Page 4 of If Not for My Baby
Everly Pace:It’s true…I want the Gabby Robinson opener job so bad.
I got into theater because my mom couldn’t afford day care and I showed no athletic promise whatsoever. That’s where I met Everly, and how we grew up doing shows together. While I devoured all of it—the singing of course, but the acting, dancing, and producing as well—she was only in it for thespectacular riffs and vocal gymnastics. We both got scholarships to Berklee College of Music, but my mom was too sick to work at the time, so I couldn’t go with Ev. She studied music theory there and honed her voice. It’s always been unreal, but now her songwriting’s even better—like pop-punk bubblegum in the heartland. Paramore meets Kacey Musgraves.
She’s spent the last few years touring as a backup singer for different musicians and bands, each one more impressive than the last. On her off months, she records and performs her own original tracks. She does little gigs in our town and she’s had a few in Austin. Though they’re usually pretty empty, Mike and I always show up early and bring obnoxious signs. My favorite wasI WANT TO LISTEN TO YOU SING FOREVERLY.
After all her years working as a hired gun, she’d finally gottenthecall a month ago. An old professor of hers had mentored massive country music star Gabby Robinson. Gabby was looking for someone up-and-coming to open for her show in Nashville, and he’d sent her Everly’s EP.
Clementine:What about the Halloran tour you already booked?
Everly Pace:He’s an incredible artist. This album is topping every chart.
Everly Pace:It’ll be great exposure, and I doubt Gabby will even listen to my EP…
Before her professor had sent her stuff to Gabby’s team, Everly had gotten the biggest touring opportunity of her life. Backup vocals on the eight-week US tour of Irish megastarHalloran, promoting his second album after a Grammy-sweeping debut. When it rains it pours, and all that.
Clementine:When do you find out about Gabby?
Everly Pace:They said up to a week
Clementine:But Halloran’s tour starts in a few days…
Everly Pace:I know.
Clementine:How are rehearsals? What’s he like?
Everly Pace:Hmm…Kind of quiet. Stupidly talented. REALLY tall.
Everly Pace:His keys player is very hot.
Clementine:YIKES. Be smart.
Clementine:(Do not be smart, and I want details)
Everly Pace:Lollll. You on your way to Ladybird?
Ladybird Playhouse is not only my favorite spot in downtown Austin, but also where Everly and I started doing theater when the annual play at our school wasn’t satisfying our increasing musical cravings. Everly still works front of house there when she isn’t touring. She gets discounted tickets to all their shows, which meansIget discounted tickets to all their shows. These days I’ve been too busy with work and my mom to perform in them, so the playhouse’s open mic nights have become my only creative outlet all month.
I check the time—nearly eleven.
Clementine:I think it’s too late.
Everly Pace:Come on babe. No traffic right now. You can make it just in time for last call.
Clementine:I worked a double shift today. I may fall asleep at the wheel.
Everly Pace:You’re not capable of that kind of negligence.
Everly Pace:You have to make time for the things you’re passionate about. Come on, off you go!!
My eyelids are already protesting the sleep I’m putting off. But she’s right. I toss myself from bed and send her another text while I find my keys.
Clementine:…….. Fine.
Everly Pace:Yay! Send me a vid of your set, I miss your face
Everly Pace:And your voice even more duh
Clementine:Have you ever seen a zombie sing show tunes?
