Chapter Ten
“Our next singer is Ariel Lexington. Here's a little of her week rehearsing with Zeke Sketcher.”
Zeke watched closely, wondering how much of their undeniable chemistry would show to the rest of the world. He still couldn't get the kiss out of his mind, and knew he crossed a line when he went out of his way to touch her. Even the slightest one, a brush against her arm, especially when they were singing together, led him more and more into trouble. He hid a grin as he watched the memories of their last week play out on screen. More and more each day, Zeke looked forward to any time they got to work together. Little by little, he learned more about Ariel. The more he knew, the more he liked her.
“Here to sing Don't Stop the Music for this week's solo song is Ariel! And later, you'll get the full version of her duet with Zeke. Can't wait for that one!”
Strobe lights flickered fast, in sync with the beat of the song. Smoke lit up the stage as Ariel made her way to the middle with the mic. This wasn't the best tune for her vocals, and Zeke sure as hell didn't approve of her get up, but who was he to say? Don't get him wrong, the outfit was short and sexy showed off her long, gorgeous legs which he wanted wrapped around him, but it wasn't her. It fit the mood of the tune, but Zeke knew immediately Ariel wasn't comfortable.
She wasn't at her full potential tonight. Zeke cringed as she missed her cue several times and scrambled to catch up. Ariel didn't get frustrated or cry like some singers would, but he could tell she struggled. As she continued to attempt catching up, her words came out rushed, her breathing was off, and she held the mic too close to her lips. What happened? She'd had a great week. News about Lucy maybe?
Her number came to an end. The crowd cheered, but Zeke didn't feel the typical enthusiasm.
Here came the worst part- making comments. How the hell did he handle this one without shattering her completely, but still give his honest opinion?
“Come on over here and let's have a listen to what the judges say.” The announcer beckoned.
Ariel blew out a breath. Beads of sweat formed at her brow, and though she fought them hard, tears were in her eyes.
And then she flicked her gaze his way, and mouthed 'I'm sorry'.
He wanted to run over there and hug her, then kiss her senseless, but he couldn't. Instead, he nodded, trying to stay neutral.
“The song is a fun one, but you kept missing your cue, as I'm sure you know,” Danielle began.
“Yes, I know.” Ariel's voice came out small, barely heard above the crowd and the other noises around them.
Tucker leaned back in his seat. “I know sometimes it's not easy to let outside forces go while you're performing. Some days, you pick an upbeat, fun song to sing when your heart is hurtin'”
“This is so true,” Ariel agreed.
“I feel you've come so far, and tonight was a little bit of a setback. Whatever you're goin' through, I hope it gets better. You've got talent, and I love your voice, so all I can offer for advice is to remember not every time will be perfect. I hope to see more of what I know you can do next week.” Tucker's words were encouraging and kind at the same time. Zeke still tried to think of the best thing for him to say, because now came his turn.
“I think you were pushed out of your comfort zone. I saw the determination on your face just before the music began, and then something changed. I know you can do better, I've seen it first hand. You already know what went wrong, no need to beat it relentlessly in your mind, so just clear your head and be ready to bring your A game next time.” He searched her face for any kind of idea what happened. Ariel gave nothing away.
*****
Why couldn't I have waited to realize my faults until after singing?
Angry tears blurred her vision after hitting the dressing room for a wardrobe change. All the judges were nice enough, but they all knew and saw right through her.
The song was too fast paced to catch up, and she'd butchered it.
This time, she wore a simple dress in a teal color, which came down to her knees. The V-neck wasn't low cut, but it showed a hint of cleavage. Much better than the short dress which clung to her skin and she always feared rode up her ass. The only thing she'd loved about that number was the color. A deep velvety red. The rest, she could have done without.
How would she face Zeke and sing with him now?
Someone knocked on the door. The stylist- Anna, opened it. “Mr. Sketcher!”
Ariel's heart raced. What was he doing here?
“I just want a quick pep talk with Ariel before we perform our duet.” His voice warmed her heart. Damn, this man wouldn't be easy to forget when she left. Ariel would go home with memories of her close encounter with a rock star.
“Yes, of course. She's ready.” Anna rushed out. What the hell? What did Zeke do, pay her? Normally Anna wouldn't go anywhere until she'd completely finished her job.
“Hey, you. Look at me.” Zeke prodded softly as he approached her.
Ariel stood on shaky legs and turned slowly, afraid of what she'd see. Pity? Anger?
“What happened tonight?” he asked gently.
“I don't think I have it in me. I love singing, love songwriting even more, but I'm not cut out for a professional career. I derailed myself tonight because I couldn't concentrate. One slip up led to another.” She squared her shoulders, ready to face the fall out.
His hand landed on her shoulder, gently caressing. His eyes were full of wonder and confusion. “I think you do have what it takes. It's just going to take some prodding to show you exactly what you're capable of.” He gently turned her toward the mirror. “The woman you're looking at is afraid. She's never been out of her shell until now, and I'm willing to bet she doesn't want to come out a hundred percent.”
Ariel swallowed hard. He had it spot on, but her love for singing didn't compare to anyone else out there. “I just ... what happens if I win and I'm not ready for this? Someone else who truly wants it should get it. Though after tonight, I really can't imagine myself getting past the next round.
“You never know. I think everyone sees what I do, a woman with a voice who needs a chance to show off her talents.”
Someone knocked on the door again. Zeke immediately took a step back and muttered a curse. “I wish we had more time. I'll see you in a few for our duet.”
Ariel watched him walk away, taking in his helpful words and wishing his hand was still on her. Anna reentered the room, closed the door, and acted like nothing interrupted them.
