A hard nudge against my leg knocks me out of the trance. I turn my attention to Alice to find her glaring at me, causing my stomach to wrench and my smile fade. I reach out to gather the cold beverage in front of me. The condensation from the glass streaks down the glass, reminding me of rain on a window pane. After taking a sip, I replace the glass over the circle of water left by the condensation, hiding it again.
“You said you wrote that song yourself?” asked Angelo.
“Yes, I started it a few years back, Alice encouraged me to finish it once I moved in with her.”
“It must be good if your friend wanted it finished.”
“It's a beautiful song,” said Alice.
“I guess I'll find out soon, won't I? What about you, Alice? What can you tell me about yourself?” Alice focuses her glare on him. “I’m not here for an interview. I'm here to—”
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“You'll be great.”
I wish I had her enthusiasm.
She slides off of the sofa, allowing me to exit. I clench my hands into fists as I take small steps towards the stage. My heels clap against the hardwood floor, echoing around the room. The stage seems so far away from Alice and Angelo. How many tables have I passed? Six or seven on each side?
Frankie waits for me by the stairs. “You're all set. Let me know when to hit play.” I smile at him though it isn’t returned. The rail steadies me as I make my way up the stairs to the stage. My heart pounds against my chest like it's desperate to flee, my body quivers as thoughts of failing, completely embarrassing myself, blitz through my mind. With the small steps I took to walk to the stage, I walk over to the microphone, begging my body to calm.
The stage is neither large nor small, just large enough for a band with all their instruments. A spotlight blinds me, making it impossible for me to see Alice or Angelo way at the back. I should use this to my advantage, I can pretend I'm alone and not performing for