Page 22 of Bold Encounter
The ritzy blue and gold décor set the mood.The club offered a full bar and featured live blues and jazz.Famous bands performed there, and Genevieve was proud to be among them.She wasn'tthatfamous yet but was determined to get there.
The venue was smaller than some of the places she'd performed, which made her feel both more secure and more exposed.There were fewer places for threats to hide, but also fewer escape routes.
The club had a unique vibe with the colorful backdrop and tables scattered throughout the main floor.A small stage dominated one end of the room, with a full sound system and professional lighting already set up.
Cadie was at the piano, running through scales to warm up her fingers.Genevieve had told her that Jason hadn't quit his antics yet, and the band was made aware of the added security.
"I see you brought protection with you," Cadie said, and stood to give her a hug.
Genevieve glanced around the room, noting the discreet presence of security personnel positioned in key locations."Abe has everything covered."
"Good."Cadie lowered her voice."Is it true that idiot followed you?"
Genevieve nodded."We have a pile of photos.The pictures were professional quality and were taken from multiple angles.Someone was very close to Abe and me, without us knowing."
Cadie's eyes widened."I'm glad you have protection."
The rest of the band was setting up their instruments.Genevieve waved to the drummer and bass player, both musicians she'd worked with many times.They were professionals who understood that tonight's performance needed to go well, regardless of any external drama.
"Let's run through the set list," she said, pulling out her folder of music."I want everything to go smoothly tonight."
For the next hour, they rehearsed, working through transitions and making sure all the technical elements were functioning properly.Genevieve felt her confidence returning as she lost herself in the music.She was in her element.No matter what Jason tried to do, he couldn't take away her talent or her love for performing.
Abe remained visible but unobtrusive, occasionally speaking quietly into a small microphone clipped to his collar.Genevieve found his presence reassuring rather than distracting.He gave her space to work while maintaining his protective watch.
After the sound check, Genevieve and Cadie retreated to the small dressing room behind the stage.It was barely larger than a closet, with a mirror surrounded by bright bulbs.There was a small table covered with makeup and hair supplies.
Cadie settled into one of the two chairs."So, tell me about staying at Abe's place."
Genevieve applied lipstick carefully, using the task to avoid meeting her friend's eyes."It's just for security.He has a guest room."
"Uh-huh."Cadie's tone was skeptical."And how's that working out for you?"
"He's been nothing but respectful."Genevieve finally looked at Cadie in the mirror."But it's getting harder to keep things strictly professional."
"Why would you want to?"
"Because my life is complicated enough right now.Jason is getting out of hand when my career is at a crucial point.The last thing I need is to mess things up by getting romantically involved with the cop who's protecting me."
Cadie was quiet for a moment, studying her friend's reflection."Or maybe the last thing you need is to let your doubts keep you from embracing a relationship that could be good."
Before Genevieve could respond, there was a soft knock on the dressing room door.
"Five minutes," called the stage manager.
Genevieve stood and checked her appearance one final time.Then she smiled at Cadie."Showtime."
*****
The Blue Nile was nearly full when Genevieve took the stage.She could see Abe positioned near the bar with a clear view of both the stage and the main entrance.Other security personnel were stationed throughout the room, blending in with the crowd but ready to respond if needed.
As she adjusted the microphone, Genevieve scanned the audience.She recognized several familiar faces, including club regulars and a few people from the music industry.Near the front, she spotted Stephen Canton, an executive from Pickford Recording.
"Good evening," Genevieve said into the microphone, attempting to keep her voice warm and confident."Thank you for being here tonight.We're going to start with something special."
She nodded to Cadie, who played the opening chords of one of Genevieve's original compositions.The song was emotional and powerful, allowing her to showcase the depth and range of her voice.As she sang, Genevieve felt the familiar magic of connecting with an audience, the way music could transcend all the noise and drama of daily life.
The first set went beautifully.The crowd was engaged and responsive, and Genevieve felt her confidence rise.She was on the high she got when doing what she'd been born to do.For forty-five minutes, she almost forgot about the threats that had dominated her thoughts for the past week.
