Page 33 of The Devil's Tattoo
“I’m the product of your creation. Dealwithit.”
“Whatsong?”
“‘Future Starts Slow’ by TheKills.”
“Sex-y.”
“Oh, tune your guitar, Dee, or we’ll be here all night, and I won’t get thechance.”
“You’re a hard taskmaster.”
“All I need isawhip.”
“Zoe, you’re making me think dirty thoughts,” Frank said as he wandered over to the drum kit. “Especially after leading me on the other night. No wonder everyone is hotforyou.”
Groaning, I went to retrieve my guitar and pedals, hoping that by the time I’d set up, Dee would have tuned his guitar and forgotten about his smartcomments.
By the time the doors opened and Damages were getting ready to start their set, I was a ball of nerves. Every time I went out on stage, I had a guitar to hide behind. Going out there on my own made me feel naked. I hadn’t thought about that when Max asked me earlier, and now I wished I had. Me, my flailing arms, and amicrophone.
As if he could read the blind terror that plagued my thoughts from whatever expression was plastered on my face, Dee said, “Nothing to worry about, Zo. You’re gonna beawesome.”
I could only nod as the stage lights went up, and Damages began to play their first song. To be honest, I really enjoyed them. They were a talented bunch of guys and looked at home on the stage. It was no wonder the radio station had picked up their song, and I felt that odd sensation of having my fear melt away as I listened to the set. Music had that strange effect on me. It was hard to describe. If a song spoke to me, then everything elseslippedaway.
“We’d like to welcome Zoe from The Devil’sTattoo.”
Dee elbowed me sharply, breaking me out of my daydream. “Batter up,ZoZo.”
As the song began to play, I put my head down, letting my hair fall into my face, and strode out onto the stage. I didn’t hear the crowd cheer, nor did I acknowledge the guys on stage. I just grabbed the microphone and pulled it from the stand. Some people would call it a rock ‘n’ roll attitude. I would call it justblindfear.
Standing right at the edge of the stage, I was hardly aware of people touching my legs as I sang. Right now, more than any other time, I realized this was what I had been born to do. Music was my life, my savior, and my blood. After all that time trying to figure out where I belonged, I wasfinallyhome.
The last chord died away into loud applause, and I finally glanced up into the crowd. Hands were raised in the air, whistles and cheers were echoing, and a lot of people were holding up smartphones taking videos.Yeah, this was what I was borntodo.
A hand fell on my shoulder, and I turned to find Max beaming at me. “That wasamazing.”
Another of the guys came up and said, “Thankssomuch.”
The bass player came over too, and yelled, “That was bloodybrilliant!”
Soon, we were joined by the drummer, who pushed me forward, and I was forced to give a little bow and wave. Backing off, I glanced to the side of the stage and saw that everyone had come to watch my littleguestspot.
I frowned slightly as I saw Dee talking to Will, and to my surprise, they looked almostfriendly. I wondered what they could possibly have to talk about, and the only common denominator was me. Finally, Dee clapped him on the shoulder and walked off. I didn’t want to think about it. I was enjoying this moment waytoomuch.
Will caught my eye and grinned, then shook his head. He was too far away for me to hear, but I could read the word that escapedhislips.
Beautiful.
And I couldn’t help the answering smile that crept ontomyown.
