Page 74 of Selling Out
I know it’s a performance, but I also know how powerful the energy of a performance can be. And I know how much Mia loves Noah’s music. Too bad the man is nothing like his lyrics portray him.
What’s getting to me the most, though, is how much I wishit was me out there with her, singing music we both love in front of a crowd eager to sway and sing along. That seems like a dream—and one completely out of my reach.
When they reach the end of the song, Noah grabs Mia’s hand and raises it above their heads. “Ladies and gentlemen, Mia Sawyer!”
The crowd claps and cheers, and Mia’s smile is radiant. Noah pulls her into a hug that makes every muscle in my body go taut. It seems unnecessarily long for a hug, but eventually, they pull apart, and Mia heads in our direction.
Kelly and Rose intercept her, trying to squeal silently as they congratulate her.
I’ve never felt so torn in my life. I’m so happy for Mia. But my stomach feels weird and tight.
Once the conversation settles between her and the ladies, her gaze shifts to me. I grin and pull her into a hug. “You were amazing,” I say into her ear, swallowing the lump in my throat.
“Thank you,” she whispers back.
Paul walks over with Bobby to check our mics, and there’s no more time for talk before it’s our turn—Mia’s turnagain—on stage.
I take Paul aside quickly. “Hey, how did the whole Noah and Mia thing happen?”
“I haveno idea,” he says.
“Noah said you were supposed to tell me.”
Paul shakes his head. “He didn’t say a word to me. I had no clue until he announced her.”
I nod. It sounds just like Noah to pull crap like that.
I try to shake off everything I’m feeling and pay attention to the crowd, which seems to be in rare form. They really liked Noah, which makes me want to call up Fusion right now and shout, “See?! They’d like my music too.”
The only way I know how to keep my mind where it needs to be is to give it everything I’ve got.
This is the smallest crowd so far, but I give them the performance of their lives, and they eat it up.
Austin
What’re you up to?
Mia
Just changed into my PJs.
Austin
Serious question: do they make PJ overalls?
Mia
I don’t know. But I’ll be looking into it now. What’s up?
Austin
Want to come hang out for a bit?
Mia
Want to go for a walk instead?
Austin
