Page 13 of Unexpected Adventures

Chapter Four

Denise approaches us, squealing with delight. I notice she’s now back in her capris and blouse. “You’re just in time! Although I didn’t think I’d see you so soon. Doesn’t Sherri sound wonderful? This is going to be so much fun!”

My enthusiasm nowhere near matches hers. Sweat is breaking out along my upper lip and I feel my armpits tingle. I want to slink back out of the room. Singing in the car or the privacy of my own apartment is one thing … again, something Denise is privy to, as we’ve shared plenty of private singing parties. But singing in front of all these people? Not happening.

It all stems back to grade school when for some unknown reason I was chosen to be the lead in a play. I never did anything to stand out and say, “Hey, pick me!” And being the lead actress requires talking. And singing! What were they thinking? I tried to explain to the teacher that I couldn’t do it, but all I ever got was his encouragement to try.

So, try I did … and failed miserably at it. During the first rehearsal, my voice cracked, the classroom laughed, and I curled up into a ball of embarrassment. I even wet my panties. Talk about insult to injury. Needless to say, the teacher wisely reconsidered and I was recast. As a rabbit. Who didn’t talk.

Over the years, try as I might, taking public speaking classes or anything dealing with self-confidence and motivation always left me a wreck. I could get through a job interview all right, and interacting with my clients one-on-one has always been a breeze. But put me in front of a captive audience and I turn to Jell-O.

“Oh, come on, Abbs. I happen to think you have a rockin’ voice! All those years of singing parties? They’ve given you plenty of practice.”

“Yeah, well, that was in private and not meant for public display… Denise,” I lower my voice as I lean in to her. “I can’t do this and you know it.”

I watch Shaun as he grins at our exchange. Denise turns to him, shaking her head. “Don’t let her fool you. She’s great! And with your help, I’m determined to get her behind that microphone.”

“Good luck with that!” I yelp.

“Oh, come on, Abbs,” Shaun mimics my little sis. “Now my curiosity is piqued.”

“No way, José. I’ll just sit back and watch everyone else.”

“Now what fun is it towatcheveryone else havingfun and not engage in it?”

“I can be quite content as a spectator, thank you very much.” I inch my way backward, intent on becoming another face in the crowd.

“Oh, no, big sis.” Denise grabs my arm. “If I have to drag your cute little butt up there, I will. And Shaun will help, won’t you, Shaun?”

“I think I can handle her cute little butt with no problem,” he grins.

So cute and sexy. Damn… I’m in trouble. My attraction is only growing stronger.

“Everyone’s having fun, and most are on their way to having a few too many. Nobody’s going to care,” Denise adds, as she’s clearly one of those who’s had more than a few.

“Well,thatcertainly boosts my confidence,” I mumble.

“Just have another drink before it’s your turn. I’ll even do a duet with you to get you started off.”

“How many songs do you think I’m going to do? This isn’t Abby’s concert. I’m sure there are plenty of others who’d like a turn.” I face Shaun. “Like you, for instance.”

“Okay.”

Well, that wasn’t at all what I had hoped he’d say.Double damn.

I notice Sherri making her way towards us, drinks in hand. Another brave soul is on the stage, trying to match the pitch of Evanescence. Truly brutal. But, hey, who am I to judge? It’s all in fun, right?

“Hope you’re having a great time,” Sherri says in greeting, handing a beer each to Shaun and me. “Going to give it a whirl?” She nods her head toward the stage.

“No.”

“Sure.”

Both of us speak at once, causing a grin from our hostess.

“That’d be a ‘yes’ and a ‘yes’,” Denise supplies. “Abby doesn’t think much of her own talent, but I’m going to prove her wrong. I bet that before she ends her second song, all eyes will be on her.”

“Oh, way to scare me silly. I don’t want all eyes on me!”

---