Page 55 of Royal Bosshole

“Great. Here's my card. I know it's a bit short notice, but we were hoping you were free Tuesday night. Once the first time’s done, we can see how we work together and then we'd love to put you on the schedule.”

“That would be great. I just have a meeting on Tuesday, and I'm not quite sure when it's going to be. The person's coming to town for it, but I will let you know. It's a music agent, so I think he'd be very interested in coming by and listening.”

“Even better,” Harriet said as she pushed up her glasses. “I'll let you be, but I've heard these karaoke nights are fabulous. Good luck tonight.”

She left with a smile, and I watched her walk out, a little dumbfounded. I looked at the card in my hands. Everything felt real. I could smell the coffee. I could hear the buzz of the people in the coffee shop. I could see some of the other assistants beginning to set things up for that evening. It wasn't a dream. This was really happening.

* * *

LILY

Tuesday came, and I met with Hank. And my head was just buzzing with all the possibilities for the future. He was eager to come and see me sing that night. And I invited April and Stevie, too. Jen was going to come as well to put it up on social media to act as even more promotion for the coffee shop. She was also trying to encourage me to have social media as Langton, but I still wasn't so sure.

Off stage, my hands were sweating. My breathing was coming hard and fast. Stage fright had lessened over the past few months. It was like all I needed was that boost of confidence, that little step up, that extra something in my life to make it go away. But I was still so nervous. Harriet let me pick the song, but she had told me what style she wanted, and I’d chosen accordingly. Who knew if she would even like it. When I walked out on stage, I was grateful for the bright lights so that I didn't see anyone, but I could feel them in the room.

The pianist began playing behind me, and when I started singing, my nerves slowly lessened. And because I couldn't see anyone, I started singing to James in my mind. Every day I wondered how he was. I wondered how he was dealing with the sickness of his father, the loss of his country. I wondered if he still remembered me the way I still remembered him. The smell and the feel of him were still sharp in my memory.

Will I ever be rid of him?

At the end of my song, everyone clapped, and I smiled, giving a little bow before I left. Harriet grabbed my hand, looking so pleased.

“You were perfect. Please, I hope you'll agree to sing for us sometimes. Your paycheck will be at the front desk.”

“Thanks, Harriet. I will be back for sure.”

Out in the crowd, April and Stevie hugged me, and Hank looked pleased as well.

“Perfect, Lily,” he said. “I'll send you a message with our first gig.”

“Thanks so much, Hank. You don't know how much this means to me.”

“I think I do,” he said with a grin.

April, Stevie, and I made our rounds, had a few drinks, and then on my way out, a young man stopped me.

“Hi, Ms. Jones, I'm John. I'm with New Orleans City News. You’re the owner of Charlotte's, right? And secretly, the singer Langton?”

I almost laughed. Was this who I was now? It seemed crazy.

“Yeah, that's me.”

“Great. Well, we would just love to do an interview if you're free this week. Everyone is dying to know all about you. Here's my card.”

“And here's hers,” Stevie said, pulling one out of her pocket and handing it to him.

“What's this?” I asked, and she giggled. “It's a gift I thought you'd enjoy. I made some business cards for you as like a little congrats on the gig.”

I almost cried right there. “Thanks, Stevie.”

“Perfect,” John said, taking it. “We'll be in touch.”

“Is this even real life?” I asked once we were out on the street, and I could breathe normal, cool air.

“Yes, it's amazing,” April said, taking my arm as the three of us walked down the street, searching for a close bar.

It was a cool evening, and December was just around the corner.

“Do you ever think about him, Lily?” Stevie asked.

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