Page 89 of Flipping the Script

It felt personal and intimate, like a little glimpse behind the curtain that blurred the line between Sebastian’s public persona and who he was off stage.

The notes of the current song faded out, leaving behind a deafening silence. I exited out of the app and powered down my phone screen, still reeling from everything I’d learned in the last few hours.

I should go. Being here and watching him perform live was a mistake. I needed to put distance between us, but I couldn’t bring myself to start my truck and leave.

“Fuck it,” I said into the empty cab, pulling my keys out of the ignition.

I’d find a spot in the back and stay for one song, just to satisfy my curiosity. Then I could put all this behind me and move on.

Shoving my door open, I got out of my truck and locked the doors with my key fob.

The parking lot was packed. I’d parked in the only available spot when I pulled in. Was that normal for a Saturday night, or was it because Bas was playing? A huge marquee sign on the side of the building had his name on it, so I was definitely in the right place.

Weaving between cars, I made my way to the entrance. A bouncer was stationed outside the door, but there wasn’t a line or anything, and I walked right up to him.

He gave me a quick once-over, like he was deciding if he should ask for my ID. “Cover is ten bucks tonight.”

I pulled out my wallet and handed him a bill. He stuffed it in his pocket and waved to the door. “Enjoy the show.”

The hair on the back of my neck rose when I heard Sebastian’s sultry voice, complete with a sexy rasp that sounded even better in person.

It was about ten minutes past ten, and the show had already started.

The club was as packed as the parking lot. All the booths and tables were occupied, and groups of people were crowded around tall bar tables with no seats that looked like they’d been shoved into every available space. The overhead lights were low, and a single spotlight illuminated a stool in the middle of a small stage where Sebastian sat strumming away on his guitar as he sang into the microphone.

Grateful for the darkness, I kept close to the back wall and made my way over to the only empty bar table I could see.

I couldn’t look away as Sebastian finished his song, holding the last note for an impressively long time and ending with a perfect vibrato.

The audience, which had been nearly silent during his performance, burst into applause as Bas sat back in his stool, his cheeks ruddy and a shy smile tilting his lips.

“Thank you,” he said when the applause petered out, some of his usual confidence back. “I’m really excited to be back tonight. Was anyone at my last show?”

A burst of applause and cheers rang out before he even finished his question.

“Wow, that’s awesome!” He beamed in the direction most of the cheers had come from. “Thanks so much for all your support.” He fingered the guitar strings, almost like he was playing unconsciously.

“I thought we’d do something a bit different tonight. Instead of me just sitting up here and playing what I want, how about you tell me what you want to hear?”

More applause and cheers.

“Okay.” His smile was big and bright and genuine. He wasn’t just gorgeous; he was radiant.

Had I ever seen him smile like that? I couldn’t remember if I had.

“Awesome.” He beamed another big, happy grin. “So, my first question is, do you want to hear my new stuff, or are you here for Vessel covers?”

It felt like everyone in the club started calling out their answers, the words blurring together into an inaudible din.

“Okay, okay.” Sebastian laughed and held up his hands in a surrender motion. “That’s on me,” he continued when the crowd quieted again. “Should have thought that one through a bit better.” He chuckled and resumed plucking at his guitar strings. “How about we do a show of hands for this one? Who’s here for new music?”

Just over half of the crowd raised their hands.

“Okay. Now who’s here for Vessel songs?”

About a quarter of the crowd raised their hands.

“And if you have no idea who I am and are here because the other bars were full?” He put his hand up and scanned the room.

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