Page 23 of Wicked Truths

Lyric spins around from where she’s been seated at the piano. “Because being on stage is pretty much my worst nightmare.” She laughs. “We wrote this for you guys…” She glances between us. “What do you think?”

“I think there’s no way I can sing that song.” I shake my head. “I’m not at that level of vocal training.”

“You are.” Jamen nods, leaning against the edge of the piano. He looks between Liam and Marcus. “Although I’m flexible on which one of the two of you wants to give it a go with her.”

“I’m going to respectfully bow out,” Liam says, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I can play the piano, but there’s no way my accent will mesh with Oakley’s on a ballad duet.”

“You sing?” Lyric eyes Marcus carefully. “I haven’t heard you sing. Only in the background with the rest of your old band.” She frowns. “Let’s hear the two of you try it.”

“Here you are.” Ryder hands each of us a piece of paper with the lyrics.

“I’ll play this time then Liam can take over,” Lyric says without looking back at us. “I feel kind of icky that I didn’t know you can sing. We need a sibling bonding exercise.”

“That’s not going to happen.” Marcus chuckles. “And I have no interest in fronting a band, just in case there’s any doubt or misinformation circling about that.” He shoots me a look like he wants me to know that’s directed at me.

I shrug. “I’m not trying to get rid of you, but you are talented. Let’s give it a shot.”

“Do it,” Liam chants.

“We are,” Marcus says, rolling his eyes.

Ryder handles guitar again, even though I’m not sure it’s his normal instrument.

“I’m not warmed up,” Marcus says close to my ear. He shrugs like it’s no big deal. He’s so close that I almost miss my mark, and his scent hits me like a ton of bricks.

My voice is ridiculously shaky the entire first verse, and I sound like I’m the one who hasn’t sung all morning. Marcus moves so close to my back that I swear he’s reading the lyrics off my sheet not his. A few seconds later, his hand lands on my hip, giving me a reassuring squeeze, and fuck if it doesn’t help settle my shot nerves.

* * *

“You’re very talented.” Lyric carefully watches Marcus as the song comes to an end for the third time. She blinks, tilting her head, and I can’t help but wonder what’s running through her mind.

“I’m still convinced Liam could do the vocals,” Marcus grumbles. “I’m a musician not a singer.”

Jamen nods at me, guiding me a few feet away while Sullivan, Liam, and Marcus talk to Lyric and Ryder.

“You did well,” Jamen says. “Do you feel confident you can pour the emotion necessary to land the song on a regular basis?”

I frown.

That sounds kind of like an insult at first, but then I really start to think it over. There are benefits to having a song like “Carry On” on your roster, but there are downsides too.

When taking requests from the audience after a long performance, is that a song I think I’d be able to do justice?

Do I want to have a ballad with Marcus of all people? He stands with his arms crossed, rolling his eyes at something Liam says.

“I do think I’ll be able to pull it off,” I say, pulling my shoulders back. My eyes are still on Marcus and the others, and I speak before I have the chance to think it through. “Have you noticed since he cut his hair…” I sigh, shaking my head. “He reminds me of a younger Johnny Kincaid. I honestly think he could be at center stage.”

Jamen frowns, turning around to face the others. “He definitely could carry a show,if he wanted to,but it’s different being a supporting member of a band. Solo acts burn out faster, they don’t have the benefit of having an off day. Being a member of a team you can show up hungover and play your part. When you’re fronting, you’re on all the time.” He pats my back. “Think it over. Discuss it with Marcus. They’ve got a couple other songs for you from my understanding.”

“Thank you,” I say, giving him a smile. The industry is different from how I thought it would be, but it’s also very much the same as I imagined.

My eyes fly back to Marcus, and my mind just won’t let go. I’m shocked I never noticed it before. Lyric looks exactly like their mother, Angel Rae. I guess I understand how Marcus assumed Damian was his father because he really doesn’t look a thing like Angel, and Damian did have dark hair and features.

It’s so strange it actually sends a shiver down my spine. He reminds me of Johnny Kincaid when he plays, especially now that his hair doesn’t fall in his face as he plays.

That’s ridiculous. Johnny joined Madness afterDamian died. I push all that nonsense out of my mind and aim for everyone to continue practicing.

* * *

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