Page 33 of Our Final Encore

This bar isnothing like what I had pictured. The stage is outside in a courtyard alley, and instead of a smoky old bar with neon lights, the interior is light and minimalistic. It’s packed full of college kids, and I immediately realize we’re the two youngest people here. Of course, that makes sense, people don’t come to a bar if they’re not old enough to drink.

I was slightly worried they might throw me out for being underage, but the owner was super nice. He even offered us both free sodas and snacks. I watch as Alex tunes his guitar and double checks that it’s plugged into the amp. Another guy is up there with him, helping him prepare for his set.

He plays a few test notes and soundchecks the mic, then a combination of red and blue lights appear, shining down on him. He greets the crowd and they’re receptive, with scattered claps and nodding heads.

I’m sitting at an empty table at the edge of the courtyard towards the back, I have a perfect view of the crowd’s reaction. He starts playing a cover of Trailer Trash by Modest Mouse, and more people turn their attention toward him.

He’s obviously a natural. He doesn’t look fazed at all by the fact that people are watching him. As always, he loses himself in the song and almost seems to be oblivious to his surroundings. He looks handsome with his long hair hanging over his eyes.

When the song ends the crowd applauds, some people even whistle in appreciation. My chest swells with pride when I see him smile. I love that he’s getting the recognition he deserves.

It’s dark now, and the bar is totally packed. After his last set, Alex thanks the crowd and packs up his belongings. I weave through the crowd towards the stage to meet up with him, but I notice he’s speaking to a man now. He looks a bit older than most people here, who is probably in his late thirties, and he looks somewhat familiar but I’m not sure why.

I don’t want to interrupt them so I stand a few yards behind Alex, waiting for him to join me. His face lights up with a smile, and his eyes go wide. He and the man shake hands and I see him hand Alex a piece of paper before he walks away.

TWENTY-ONE

Alex

My heart is banging in my chest, between the rush of playing for an audience and what just happened, I almost feel like I’m dreaming. I’m tempted to pinch myself to make sure.

I spot Opal staring at me and I walk up to her, wrapping her in a hug and lifting her off the ground slightly before placing a kiss on her lips.

“Hey,” she giggles. “Who was that guy you were talking to?”

I grab her hand and we weave through the crowd towards the parking lot. It’s surprisingly quiet out there in comparison to the loudness of the bar. “You’re not gonna believe this. That was Dax Thatcher.”

Her brow wrinkles. “Who?”

“He’s the drummer for Terrestrial Rain.” They’ve been one of my favorite bands for years, and a huge source of inspiration for my own music. They’re an alternative-emo band from here in Austin. It’s not the exact same sound as my original music, but definitely similar.

“What?!” She turns her head in the direction where we just came from. “For real? That’s so cool.”

“He offered me a spot to open for them on their next tour. He said I’ll just have to come audition for the rest of the band, but he thinks I’m what they’re looking for.” My heart is still racing as I rehash the conversation to her.

Her blue eyes spark with surprise, but the excitement I expected to see in them isn’t quite there. She’s quiet for a second. “Wow,” she utters. “That’s…incredible, Alex. I’m so happy for you.”

“Be happy for both of us. We could travel the country together,” I say, tucking a loose piece of hair behind her ear.

She smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “You want me to go with you?”

“Of course, I do.” I don’t know why she’d think anything else, I’ve told her so from day one, wherever I go I want her to come with me.

Her lips are still pressed into a barely there smile, but she looks down at the ground between our feet, her arms crossed over her chest. I pull her against me, tucking her head under my chin.

“What’s the matter?” I whisper into her hair.

“Nothing. I’m so proud of you, it’s amazing, truly.”

“But..?” My heart lurches, I can tell she’s not happy about this at all. I just don’t understand why.

She blinks a few times, her eyes bleary, and she slowly pulls out of my arms. “I just didn’t expect this to happen…now,” she shrugs.

“He said the tour won’t start until October. We’ll have plenty of time to plan and get ready. I have to find a van to use, spend a lot of time practicing, and it’s not like I’m leaving tomorrow.”

She looks slightly relieved, but still annoyed. “I just don’t really know where I fit into all of this.”

“What do you mean?” My eyes bounce back and forth between hers, hoping to find a glimmer of understanding, but it isn’t there. “Opal, I’m not leaving you behind. I want you there with me, every step of the way.”

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