Page 158 of Verses

Unlike all our other practices, though, this was fueled by an energy I could barely describe. And I remembered—that was due to the audience. They were feeding us the power we needed to rock their asses off.

What the hell would it be like when we started playing real shows again?

How had I forgotten the addictive rush of performing for a hungry audience?

Finally, after the bad ass instrumental intro, it was time for me. Pulling a deep breath of air into my lungs, I belted the first line: “You say you wanna go somewhere but you sit on your ass all day.”

More people began pouring in the front door but I focused on the spot just above it. Although I was used to sometimes looking audience members in the eye (or close to it), I had built tonight up too much in my mind.

And I knew a lot of these faces. I didn’t want to connect with Claire or Maria or even Crazy Stu yet—because I needed to stay in the zone.

As people continued wandering in, I recognized a few faces, but kept reminding myself to stop looking.

Just feel. Just sing. Just become part of the whole as we share this experience.

By the time Wolf was ripping out his violent solo, the crowd was pumping their fists and banging their heads. Some of them were on their feet, unable to stay seated.

Yeah…this was what we’d been working for.

While Wolf was shredding, I made pretense of watching him, holding the mike his way, but instead I focused on the bar.Several people were lined up to get a drink, and I’d swear I almost saw Marv smile.

That had to be an illusion.

Still, I knew he’d be less grouchy raking in the dough.

As the first song came to an end, the nervousness dissipated. Performing song after song—mostly originals but a few select covers to round out the list—got me into the groove where I was full of energy without the anxiety.

As I sang, I realized that Ididn’tneed a man, just like Claire had suggested.This—performing live for an appreciative audience—filled a hole inside me I’d forgotten I had. Even better was when we played one of the covers in our list and the crowd sang along.

Best? During one of our original tunes, the crowd figured out the chorus and sang it the last time with me.

Holy shit. We were on fire.

When the show ended, it felt way too soon. But I knew it would always feel that way. Unless we played a four-hour show and I was ready to drop from exhaustion, it would feel too short every time.

Maybe that was a good thing…because I’d always want to come back for more.

And now was the best part—talking to the people who’d come to watch us. I steeled myself for honest criticism. This open practice was so that we could get feedback to improve, so I was going to ask for that, even knowing it might sting a little.

As I stepped off the platform, I paused at Maria’s table first. Before I talked to her, it sunk in: there were a lot of fucking people here. When had they all arrived? I peeked over at the bar again because it was technically time for Wolf to start working—but Lucy was there, helping Marv sling as many drinks as humanly possible.

Wolf was still onstage.

Not my problem.

“Hey, Maria! Long time, no see!”

Adrian’s pretty sister stood, introducing me to her two friends, and then gave me a hug. “Adrian said you guys had some new stuff, but he didn’t say how good you guys had gotten.”

I laughed. “Thank you. I’m so glad you made it.”

“I just turned twenty-one, so this was a good excuse to celebrate.”

“Wait. Youjustturned—”

“Don’t tell. Marv used to sneak me a drink or two. I think he has a crush on me.”

Who wouldn’t? With her long dark hair, eyes as black as night, full lips, and penchant for wearing snug clothing, almost any guy would be fawning over her.

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