Page 88 of A Country Kind Of Love
Is her voice as smoothand silvery?
Levi carries herself well; the audience is engrossed. After the first song they’re mesmerized and so is Peyton. The “Sssh” policy that the Bluebird enforces is almost redundant. People naturally become so absorbed in the music they don’t want to talk; the quiet elevates theexperience.
During a short break, Jesse takes to the stage to get Peyton’s keyboard in position. The artist before Peyton didn’t get the same reaction as the first two. His style was more Christian Gospel inspired, and although the audience sang along when asked and celebrated with applause at the end, the level of individual chatter increased.
The faded wooden barstool is positioned centre stage behind her keyboard. There’s a stool to the right that the event organiser doesn’t move which Peyton finds strange.
“You’ve got this,” Jesse says. He places a hand on her shoulder. “Just be yourself and roll with it.”
There is emphasis on the way he says, “roll with it”. Does he know something she doesn’t? Now isn’t the time to question him.
They call her to the stage.
There is no turning back.
14
Rapid heart rate. Sweaty palms.Butterflies.
The nerves cause Peyton to forget her lyrics for a moment.
The internal dialogue grows louder.
You can’t do this.
You’re notgood enough.
Leave it to the real singer-songwriters.
She wants to scream. She wants to switch places with the observant lady in the front row who is watching her every move. Shonda must be able to see how nervous she is.
She lowers the key for her second song. The night before she simplified it by taking out one riff from the second verse of “The Sign”, on reflection it causes her more anxiety. Removing the full line easesthe tension.
The first two singers of the night were charismatic and confident. They connected with the audience and fit the typical extroverted personality you expect of singers. Peyton feels like an imposter; her reserved and introverted personality doesn’t match industry expectations.
This is the biggest opportunity of your life, and you’reruining it.
She makes it through the second song. Vocally she ruminates on every single mistake. She struggles to engage with the audience or enjoy the experience at all; she’s too busy trying to make it through without detriment.
You’re playingit too safe.
Shonda observes the room. She doesn’t make eye contact with Peyton. Her focus is on the audience and how well they’re connecting with the songs—not well.
There’s only one song left, and Peyton can sense the shift in atmosphere. Jesse keeps looking towards the door for some reason. Shonda pays more attention to her phone than she does Peyton. The waitress silently manoeuvres from one table to the next. The audience is fidgety, eating, yawning—Jesus, one of them is actually yawning.
She has an idea—connect.
She needs toconnectwith the audience.
“I hope ya’ll are having a good night. Thank you for being here. If you’ve read the online reviews about the Black Bean Burger, don’t believe them. I had it a few weeks ago, and it was to die for. If you ask Charlene nicely, she might even add a little extra cheese.” Peyton winks at the waitress; she absolutely does not know her well enough to wink at her, but she does, and thankfully Charlene playfully gives her a thumbs up. There are one or two sniggers from the crowd which helps easeher nerves.
“Can I get a show of hands? Who’s here for the first time tonight?”
Roughly thirty people hold up their hands. “And are you enjoying it so far?” The people holding up their hand nod enthusiastically. “Phew.” Peyton runs her hand across her forehead, which causes another small rumbleof laughter.
“This next song was originally recorded as a duet. It’s a love song. It came from a recent time in my life when I struggled to believe in myself, but someone helped me see the beauty in the small moments.”
The audience quiets. The door opens. The glare of the stage light above her head blurs the figure making an entrance. Two people enter; the room is so silent several customers turn to see what or who has disrupted the ambience. Every seat in the house is taken, bar the one at her table, the one directly next to Jesse. She spots a gentleman making his way to a seat by the bar. She saw him exit for a cigarette during the last performer’s set, but the second figure looks familiar. Peyton tries to focus, but her vision is blurry.
