The next month was a whirlwind. Laura met with a few possible backup bands and clicked with the one that Ricky had mentioned when they first met. The guys in the band were talented musicians, all a few years older than her, except for the drummer, Jimmy who was the same age. Tom was on bass guitar, and Dylan played the lead guitar. Tom and Jimmy were brothers and looked it, with bright red hair and freckles.

Once they were all comfortable with each other, Ricky lined up their first gigs around town. This was nothing new for the rest of the band but for Laura, it was huge—terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. It felt entirely different from the many writer’s nights she’d done because those never felt like they were about her—it was always the song.

During the day, Laura had also started to record at the studio which was more exciting than anything she’d experienced so far. The hours flew by as she sang the same songs over and over again, and she never minded. She was fascinated by the whole process, adding in different effects and background tracks and trying slightly different spins on her delivery.

On the Friday before her first gig, she was in the studio working on one of the newest songs when Harry stopped by to listen for a bit and to wish her luck.

“Ricky tells me tonight is your first official performance. You’re probably a little nervous?”

“I am,” she admitted.

Harry smiled. “It’s normal. Use it to your advantage. Just focus on the music. It only takes one song that breaks out and you’re on your way. Wouldn’t surprise me if it’s the one you were just working on. Are you planning to sing that one tonight?”

“I’m not sure, actually. Dylan was working on the playlist. We’ve practiced it, though, so we could.”

“Tell him I suggested you add it. And pay attention to how the crowd reacts.”

“Okay, I’ll tell him.”

* * *

It was a different feeling to be part of a scheduled act and paid performers instead of wannabes waiting for a turn to sing. Laura felt like pinching herself when she wasn’t feeling sick with nerves. The Spire was a place that she’d only been to a few times since she moved to town. They were known for having great local bands and up-and-comers to keep an eye on. They charged a cover and Laura and her friends mostly went to the smaller venues and the open mic nights. This was something else entirely.

The energy in the air felt electric. She could hear the hum of the crowd, laughter, and conversations. A quick peek from backstage showed that the room was almost entirely full, and all the tables and seats near the stage were taken. Hundreds of people, waiting to hear music—her music. She swallowed nervously, hoping that she wouldn’t disappoint them.

“You’ll do fine.” Dylan appeared by her side and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

“Thanks. I’m trying not to think about being nervous.”

“Just follow my lead. Find a focal point in the audience and look that way and just feel the music, let it go through you. You know what to do.”

“You guys ready? You’re on in five.” Tony, the bar manager, came back to check on them before disappearing back into the crowd.

“Let’s do this.” Dylan grabbed her hand and led her to their set up on stage. Laura lifted her guitar over her shoulder and adjusted it, feeling safer behind it. She wouldn’t be playing the way that the others would be, just strumming along, so she could focus on her vocals, but she was happy to do that.

The background music faded, and Tony bounded on stage to introduce them to the crowd.

“Everyone, you’re in for a treat. This is Laura Scott’s official first gig with her new band. She recently signed with Black Duck and is working on a CD. Enjoy!”

When the music started, Laura took a deep breath and looked around the room to find her focal point. For a moment she felt dizzy as the swarm of people was overwhelming, but she forced the fear down. The familiar melody swept over her, and she began to sing, trying to disappear into the music, but she was still overly aware of the audience. She sensed that her voice was a little wobbly at first but it evened out and when the song ended, there was polite applause.

They were on the last song of their first set when Dylan looked around and said, “A slight change in order. Let’s do Breaking Down now and First Love in the second set.” Breaking Down was the song Harry had suggested they add. First Love was her very first song, which was still her favorite. It was a softer melody whereas Breaking Down was more of an attention getter.

“Fine by me,” she said.

The tempo to the song had a different energy, more upbeat. And as she sang, Laura sensed a shift of interest in the crowd. People chatting less, and leaning forward to listen. It was a fun song to sing, and the lyrics were catchier. It was easier for her to lose herself in the song. When she finished, there was a moment of silence that was electrifying, and then the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Dylan grinned and gave her a thumbs up. “You nailed it!” he said as they walked off-stage for a twenty-minute break between their two sets.

When they came back on, Laura noticed a difference. During most of the first set, the crowd had been listening but not really fully engaged until her last song. She supposed she couldn’t blame them. They’d never heard of her before, and she knew she wasn’t quite herself for most of the set. But now, they seemed eager to hear more.

They started with another one of her newer songs and finished the set with First Love. Dylan had suggested during the break that she say a few words before it, to thank them all for coming and help them to get to know her a bit. It was one thing to sing, with the band supporting her, but to directly address a crowd this size was daunting. But she recognized a good idea when she heard it.

She took a step forward and smiled at the crowd before speaking. “Thank you all for coming tonight. I really appreciate it. We all do.” She then introduced all the members of the band and the audience clapped politely for each of them. “This last song is special to me. It’s actually the very first song I wrote, though it’s gone through many changes over the years. This is the latest version. I hope you like it.”

As she always did with this song, Laura disappeared into the music. It was a part of her, and she still didn’t know where this song came from, but it spoke to her and from the reaction it usually got on open mic nights, it connected with others, too. Tonight was no exception. When she finished singing, the crowd was on their feet as one, clapping and hollering. It was the biggest reaction she’d received yet, and it was surprising and so gratifying. She glanced over at Dylan, and he was looking at the crowd. When he turned her way, he had an expression that she couldn’t read, but he looked pleased.

“I think they want more,” he said.

“Really?” She hadn’t even considered the possibility of an encore.

“Yeah. Let’s do Magic.” Magic was another new song that they’d only done a few times together, but Laura knew it was one of her best.

They launched into the song and Laura was having the time of her life. The song was electric, and the crowd was loving it. The applause when they finished made that clear.

“First round is on me,” Dylan said when they left the stage. They were all on a high.

The hours had flown by, and she didn’t want the night to end. Tina, Rufus, and Jason were all there. Laura stopped by their table to say hello before joining the rest of the band.

“Is it always like that?” she asked as Dylan pulled out a chair for her to join them at their table where they were all drinking beer. A moment later a waitress came by to get her a drink, and she ordered a glass of wine.

Dylan exchanged amused glances with the others and shook his head. “No, it’s not. But when it is, it’s really something else. That was special tonight. I knew you were good, but man, that was something.”

“It was fun.”

Dylan lifted his glass and the others raised theirs. “Here’s to many more nights like this one!”