Page 53 of Whisk Me Away
Mia leaned in closer, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she whispered, "Did you see the guy in the Hawaiian shirt butcher 'Livin' on a Prayer'?”
Aspen stifled a giggle behind her hand, nodding in agreement. "And what about the girl who attempted 'I Will Always Love You'? She definitely had the passion, but let's just say Whitney Houston's crown is safe for now.”
I couldn't help but laugh at their commentary, my gaze wandering around the room. Lucky's was packed to the brim, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to share their love for music. Some swayed along to the beat, while others cheered on their friends from the sidelines.
After a few more performances, Mia was up next. Her infectious energy lit up the room as she launched into a spirited rendition of "I Will Survive." Her voice rang out confidently, filling the space with a sense of empowerment that had the crowd clapping along to the beat.
Next, it was Eden's turn, and she commanded the stage with her soulful rendition of "Respect." Her voice was like honey, smooth and rich, drawing the audience in and holding them captivated until the very last note.
I couldn't help but smile proudly as I watched her shine under the spotlight. Eden and I grew up singing in the church choir, and I'd always loved listening to her sing. We were both still grieving, but watching her get up on stage tonight and laugh made my big sister heart happy.
Aspen was next to take the stage, bringing the house down with her lively performance of "Walking on Sunshine." She may not have the best voice, but her energy was contagious, spreading throughout the room like wildfire as she danced and sang with abandon. It was like seeing a new side of Aspen tonight. She mostly kept to herself at work, but tonight, she was letting loose and having fun.
I passed Aspen on my way to the stage, and my heart pounded with a mix of nerves and excitement. It was finally my turn to take the spotlight, to share my voice with the world. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies fluttering in my stomach, and stepped forward, gripping the microphone tightly in my hand.
As the music started, I let the familiar melody wash over me, grounding me in the moment. I closed my eyes briefly, centering myself, before opening them to face the crowd. And then I began to sing.
The words flowed from me effortlessly, carried by the music and the raw emotion in my heart. I poured my soul into the song with each note, losing myself in the music and the memories it evoked. The world around me faded away, leaving only me and the melody suspended in time.
Just as I reached the song's climax, a familiar figure caught my eye from the corner of the room. It was Brant stepping through Lucky's door with that lopsided grin. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, a rush of warmth flooding through me.
I faltered for a moment, thrown off balance by his unexpected arrival. But then I smiled, feeling a surge of confidence coursing through me. With renewed determination, I focused on the music, letting it carry me through to the end of the song.
As the final notes faded away, I looked down to find Brant making his way towards me, applause and cheers echoing in the background. I hurried off the stage, stopping in front of him.
"Hey, Peach,” a smirk tugged at the corners of Brant's lips.
"Hi," I breathed out, feeling a little breathless from that song—or was it the man in front of me?
"I didn't realize you could sing.”
"I'm not that good,” I smiled, shaking my head. "What are you doing here?”
Brant tipped his head to the table where I left Eden and our friends. Standing next to the table were his brothers, Brock and Brooks. And based on the look on Mia's face, she wasn’t thrilled by the intrusion.
"We better get over there before they kill each other,” I rushed out as we made a beeline for the table.
"What are you even doing here?" Mia shot Brock a scowl, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Can't a guy go out with his brothers?" Brock shrugged his shoulders, not even trying to hide his cocky smirk.
Mia sent me a pleading look. In return I gave her an apologetic smile.
"Hi, Brock, Hi, Brooks. This is Aspen,” I introduce my friend, who was fidgeting in her seat.
"Hey, Aspen,” Brock sent her a wink.
"Hey," Brooks replied, his tone gruff.
Aspen raises her hand frantically, refusing to make eye contact.
What was that?I needed to remember to ask her about that on Monday.
“Did I miss your song, Mia?" Brock asked, wagging his eyebrows at her.
Mia sighed and rolled her eyes. "Thankfully."
"What do you guys say about a round of pool?" Brant asked, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.