Page 65 of All Mine
Etienne nodded, almost sheepishly.
‘It’s been running at The Bolthole for ages. That’s why Etienne’s name is up there.’ Amber pointed to a chalkboard above the bar, where it had two names printed in capital letters. SYLVIA and then ETIENNE.
‘Looks like there are two birthday parties today.’
‘That’s why the guys got here at nine, because that’s normally when the karaoke starts.’
As if on cue, the bar manager jumped the bar and leaped onto the stage. His long hipster beard was impeccably groomed; he must have spent a fortune on beard oil to make it gleam in the spotlights.
‘Welcome to The Bolthole!’ he said, doing a quick spin on the spot, arms wide, dozens of leather bracelets tied around each wrist. The crowd cheered.
‘First to the stage tonight for Birthday Karaoke is the lovely Sylvia!’
A booth on the other side of the stage erupted into cheers and whistles as a petite blonde girl stood up and waved before downing the drink in front of her. A spotlight followed her onto the stage, where she smoothed her hair off her face and straightened her shoulders.
‘Have you had a good birthday, Sylvia?’ the bar manager asked. She nodded and hiccupped at the same time. ‘And what are you going to be singing tonight for us, Sylvia?’
Sylvia took the microphone he offered her and said, ‘“It’s Not Unusual”!’
‘Over to you, Sylvia!’ The bar manager spun on the spot again and then jumped off the stage. The music started and Sylvia was straight into it, sidestepping in time.
The entire club joined in immediately and Sylvia’s smile widened. By the end of the song, she was absolutely belting it out. Once Sylvia had taken a bow to the crowd’s deafening applause, the bar manager bounded back up to the stage.
‘Is it you now?’ Isabella said across the table to Etienne. He grinned.
‘Not quite yet,’ he said.
‘So as is customary, the birthday girl’s table will now have their go!’ Three girls in Sylvia’s booth jumped up and down before running to the stage.
‘Sorry, we didn’t tell you the whole story!’ Amber said with a nudge.
‘You mean, I have to do it?’ Isabella swallowed, every sexy feeling draining away and being replaced by horror.
‘Etienne’s doing his with the boys,’ Wren said.
‘So, we four girls can go up together!’ Rosie looked delighted about this while Isabella’s face fell.
‘Wait, what about Jesse and Gabi?’
‘I’m happy to watch!’ Gabi laughed. ‘This is going to be brilliant,’ she said, throwing a knowing look at Isabella.
‘We’ll get the crowd going down here!’ Jesse said. ‘Leave that to us.’
‘Sorted,’ said Amber.
‘But I can’t sing!’ Isabella said, grasping Amber’s arm.
‘It’ll be fine!’ Amber said as the music started again and the three girls on stage started ‘Mamma Mia’, complete with poses and synchronised dance routine. Isabella took a long gulp of her drink and filled it again before the girls finished, running off the stage back to their booth.
Fox, Etienne and Walker all stood.
‘Wish us luck!’ Fox said as they headed to the sound man.
‘Next up is the ageless heartthrob of Honeybridge. . . Etienne!’ Isabella noticed a surge of women moving towards the front. The manager pumped Etienne’s hand and asked, ‘Good birthday so far, Etienne?’
Etienne peered into the spotlight in the direction of Isabella’s booth. ‘It’s been a great day, thanks,’ he said with a wolfish smile. ‘But I think somehow the best is yet to come.’
Isabella crossed her bare legs under the table, pressing her thighs together.