Ten minutes later, Ariel walked out of the room. She forced herself to think clearly. One messed up tune tonight was enough.
“It's almost time for your duet,” one of the crew said to Ariel, barely giving her a backwards glance. “Get in place!”
She stood at the edge of the stage, patiently waiting for her cue. This time, Ariel forced all the negativity out of her mind, closed her eyes, and prepared for this duet. She would not make Zeke look bad, damn it.
“It's time for our duets, and first up is Zeke Sketcher with Ariel Lexington. It's going to be interesting hearing these two voices pair up. Here to sing Dangerous Territory, please welcome Zeke and Ariel!”
Damn, why did the song have to be Zeke's? Granted, that's what the rules were, but it made her so nervous. She couldn't afford to mess up. Zeke took the stage with his guitar and started to play. His voice carried her through the doubts as she hung on every word.
On cue, Ariel slowly made her way toward him, mic in hand. When she sang her first lines, the crowd went wild. Zeke turned to her, a smile on his lips as he shot her a knowing wink.
When it came time to sing together, Ariel surprised herself with how her sound blended perfectly with Zeke's. He faced her, rocking out on the guitar as he sang. It was like he wanted to sing only to her.
The song he'd chosen seemed to fit them. Did he know how much she wanted him, too? Did Zeke know this wasn't one sided?
Did it honestly matter? He was a rock star, and she was a wannabe without a chance.
The pair finished out the song with a strong note. Applause filled the room. Zeke leaned over and hugged her before they exited the stage.
Left awestruck at the moment, Ariel followed suit shortly after.
Whatever happened, at least she tried. She'd carry this dream and memory in her heart forever: the stage experience, most of the people she'd met, and Zeke.
Especially Zeke.
*****
All night long, Ariel had variations of dreams where she was eliminated from the show and all of the judges laughed her off the stage. She woke up in a sweat and tears every time.
She'd finally decided enough was enough at four am and stayed awake. Most of the time she spent writing lyrics, watching TV, and listening to music. Breakfast and most of the day went by in a blur. Ariel ignored the media and Facebook, because she had a feeling they weren't going to go as easy on her.
By the time the results show was to begin, Ariel had told herself she'd be fine if this became the end for her. She'd given it her best, and she could go home and hope for the best with Lucy.
Zeke would be a dream. They'd go back to their lives and forget the attraction. He'd taught her plenty, and she'd never forget it. By next week, Ariel would see his face plastered across the tabloids with some woman, and she would stare at his photo and think of the brief time they shared together on a reality show.
“Tonight for our special performance, we have Zinger! We will also find out our three lowest contestants and who is going home.”
Clips of last night's performances played across the screen. Ariel didn't want to see, but she couldn't tear her eyes away from the clips, even when hers came on. Without sound, she looked at ease, other than the expression of utter panic on her face. Yeah, so she didn't hide that well at all.
“Before Zinger takes the stage, let's find out who our three lowest contestants were from last night.”
The moment she wasn't waiting for.
Ariel assumed Zeke wouldn't be with the other two judges, so she dared to sneak a glance that way.
And found him looking right at her, the same intense 'I want you but can't have you' look.
Damn.
Ariel's insides turned to mush, and when the corners of his lips curved up, she knew she was in over her head.
“Ariel Lexington, Marie Bellini, and Shane Redmon. The three of you had the lowest scores from last night. Who will go home? Find out soon when Sing It! continues.”
Damn the dreaded commercial break. The few minutes it took to return to live again seemed like an eternity. Ariel held her head up high and kept her composure. Sure, the last few times she'd been in the low scoring group and thought that was it, she'd been wrong.
This time, she was pretty damn certain she wouldn't be wrong.
“Performing their brand new single Dead in the Water, give it up for fill in-judge Zeke Sketcher and his award winning band, Zinger!”
Lights dimmed. Only the silhouettes of five people were visible on stage. The drummer's solo began, a slow and steady beat, gradually gaining speed. If it was meant to ramp up the crowd, it worked. Ariel's anticipation grew. Just as the lights shone on the men, the guitars joined in with the drumming. A spotlight lit up on Zeke as he kept his head low, jamming on his black electric guitar. The same one he played with the day Ariel walked in on their extra session late.
Zeke played with passion. No wonder he gave her that advice. His stage persona was intense! His fingers flew across the strings as he played his riffs. When he opened up to sing and finally raised his head, he captured Ariel's full attention. She hung on every word.
Storm tossed waves
Too many memories played
A night I do and don't regret
But you haven't left my heart yet
Your presence here is strong
I feel like I've been swimming all night long
Weak limbs
Stupid confusing heart
I should have known you'd break me
From the very start
Here I lie
Almost dead in the water
as the memory of you drags me under
As Zeke played near the front of the stage, females of all ages screamed his name and held out their hands, hoping for him to touch them. Not missing a beat, he stepped closer and made a few of their dreams come true by touching his hand to theirs. His singing voice was deep and raspy, and the words to the song were catchy and raw.
As he ended the song, Zeke briefly shot a glance her way before he was led off stage with the rest of his band.
“There you have it! Zinger and their new tune! Thanks for debuting it on the show tonight. And now for the time we all dread. One contestant will go home.” Derek returned, talking over the roar of the crowd.
The main theme from the judges tonight was don't give up. Ariel heard the words, but they whizzed by her mind in a blur.
“Marie Bellini, Ariel Lexington, and Shane Redmon, come on over here.” Sympathy shone in Derek's eyes, just like every week. “The singer going home tonight is...”
Ugh, that dreaded dramatic pause!
“Ariel Lexington.”