Chapter Two
Ariel Lexington dreaded tonight. Standing backstage, listening to the opening credits and announcements roll for Sing It!, the show she'd been performing on for the last few weeks, her knees buckled beneath her. Tonight's performance had so much meaning behind it. She ran her hand along the dress wardrobe had chosen for her. A little blue number that was a little too short for her own liking, low cut in the front, exposing more cleavage than she was comfortable with. At least they'd given her shoes she could easily walk in on the stage.
This one's for you, Lucy.
“Tonight is the night our contestants perform their choice of an original work. This is a big night on Sing It!. Not only will we see the performances, but we'll learn a little more about the tunes they chose and the background behind the song. Tonight, we have another new judge joining us, Zeke 'Zinger' Sketcher!”
Ariel wanted to puke. Zeke Sketcher? She had to perform this song in front of him? First off, the guy was a rock god! Second, he was hot! And third- the man was known for his soulful lyrics. While this song had meaning for her, it was one written years ago with Lucy, and she didn't want any negative feedback. Between Zeke and Tucker, how would she survive tonight?
A promise was a promise. She'd worked hard on these lyrics with Lucy. It didn't matter what they said. The song had a special meaning because at twelve years old, they were written with her best friend.
These lyrics, among others, helped Ariel throughout her teenage years. When her parents did everything in their power to keep her a sheltered, innocent girl, music brought her to life.
This was her chance to show everyone she'd grown up, especially her overprotective mother and father.
Lucy would be proud, too.
“Hey, good luck tonight, Ariel!” A member of a five person a capella group waved to her. “I can't wait to hear your song.”
“Thanks, Lila. I'm super nervous!” She fidgeted in her seat, sweeping her gaze from Lila back to the screen to keep up with what was going on with the stage and judges.
“I know. Me too. With two new judges out there, I'm curious to see how the show goes now. I'm so damn intimidated!” Lila tugged on one of her unruly auburn curls, her plum colored lips curving up in a smile.
“Me too!” Ariel tuned her guitar and hummed, warming up her voice. She continued to monitor the TV.
“Lila! Come on! One more vocal practice!” one of her band members called.
“Well, see ya. Good luck again.” Lila waved before darting off towards her friends.
Ariel spent her remaining time before taking the stage practicing. Her nerves were totally shot, and every once in a while, acid churned in her gut. I will not throw up. I will not throw up.
“Our next contestant has wowed us with her vocal range, and you should see her dance moves! Known for her upbeat pop covers, tonight we get to see a new side to Ariel Lexington with her songwriting talent. Ariel has been quiet about this tune, but she did say it's one she co-wrote with her best friend when they were twelve. Please welcome Ariel to the stage!”
Now or never. She blew out a breath, counted to ten, and forced herself to move.
Ariel rushed toward the stage, almost tripping on her feet twice. As per usual on Sing It!, she faced the judges first for a quick talk before her performance.
“Hi, Ariel! Are you nervous tonight?” Danielle, the only original judge remaining this season, asked.
“Very much so,” Arielle responded into the microphone. Her voice squeaked, making her cringe.
“No need to be. Just give it your best shot.” Tucker shot her a sympathetic smile. Ariel recalled watching this man win on season one. Tucker had been a shy guy, but when he performed, it was like a whole other person. Having him here watching tonight left her vulnerable. After winning, he skyrocketed to fame big time. Like herself, Tucker had been unsure about this whole show, then being thrust into major fame after winning left him a little lost.
Was she prepared for fame if by some stroke of luck she won? She was surprised she'd made it this far, honestly.
And Zeke. Man, oh man. His steely eyes were fixed on her. One corner of his gorgeous mouth turned up. She'd heard rumors about this one. Ugh. To be standing up here with various influences in today's music...
He spoke softly, looking Ariel directly in the eye. “Good luck tonight, Ariel.”
Swoon! Total freakin' swoon! Between Zeke and Tucker, she was a goner. “Thank you all. Tonight's song is one I co-wrote with my best friend years ago. It may not be the perfect song to debut now, but this is a special tribute to Lucy. It's called Play All Night, and it's meant to be a fun, upbeat dance song. Here goes.”
Ignoring the fact that all eyes were on her, she launched into the tune.
I'm up for a little fun
We'll play all night, go all night
Can't take living under someone else's thumb
It'll be all right, be all right
With good friends by my side, by my side
We'll play all night, play all night
This tune was a difficult one to perform as a guitar acoustic, but Ariel made it work. The crowd seemed to eat it up, but she couldn't guess on the judges reactions. But then again, Ariel refused to look at their faces and chose to concentrate solely on the audience and their reactions. Tears threatened to fall, and she choked up on the last verse. It wasn't an emotional tune, but the memory of writing it with Lucy got the better of her.
She sang the last words with her eyes closed. The approval of the crowd carried her through until it was time to face the judges.
The moment of truth.
Danielle started first. “It's a fun tune. It doesn't necessarily bring out the best qualities in your voice, but it's catchy. I know you have a sentimental value behind the song, so I understand your need to perform it tonight. You definitely had me butt bouncing in my seat without realizing I was doing it at first. Good job.”
Ariel laughed, thinking of the butt bouncing comment. She'd done that many times in her life, and it always made her chuckle.
Tucker spoke next. He ran a hang along his goatee, as if lost in thought. “I agree with Danielle. Definitely had an upbeat and fun vibe to it. While I love a good song that moves me emotionally, I won't deny how much this one gave me the desire to get up and dance, and I'm not much for dancin'. You can ask my wife.”
These were good responses, but Ariel could tell they expected a lot more from her. Still, she held her chin up, thanked them politely, and plastered on a fake smile. Perhaps she should have waited for the second time Sing It! did a songwriting night, but a promise was a promise.
Even if Lucy didn't hear her when Ariel made it, she stuck to it as if her own life depended on it.
Zeke didn't hold back.
“Before I say what I need to say, let me tell you this.” He leaned forward, settling his gaze on her so intense, a shiver ran through her. “You've got talent. Your voice is gorgeous. Edgy and sexy. I love that. I've caught up on your previous performances, so I know you can tackle different tunes.”
Ariel nodded, staying silent. She waited for the slaying she knew was coming. It was written all over his face.
“But the song? You could have done better. Move me. Make me feel. Make me want more. Give me chills. That's what I'm looking for. This song doesn't reflect that at all. It doesn't show diversity as a songwriter. If this was the first song off your album, or first single, I wouldn't be that impressed. I've seen a lot better tonight.”
The crowd booed at him.
Danielle and Tucker burst into conversation with Zeke at the same time.
Ariel fought her tears and nearly lost. Hell. No. Crying on live TV wasn't going to cut it. Be strong.
Lucy would be proud. That's all that mattered.
“Now come on. Her performance was-” Danielle started.
“She's got catchy lyrics!” Tucker added in.
“I'm not trying to diss her talent, but the songwriting and performance aspect didn't call to me. I've seen what she can do, and I was hoping for that tonight.” Zeke held up his hands. “You all asked for honesty, and it's exactly what I'm giving.”
“Thank you,” Ariel said into the microphone before bolting off stage. She ignored the crowd and barely paid attention to the person standing at the edge of the stage. She needed to get out of the public eye before breaking down like a complete fool.
Did she really have what it took to make it?