Page 1 of Omega Rock

ChapterOne

MIA

It’swhen Brett hits his tenth wrong note of the evening that I know this show is going downhill fast. My songs aren’t even that complicated! But really, was there any more uphill after last week’s video went viral? Three million views across all the social media apps onthatvideo, millions more on the other two that went viral, and suddenly people are banging down this venue’s doors to see me. I mean, notreallybanging down the doors, but close enough.

And Brett fucking fucks it up on bass.

Davis then gets off-beat with his drums and I try hard not to sigh into the mic as I finish outthe song. My viral hit,Dreaming Late.

Maybe I should have booked an acoustic set with Seth, the bar’s manager, for tonight instead. Or used background tracks with electronic instruments like the tracks on my videos. But no, Seth said his clientèle only like live music that’s lively—and has drums. Very specific.

Surely if Seth had met Davis he’d have said no to the drums.

Every time I go out to play a live gig I book different musicians. It’s never the same drummer or bassist. And maybe that’s the problem. Unfortunately, I can barely afford the gas to get to some of these venues, let alone pay to keep people on retainer. That’s what a label and manager should be paying for, but Wes only signed me six months ago. And, yes, three viral videos is a great sign for increasing success. But not fullyenough, apparently, for my manager to pay for those things just yet.

It’s this stress—and that of hoping no one posts videos of this poor performance—that twist any amount of pride I might have had free from my body.

I bow and give thanks to Brett and Davis, then hop off stage to the sounds of Sable, my pink-haired best friend, clapping and hollering.

“WOO! Go Mia!” she shouts from where she sits at the front of the stage, clad in a black skirt, black Designation Outsider t-shirt, and high-heeled black boots. She looks like a walking 2010’s Hot Topic ad.

I flash her a beaming smile. Sable’s always had my back ever since we met in fourth grade and decided, upon being desk mates, that we’d be best friends forever. How true that was turning out to be.

I throw my arms around her and she swings me around. For being just as short as I am, there’s a whole lot of strength in her 5’5” body. “Thank you, Sable.”

Sable smiles wider, if that’s possible. “You were amazing as always. And Brett and Davis weren’t too bad. Were you, guys?” She asks them as they pass by. They just give a little wave and head for Seth to get paid. I won’t see them again. Sable leans in and groans out, “Even I could’ve played bass better.”

I chuckle. “If you knew how, I’d hire you.”

She elbows me playfully in the side and hands me a cup of ice water. What I really want is a whisky neat, but I know Sable won’t allow it. Which honestly is for the best. I don’t have the greatest… control, or reason, when it comes to alcohol. Especially lately.

Instead, I sip the water and relish the way it feels on my throat after performing for an hour. My music and the songs I cover is rock, heavy, and generally involves more screams than runs. I’ve gotten good at doing it all correctly and not destroying my throat, but even still. Better to hydrate and rest after.

Seth appears with a plate of fries on the house. He’s wearing black jeans and a black t-shirt that reveals full tattoo sleeves on both arms. “Thank you, ladies, for visiting tonight. And to you, Mia, for performing.”

I flash him a dazzling smile. “Thank you for the opportunity. I really appreciate the chance.”

Seth chuckles and rubs his beard. “The chance to haveyouplay here?”

He turns and gestures toward the lively bar. Therearea lot of people in here tonight, and all of them knew the words toDreaming Late. It’s surreal—almost as surreal as Brett and Davis not really practicing beforehand. And like yes, sure, I’m just a local act. But even still.

I wave him off. “I’m just me. Thank you again, Seth.”

Seth inclines his head with a rather fatherly look. “You’re not just you, Mia. You do have talent, and I’d love to have you back any time. Although maybe with a real band behind you.”

Sable laughs and claps Seth on the shoulder. “You’re not half-bad, Seth.”

He gives her a roguish wink before walking away.

I lean in to Sable. “I’m sorry, was that awink?”

Sable’s cheeks flush red. “Literally just met the guy.”

I sip my water again. “I don’t know, might be worth it. He seems nice.”

Sable giggles nervously, and that’s how I know she’s for sure into Seth. “Maybe. Maybe I’ll drop him my number.”

I nod toward Seth who’s nearly made it back behind the bar to serve customers. “Better do it quick.”

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