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I nod, and she actually squeals.
“Okay,” Emily takes over, always the organizer. “Here’s how we’ll set it up...”
After we have it all planned out, Cass comes over to clap me on the shoulder. “You sure about this?”
I think about Lila—about midnight pancakes and stolen kisses, about how she sees me, really sees me. Not just as the rockstar but the man behind the keyboard, how she’s changed everything without even trying.
“Never been more sure of anything.”
He nods, satisfied. “Then let’s make it epic.”
As we run through it a few more times, my heart is already racing. In less than seven hours, I’m going to be singing in front of millions of people on live television.
No pressure.
Someone pokes their head in. “Miss Jeffers is here.”
“Practice is over!” Emily announces quickly. “Everyone act normal!”
Lila appears in the doorway, carrying what smells like her famous lasagna, and everyone suddenly becomes very interested in their instruments.
“Hey,” she smiles, and my heart skips like it always does. “Thought you guys might be hungry.”
As the others descend on the food, I pull her close, kissing her softly. “Thanks. I’m always hungry when you’re around.”
She flushes a bright red at my innuendo. “Good rehearsal?”
I think about the song, about what’s coming tonight. “You could say that.”
“Everything okay? You seem... different.”
I kiss her again, longer this time. “Everything’s perfect. Tonight going to be electric.”
She grins in agreement, and I just smile. Because tonight, our relationship changes.
And I’m so ready for it.
The lights dim in the studio, and my heart pounds against my ribs. Lila’s standing in the wings, exactly where we planned, watching with that proud smile that still makes my chest tighten. She has no idea what’s coming.
The host of the show smiles, in on the act. The cameras are set up, and the stage is set.
“And now we have a special live performance by the Wild Band.” The host announces to the small audience,looking directly into the cameras. He then gestures to the side, and the spotlights and cameras shine on us.
This is it. I’m sitting behind my keyboard, the microphone in front of me. I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans.
“We’ve got something memorable for you tonight,” Cass announces, “Our own Luke Sterling has written a song, and for the first time ever, he’s going to sing for you.”
The surprised cheers from the small audience match the shocked expression on Lila’s face. Emily appears behind her, placing her hands on Lila’s shoulders to keep her in place.
“This song is for someone special in my life,” I say, my voice steady despite the thunder in my chest. “Lila,” my voice echoes through the silent room as I extend my hand. “Come here, sweetheart.”
Emily gives her a gentle push, and she walks toward me like she’s in a dream. I smile at her, and she sits down in the chair they have placed in front of me. The spotlight widens, finding us both.
I meet Lila’s eyes. And then I start to play.
The first notes fill the air, and I forget about being nervous. I forget about the camera and the millions of people watching from home. I only see her.
The lyrics come easier than I expect, the words blending perfectly with the melody I built for her.