Page 146 of Next to Everything We Wanted

Ellis nudged her. “We aren’t that bad. We remembered to put on deodorant.”

Celeste sniffed him, and her nose wrinkled. “I hope you haven’t recommended the brand you use to anyone.”

“That’s Forrest you’re smelling.”

Forrest sniffed Ellis and frowned. “Try again.”

Ellis groaned. “Well, we’re all going to smell like a gym while performing anyway. People will be too busy smelling the overly expensive alcohol to care.”

Forrest flinched at the mention of alcohol. “If you say so.” He got out of the car, and the rest of us followed.

Staring at Moonlight Lounge’s entrance, with flashing strobe lights that were strong enough to blind us, made my legs wobble. In less than an hour, we’d be performing for hundreds of people. A lot of our fans would be here, but there would still be so many people who’d never heard of us. Maybe even other owners of popular places would be here to check out our performance.

Phoenix slipped an arm over my shoulder as we walked inside. “We’re going to be alright. It’s just like performing at What Do You Bean, only in a club setting.”

I offered him a smile. “Hopefully.”

There was a line out the door, though we were able to skip it since our names were on the list. I’d also put Like Airplanes on the list so they could skip without any problem. Part of me was sad that Sienna’s cousins weren’t old enough to come, but I hoped we’d have the chance to perform somewhere else in the future.

After having our IDs checked, we were directed down a hallway at the back of the club. The security opened a door for us, revealing Jimmy Cook and a few other men.

Jimmy smiled when he saw us, his glasses tilting. “Good evening, Somewhere in the Sky. Ready for tonight?”

“Been ready all week,” Phoenix said, confidence in his voice as he adjusted his leather jacket.

We murmured in agreement, excitement buzzing through the room.

Jimmy led us into another room, one with a few couches and lights. “You can hang out here before and after your performance. You’re also allowed to invite your friends to hang out here—the ones you put on the list to skip the line. Your instruments will be put on the stage around six-forty-five.”

We nodded and thanked him for this opportunity before he closed the door.

Celeste beamed at me, twirling her hair over her finger. She’d redone her blonde highlights and trimmed her hair a bit, and it flowed down her sheer black shirt with gold pearls littered throughout. The guys would go crazy when they saw her. “You look great.”

“Thank you.” I looked down at my classic black leather jacket and blue button-down. “You look great, too.”

“Thanks. We’re going to kill it tonight.” She smiled again before turning on her heel to talk to Ellis.

“Do you think they’d make a great couple?” I whispered to Phoenix and Forrest.

Phoenix snorted. “Did you not catch a whiff of Ellis in the car? Celeste has better standards thanthat.”

“This is the rare time I agree with Phoenix,” Forrest said, taking a sip of water. “They may enjoy the hot makeouts and picnic dates, but then Celeste will remember that Ellis is practically a kid.”

“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “They’re the closest in age and both grew up in April Springs before they went to Hollywood.”

“Are you guys talking about us?” Celeste asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No,” I said at the same time Forrest and Phoenix said, “Yes.”

Celeste rolled her eyes. “What is it this time?”

“Gavin thinks you’d be the perfect couple.” Forrest wiggled his eyebrows at me, and it reminded me of Raina with Sienna. “Picnic dates and making out backstage and everything.”

I held back an ugly snort.

Ellis gagged. “You may as well ask me to kissyou.”

Forrest’s face scrunched up. “Sorry, dude, your hair isn’tthatgreat.”