Page 51 of Legendary Rock Star
My eyes watered, but I refused to cry as she said, “You’re welcome back no matter what happens.”
But first I needed to win and prove myself. I said, “I have to find a place to live and lead my own life now. I’m ready.”
Her words struck me as she said, “Just don’t do anything to crazy—like get streaks in your hair like Jane over there.”
This was my life now. I hugged her and said, “Thanks for coming, Mom.”
I waved to my dad and they left as I lined up with the other contestants.
Jane was explosive and the crowd was on their feet.
Finnigan delighted everyone.
And then it was my turn.
I took center stage and the British judge started, “The crowd is expecting to be wowed.”
This was the man who hated Phoenix for stealing the limelight as backstage coach. I hooked my finger in my belt loop and said, “I hope I meet their expectations, then.”
The pop singer said, “Unlike the past weeks, you do know some of the ’90s classics.”
Yes. Finally. I nodded and said, “I watched all the videos on online.”
Then the final judge said, “Well then, take it away.”
He was low key, but pretty nice, actually.
Not that it mattered.
The first note rang. I sang and put my heart into every syllable.
As the last beat of the song reverberated, people cheered. But then the uptight British judge shushed the crowd and said, “You should sing like that every time, Maggie.”
Wow. I thought he hated me. I widened my stance as the pop star beside him added, “Seems now that Phoenix is gone, you’re shining on your own, girl.”
That was why I was here. Phoenix needed to be the past.
Then the last judge said, “I’m going to slightly disagree with the others here.”
The British guy sounded offended. “You are?”
The third judge said into his microphone, like he was forming an argument, “Maggie, this business is about playing to your strengths and you have that large voice inside you. I’ve always thought you were the one to beat and tonight you proved me right.”
Aww. Tears washed down my face as I nodded and said, “Thank you.”
But as I walked off stage, my feet dragged. I should be thrilled, but I was alone as I went to the after room for a quick interview. I missed having Phoenix there to encourage me.
Finally the handlers directed us all toward the center stage in a lineup. The host paced in front of us as he said, “So, with only five people left in the competition, most of you will be in the bottom three.”
And I would be one. I was getting used to it. I mumbled to myself, “Right.”
He started at the end of the line and said, “Rihanne, I’m sorry. You’re in the bottom three.”
Rihanne crossed the stage and stood alone under the spotlight. The host moved to the next contestant and said, “Jane, you’re safe.”
She patted my back like we were friends and stepped back.
The host then met my gaze and asked, “So, Maggie, what’s it like to be here without Phoenix?”
