Page 77 of Perfect Pitch

“Mama? Really? Are you asking me that right now?”

“Austyn? What’s so different about this gig than the others?”

And just like every other time she’s said the word “gig,” I burst into a fit of giggles. It’s like that tickle spot I never knew I had; that’s what my mother saying the word “gig” does to me. The tension immediately released, I grin.

She flashes a smile back at me.

I declare, “Mama, you’re a nut.”

“Means a lot coming from you, sweetie.” Her gaze stares pointedly at the boot I’m holding like a teddy bear.

I drop it before saying, “There were some pretty serious people in the audience last night.” I never even had the chance to tell her Erzulie was there.

I open my mouth to do so when my mother asks, confused, “And there haven’t been in the past?” She knows all about the Freemans finding me through Brendan Blake. She knows about the press I’ve received for Toni Lauder’s wedding and Emily Freeman’s fashion week.

But this?

Just knowing Mitch is going to be in the audience wrecks my confidence. He means more than any accolade I might receive by any hashtag.

* * *

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

I can’t believe I’m IN at #Redemption! Now I can see what all the buzz is about with this #Kensington. Hey @CuTEandRich3 are you still waiting in line? Hahaha!

—@PRyanPOfficial

Not nice at all, @PRyanPOfficial! Remember those tix to Brendan Blake? At least the line’s moving (Taps foot impatiently). But, OMG! Beckett Miller just strolled up! And I got a photo! Suck it, Ryan!

—@CuTEandRich3

“Même one contain d’hommes ou plus...” My pre-recorded voice sails over the crowd. Even though I played to a similar size crowd last night, tonight’s a dream come true. As much as it sucks Trevor twisted his ankle and can’t send me sound readings from around the club, the fact my mother is makes this magical moment just more.

“Everyone should have a mother like Paige Kensington,” I murmur aloud as I weave the track of my own voice expertly over Toto’s original version of one of their most popular songs creating a haunting vibe the crowd goes wild for.

My eyes drift over the club as I try to spy Mitch in the VIP section. The darkened cavernous areas along the upper balcony away from the dance floor offer a perfect view of the action and as much privacy as the guests desires.

Unfortunately, it looks like Mitch’s boss wants a hell of a lot of it.

Studiously turning my attention back to the music, I pick up my iPad so I can read the audio measurements my mother is sending to me. I adjust the faders before I take a moment to enjoy the simple pleasure of being in the moment.

“Now, that’s interesting.” I catch a flash of my mother as she weaves her way down the stairs to the dance floor. Oh, don’t think I didn’t catch Marco Houde flirting with you before the club opened earlier, Mama. All I can do is pray I’ve made her proud.

And maybe, just maybe, Mitch might feel like I’m talking to him through the music I’m playing.

Because I know I am.

* * *

I hurl myself into her arms. “Thank you, Mama.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart. There isn’t a thing I wouldn’t do for you.” Her arms wrap around me tighter, if that’s even possible.

High on the endorphins and the pure energy sluicing through the club, I toss my head back and let my laughter peal out. “It feels incredible.”

My mother’s lips curve upward. “From everywhere I’ve been, you sound incredible.”

“Thanks to you,” I crush her to me again as I take her for another wild spin in my arms.

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