clears his throat and leans into the microphone. “Good evening,” he says. A few people cheer, eliciting a beautiful swoon worthy smile from our front man. “Thank you ladies. This first song is called ‘Fragile’.”
I close my eyes, and focus on the sound of him strumming his guitar. This song is primarily guitar and gentle drums. The rest of us don’t come in until the chorus, and I don’t sing on this one either, it’s all Marcus.
We only kiss when we’re all alone,
When no one can see us.
I should take you home.
He’s mesmerising, so much that I almost forget to ready my violin on my shoulder when it’s time to join in. Luckily, the sound of Theo hitting out his intro to the chorus, snaps me to attention, and I quickly ready myself, closing my eyes and playing along as he sings.
When you whisper to me,
I want your words to be true,
But you know we can't be,
Not like this. Not like this.
Why did you sing your song to my heart?
When you knew we were fragile right from the start
The moment I start playing, I’m focused. I don’t miss a beat. I come in and out of the song at the correct places. I let the music flow through me, and marvel at Marcus and Theo’s cohesion. Really this band is the two of them, the rest of us are just here to support their talent.
This past week rehearsing with them has made me really appreciate the minds behind the music. Each note is so careful, so deliberate. Each quiet pause, adds to the emotion of the song. When I finish playing my part in the last chorus, all instruments stop and Marcus sings the last two lines in silence, finishing with the same music he played for the intro – there’s just guitar, gently twanging out its beautiful melody to an enraptured audience.
A Beautiful Melody Page 5