Page 86 of The Spotlight Effect

“Just water,” I say.

“I’ll go put that in. Alexia, take your time?” Raven says.

The music ends, so that means Nevea is finally done with her song. “You did amazing, baby.” Kenan congratulates her as she comes back over. Nevea sequels clapping her hands.

“I know.” She flips her hair.

“No one is up next, that means you can go,” Charlie says.

“Who?” Nevea asks.

“I’m going,” Alexia says.

Nevea turns her gaze to Alexia looking her up and down. “Oh really?” she says, tilting her head.

“Yeah.” Alexia sits up straighter.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Show us what you got,” Nevea says, sounding as if she’s challenging Alexia, which she doesn’t seem to like because she takes off my jacket and marches up to the stage.

“Girl fight,” I hear Charlie mumble under his breath before standing up and going to the stage. Scarlett follows him up as well with a slight worried look on her face.

“You go up, I'll put the orders in,” Emerson tells Raven and they both leave the table.

Alexia starts what seems like a rock song and the title comes up on the side:Obsessedby Olivia Rodrigo. I’ve never heard of it but I’m excited to hear her sing it. I get comfortable in my chair and prepare for the show. It’s like all her nerves melt away as she grabs the mic and starts letting the words flow from her mouth. She’s a natural up there, completely putting it all into performing the song.

Jumping around, singing louder, and interacting with the others on stage. She’s a performer. She’s completely giving it all she’s got and it’s hypnotizing. “Your girl is pretty amazing,” Kenan says.

“I know, right,” I reply, still totally focused on her, not letting my eyes drift away from her body for even a second. Every turn her body makes under the lights, I can tell you when it happened.

Toward the end, she takes Scarlett’s guitar and plays the endnote herself while singing. A true rockstar move. The crowdcheers as the music ends and Alexia puts the mic back. Alexia shyly takes a bow and exits the stage with everyone else.

“I knew you had a little rockstar in there.” Charlie ruffles her hair.

“Hey! Watch the curls.” She swats his hands away.

“You were amazing,” Scarlett says.

“It wasn’t that great.” Alexia brushes it off.

“Are you kidding? You could take our jobs,” I say.

“You’re saying that’s because you like me,” she responds while putting my jacket back on.

“No, I mean it.” I smile.

Emerson comes back with everyone’s order, and we enjoy our meal or drinks before heading to the party at Leonardo’s house, the lead singer ofThe Chosen Ones.

The house is a verymodern style with reds, blacks, and whites plastered all around. So many people are already here. Some I know and some I don’t.

“A real Hollywood celebrity party,” Alexia says, lowly. I assume she’s only speaking to herself. “Not as exciting as I expected.”

“These parties suck,” I say.

“No, they don’t. You are just a fun hater,” Scarlett says.

“They are crazy sometimes though,” Raven adds before they both walk away, dragging Charlie along.

“Let’s explore,” Alexia says, pulling me along. Alexia excuses her way through the crowd of people. Till we are just roaming a few empty halls or halls with only a couple people here and there. Alexia mostly admires the records and decor around hishouse. Leo has the entire Rocky Myers collection. That man is a legend in music history.

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