Page 95 of On the Beat

She’s wearing a long, red sparkly gown with a slit up one leg and a high neck, with heels that bring her slightly closer to my height.

It surprises me more than it should. My throat closes up, but I manage to squeeze out one syllable. “Hey.”

“Thank God, I was worried you were going to say something cheesy like,hi, beautiful, and I would have to shoot you.” She grins. “Are you excited? Can you believe your song is nominated for best pop song of the year? I’m going to be able to say I inspired a Grammy-winning song. I’ll put it on my business cards.”

“You are probably more excited about this than I am,” I say, though my still-shaky hands belie my words.

“Impossible, you look like you’re about to scream and throw up at the same time. That’s how Francisco always used to look before swimming competitions.”

I chuckle at the thought of the level-headed guy I met appearing at all ruffled. “Hard to imagine, but it does make me feel better.”

“Good, I was lying. Isko has never been nervous in his life.” She reaches for my hand.

“Now I just can’t tell if you’re joking.” I intertwine my fingers with hers, finding comfort in the warmth of her skin, the ease with which her hand fits in mine. “I think we have seats next to each other.”

“Really? Who planned that?” A mischievous light dances in her eyes.

“I did.” I kiss her forehead and we go find our seats. “Are your parents around?”

“They’re already seated.” She gestures toward the chairs next to our two empty ones. “They’ve been a lot more respectful of you now that they found out you’re not just some loser playing in a garage band.”

“Don’t knock garage bands, that’s how I got started,” I say, pressing a hand to my chest.

“Really?”

“No, I auditioned for Disney Channel and didn’t make it. That fuelled the Goth phase.”

She snorts. “Shut up.”

I guide her toward our seats and hold out her chair for her. “I would, but then how will I give my acceptance speech?”

Despite the bravado, nervous energy hums inside me. What if I don’t win and Naoya does? What if Naoya wins best album?

My thoughts swarm my mind, buzzing so loudly that I almost miss my name being called when we’re halfway through the awards show.

“And the Grammy for Best Pop Song of the year goes to…” The host reads from the card. “Ryder Black, with his song,Wash Me Away!”

Excited cheering erupts from all around me. Several sets of hands clap me on the back, and I bend down and kiss Isla in full view of the cameras and our parents, not caring about the eyes. The moment is…

It’s everything.

I’m floating as I get out of my seat and walk onto the stage. Each step makes me wonder if I’m walking on water.

“Thank you so much for this award,” I say, clearing my throat as I take the Grammy. It’s heavier than I thought it would be, and yet lighter at the same time. “I’d like to thank my family for being here tonight, and the girl I love. Isla… thank you for inspiring this song, thank you for critiquing my work, and thank you for being you.”

My palms clam up, and for a terrifying moment, I think I might drop the award. Thankfully, I don’t, and I make my way back to my seat with my heart pounding in my ears.

“You won!” Isla’s eyes are wide as she stands up to hug me. “I knew you’d win!”

“Guess you’ll have to get new business cards after all.”

I accept congratulations from Isla’s parents and mine, so overwhelmed with excited jubilation that I don’t know if I’ll even be able to perform later.

“I’m excited to announce that next, Ryder Black and Naoya Sugawa will be performing a duet. Please welcome them to the stage.”

Polite applause fills the auditorium. I get up from my seat next to Isla and walk onto the stage.

I remain onstage, standing at the microphone for what feels like forever, as I wait for Naoya to join me. I scan the crowd for him. Shouldn’t he be here? Or at the very least, getting ready backstage?

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