Page 98 of Ravaged By Lust

Holy shit.

Gary smiles and shakes the rockstar’s hand. “It was no problem. I love the girl and I want what’s best for her.”

“You and me both.”

“Can I just say,” Gary begins. “That I am a huge fan of your music.”

Bishop smiles. “I like you. How about I get you a drink, Gary? I’ll introduce you to my band’s manager. I think you two will get along famously…”

I watch in utter amazement as the two men stroll off, practically arm-in-arm. Gary flicks his head around and flashes a wink at me.

I can’t believe those two. All that weird tension and now they get along like a house on fire.

It gives me a moment free to scan the room checking for any signs of Maddie’s boss. None so far.

In my worries, I very nearly forget that I’ve been commissioned to sing until Maddie appears by my side.

“Have you seen him yet?” I ask her.

“Nothing.”

“Well, Mom’s here.”

“We can’t keep stalling forever,” she tells me, nodding towards the makeshift stage. “It’s time. I’ll introduce you.”

“Okay.”

Oh, here goes.

Maddie gets up to the microphone and gets everyone’s attention.

“I am so happy you all were able to make it this evening,” she says. “Thank you for coming.”

I glance around the room. Someone new enters. A middle-aged man.

Bishop nudges me. “That’s Winston,” he whispers in my ear.

I nod.

Finally.

I guessed as much.

“My new friend and sort-of-sister, Chloe Stoll, is going to perform for you now,” Maddie announces, gesturing towards me. “She’s going to be the next big star in music, so count yourselves lucky you’ve seen her today.”

I blush again. Bishop squeezes my hand. Thank God he’s here beside me. I honestly don’t know what I would do without his calm, confident support.

I jump onto the stage and take over the microphone from Maddie.

“Break a leg,” she tells me as she passes.

Before I start to sing, I take in a long, deep breath and glance around the crowd.

I see Mom. I see Winston. I see the members of Ravaged.

This is your passion. This is what you’ve been put on this planet to do. This is what you love.

And then I sing.