Michelle was just as stunned as Helen. She found it hard to believe that the same, mysterious biker they had run into in Barbados, happened to be living in Los Angeles. However, it wasn’t long before she changed the subject. She was not so anxious about her performance anymore; Helen’s pep talk had boosted her confidence. Amazingly enough, Michelle chose not to bring up work at all, during their drive to their hotel. Instead, she chose to gossip about Gina and Rick. Understanding that such a topic would help her friend relieve her stress, and eager to find out more details about the new couple, Helen listened to everything she had to say. The two of them had a wonderful time, laughing about Gina’s bossy attitude.

The following night found Helen, Michelle and James in a small dressing room in the backstage area of the venue. Olivia’s husband was anxiously flipping through the pages of his sheet music, while Michelle was busy fixing her makeup. Helen remained silent, unwilling to address his nervousness. James had not been famous for his cool temper. There was always a chance of him snapping at her; she was not going to take any chances. So, she chose to focus on her friend.

“You look wonderful,” Helen complimented Michelle, standing behind her.

“Thank you, darling,” a bright smile lit up Michelle’s face, as she eased the eyeliner down on the dresser. Noticing a big, black hat and a pair of sunglasses next to it, she turned to James.

“Are you sure the sunglasses are a good idea?” Michelle inquired. “Will you able to see anything?”

“I tried them on earlier.” James declared, reaching down to pick up his hat. “I could see just fine.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing.” Michelle added, as he put his hat on. At that moment, a hard knock on the door, followed by a loud, hoarse voice drew their attention.

“You’re up in two!”

“Oh, my God,” Michelle spoke too fast.

“It’s all going to be alright,” James made his voice as calm and steady as possible, maintaining eye contact with her as he put his sunglasses on. “Tonight’s your night.”

“Yeah, go get them,” Helen encouraged, patting her on the back; “Both of you.”

“Okay…” Michelle sucked in a deep breath, closing her eyes. “Let’s do this.”

James started towards the door, as the two women followed. Upon opening it, he turned left and into a narrow corridor. Multiple, red, green and blue lights were lit, as he walked on stage. James settled his gaze on the piano across from him, as Michelle made her way towards the center of the stage. Helen stopped just before the exit and folded her arms across her chest, as a long round of applause filled the air.

“Good evening, everybody,” Michelle spoke through the microphone. “I’d like to thank you all for coming tonight. Now, let’s have some fun. Three, two, one…”

James put his hands over the piano keys, shutting his eyes, as she gripped the microphone. The first song they would play that night was the one that had sent shockwaves throughout the music industry: “Olivia”. Helen watched, as the two artists joined each other, proving to her that she had been right to believe in them. Michelle sang with presence and passion, her smoky voice rocking the arena to its core, as James’s fingers danced slowly over the keys. Each and every lyric exploded out of her mouth, sending the audience into a flurry of emotion. James sang his wife’s name for the chorus, the echoes of his loud, powerful voice ripping through the air…

Was it a dream – Was it a lie

An illusion of a life so far away

A whisper of fate – A breathless sigh

Or a tiny spark in my lightless day

Frozen inside my love you found me

Broken heart in a world of pain

Shadow of the one I used to be

A shattered wolf, howling in the rain

Olivia, my heart’s on fire

Olivia calls out my name

Olivia, my burning desire

Olivia, my dying flame

Your eyes like a river they flowed

Love so strong in my aching soul

Blinded by greed this love you sold

Bound by lust – acting a role

Lying on the snow my heart is bleeding

Scent of betrayal lingers in the air

Pale moon through the trees is peeking

This lonely night is my cross to bear

Olivia, my heart’s on fire

Olivia calls out my name

Olivia, my burning desire

Olivia, my dying flame

Michelle loosened her grip on the microphone, as James pressed the keys with passion for the outro. The capacity crowd didn’t wait for him to play the last few chords. A few seconds before the end of the song, most of them rose from their seats and burst into a loud, warm round of applause. Michelle slowly opened her eyes and looked out into the ecstatic crowd, with a broad smile on her face, as Helen frantically clapped her hands. Unlike their first time on stage, James remained seated and turned to the crowd, savoring every second of this.

You guys were made for this. Helen thought to herself. Your voices and instruments are always in perfect harmony. You have heart; soul. What is more important than that? I’d love to stay here for the rest of the show, but I need to get ready for my date. I’ll have plenty of chances to watch you later.