Page 40 of Sorry, We're Closed

He bites his thumb, holding back a laugh as I wave him off. Sawyer lingers in the doorway until I turn the corner and leave the alley. The suns setting over Tetherton today, and all I can dream about on this walk home is how I'd love to run the entire length of that beach with him.

“Hey, I got home as soon as I could, what's up?”

I’m scrambling to get in the front door and to take my boots off at the same time. I’m so confused by Marcus' message, but I don't want to risk being too calm or nonchalant about it. Could it be about my father? No, the message was too friendly.Are we leaving already? That thought sends a chill over my skin because I am not ready to leave Sawyer just yet. We are… something. And that something needs to be discussed soon.

Marcus leans on the island with a coffee in hand, the mug moving between his lips and the marble counter.

“This is nothing compared to that coffee you bring back all the time.”

I smile and nod in agreement as I sit on one of the bar stools.

“Thank you for coming back from wherever you were, but I couldn't keep this news back from you.”

He finishes his mug and dumps it in the sink before placing himself on the stool next to me.

“We've performed in many venues. Stages, festivals, pubs, bars, and clubs.”

I raise an eyebrow, trying my best to figure out where this is going.

“However, we have never performed on a beach.”

My mouth drops and my hands grab the counter to stabilise my seat since my surprise nearly sends me to the floor.

“You and I, Bright Lights, are performing tomorrow night at the Tetherton's Farewell to Summer Nights!”

We both leap up from our stools and hug each other, jumping and patting each other's back as we celebrate. Marcus had been contacting anyone with any relevance to this festival in the hopes it would tempt someone to make some space for us. While Marcus’ begging and pleading over the phone and over emails didn’t seem to convince anyone, it seems it wasn’t needed. The founders of the festival had seen our sudden uprise, our sudden soaring popularity around the town resulting in multiple ticket holders putting our name forward to perform for the masses attending. Tetherton definitely feels good for us,for multiple reasons.A night on Tetherton's beach vibrating with back-to-back band performances, fuelled by overpriced alcohol, barbecue meat and party goers who are not ready to say goodbye to Summer. Summer is practically disappearing already, with the single digit temperatures creeping in and the sun leaving us too soon now, but some people just can't accept it. It seems that this is the biggest night for local talent in Tetherton, so we need to perform the crap out of it.

“This is our chance, Avory! Our best chance yet!”

Marcus darts for the fridge and pulls out two brown glass bottles of beer. He cracks them both on his teeth and passes me one. We clink the openings together before sipping, celebrating a new experience we'll never forget. Marcus places his beer down as he dashes to the bathroom, and in those moments on my own, I send a text to the person who I also want to celebrate with. I realise that I never told him that everything’s alright as I see a message waiting for me.

Sawyer:Hi, is everything alright? Is your uncle okay? :)

Avory:Yes! More than okay, thank you! We just got a place in the Farewell to Summer Nights show! This is huge for Bright Lights!

Sawyer:Omg that's amazing, A! The drinks are on me the next time you are in! <3

Avory:Deal <3

Sawyer: I wish I could come and see you guys live, but I hope you can understand why I can't :(

Avory:I'll take some videos and photos for you <3.

Sawyer sends back three green hearts as our conversation ends. My mind still struggles to comprehend everything he has told me, from everything that has happened in the past to everything he is forced through now. I'd give anything to see a familiar face in a crowd of strangers. Marcus brings my mind back into our kitchen as he strolls in, readjusting his belt.

“So, are you ready to rehearse?”

We spend the rest of that evening and the whole next day rehearsing in the studio, and it pays off massively. The night curtains have been pulled over the sky as it overflows with stars and the full, silver moon, reflecting over the waves that are soaking the golden sands. Towering tiki torches are staked in the sands, the tangerine flames serving as the only light source across the entire beach as bamboo huts with woven straw roofs are scattered all over. An overwhelming number of regional menus hang from each hut, accompanied by assortments of cocktails which we don’t even recognise.

In the centre of the incredible setup, proudly stood a stage, the largest we have ever performed on. A wall stands behind the curved-edged stage, lined with paper-flamed tiki touches, where a group of staff come on between each performance and change the flag hanging to the next performer’s name. We drag our cases through the sand, which isn't an easy job in itself, let alone with our performance outfits on and meet a burly, bearded man who stands by the side of the stage, tents pitched up behind him for performers. A hi-vis jacket is stretched to its limit because of this man’s shoulders, and he really minimises Marcus as we approach.

“Hey there, we're Bright Lights, we're performing tonight!” Marcus has to shout due to the sheer bass coming from the speakers which line the front of the stage. The man cracks his neck as he checks a clipboard which sits on a speaker, and he ticks a box.

“Go on though, but don't bother with a tent! You're on next, so go straight the side of the stage and my associates will direct you from there.” His voice is deep with a raspy tone as he points to a couple of people waving us over.

Marcus takes the lead as we nod and wave to the security guard. A ginger woman, who dons a headset and a baggy black hoodie which reads ‘crew’ on the sleeve and back, quickly waves as she answers a call, while a shorter guy – around Sawyer's height – rushes up to us with a camera dangling around his neck.

“Hey there! I'm Brendon, and that's Sophie! She's the coordinator for the entire production basically, so anything about your show that is particular, speak to her!”

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