Page 8 of Conquest

Evan caught the irritation that flashed over Jesse’s face when the keyboardist obviously hit the wrong notes. He smiled to himself. The guy was a perfectionist, he could see it. And with the talent he had already shown, why shouldn’t he be?

Jesse bent down at the front of the stage to a group of swooning young women. They reached out, desperate to touch his hand. He floated his fingertips from one outstretched hand to another.

Evan watched him, his fingers tingling with the desire to feel Jesse’s soft touch on them. From under his black hair, a droplet of sweat rolled down Jesse’s temple, past his indigo eye, and over his elegantly raised cheekbone to linger on his delicate jaw before dripping away. He stood up straight, his white shirt slipped from one shoulder. He tipped his head back as he raised his mic, singing the second verse and chorus,

“Now I’m sitting all alone in the darkness.

Listening for your voice in the silence.

All I have left are illusions and dreams.

Your phantom body lying next to me.

Another memory trickles down my cheek,

And I slip a little bit more.

What can I do?

Don’t leave me to drown,

In these shattered memories.

I want to scream,

But I can’t breathe,

I’m falling away.

Can’t you see,

That I’m alone,

And I’m slipping away?

I can’t stop myself.

Can’t catch myself.

Take my hand

Pull me out,

Please save me.

I’m shattering,

Breaking…”

Jesse stepped back from the front of the stage as the song finished. He bowed to the crowd and flashed a stunning smile.

Evan started breathing again. He staggered back to the bar and dropped down on a stool.

“Need another beer?” the bartender asked.

Evan shook his head, still in a daze. “No, thanks.”

“He’s some singer, isn’t he? I tell ya, with all the crap on the radio these days, if ever there was a band that deserved getting a record deal, it’s them. I really hope they make it someday.”