Page 91 of Off The Rush
Luka reaches over and squeezes my hand reassuringly. “You’re going to be amazing, Emma. You’ve been working so hard, and we know how talented you are.”
“Exactly,” JD chimes in, his warm brown eyes full of encouragement. “We’ll be there cheering you on every step of the way.”
“Besides,” Alec adds, his voice softer now, “we believe in you. And that’s all that matters.”
Their words wash over me, soothing the jagged edges of my anxiety. I know they’re right, but I can’t shake the lingering tendrils of doubt that coil in the pit of my stomach. As we finish up the delicious breakfast Alec prepared, I find myself growing increasingly antsy, my fingers tapping out an erratic rhythm on the edge of the plate.
“Alright,” I sigh, setting the plate back on the nightstand. “I need to get moving. As much as I’d love to stay here with you guys all day…”
“Go do your thing, Emma,” Luka says gently. “We’ll be here when you get back, and we’ll see you at the recital tonight.”
“Remember we’re proud of you no matter what,” JD adds, giving me a warm hug before letting me go.
“Knock ‘em dead, babe,” Alec winks, pressing one last lingering kiss to my lips before releasing me.
I reluctantly swing my legs over the side of the bed, feeling the cool air on my exposed skin. I can feel Luka, JD, and Alec watching me as I begin to get dressed, their eyes lingering on my body. The heat of their gazes only adds to the nervous energy that’s simmering just beneath the surface.
“Are you sure you don’t want us to help you relax before you go?” Luka suggests with a sultry smile, propping himself up on one elbow. His voice is low and inviting, sending shivers down my spine.
“Maybe we could…” JD trails off suggestively, his eyes darkening with desire as he reaches out to brush a lock of hair behind my ear. “Take your mind off things for a little while?”
“Guys,” I sigh, torn between wanting to stay and needing to prepare for my recital. “You know I appreciate the offer, but I need to focus on getting ready.”
“Alright, alright,” Alec chuckles, raising his hands in surrender. “We’ll be good. But just remember that we’re here if you need anything at all.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, pressing a quick kiss to each of their foreheads before making my way to the door.
The cool autumn air hits me as I step outside, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. I take a deep breath, trying to ground myself as I head home to shower and change.
Once I’m clean and dressed, I make my way to the practice studios, eager to lose myself in the music. Tessa follows me inside, setting up her laptop at a nearby table to work on her own project. She glances up occasionally, smiling encouragingly as I run through my warm-ups.
“Damn, Emma,” she calls out after a particularly challenging vocal exercise. “You sound incredible! Just try to relax, alright? You’ve got this.”
“Thanks, Tessa,” I reply, trying to take her words to heart. “It’s just… I don’t know why I’m so nervous this time. I’ve performed so many times before.”
“Hey, it’s normal to be a little anxious before a big event,” she reassures me, her voice gentle and understanding. “But you’re more than prepared for this, and I know you’re going to absolutely kill it tonight.”
I nod, attempting to let her confidence in me ease my nerves. But as much as I try to relax, the weight of expectation on my shoulders is hard to shake.
I glance at the clock on the wall, realizing it’s finally time to get changed, and head over to the theater. My heart races with anticipation as I gather my things and leave the practice studio.
Upon arriving at the theater, I spot Rachel surrounded by her friends, their laughter echoing through the hallway. Their eyes shift towards me, but I choose not to engage, focusing instead on my performance ahead. With a deep breath, I walk past them, feeling their judgmental glares on my back.
“Break a leg, Emma,” one of Rachel’s friends calls out mockingly, followed by more laughter. I clench my fists, determined not to let them get under my skin.
“Thanks,” I retort, rolling my eyes and quickening my pace. I don’t have time for their petty games.
Rachel catches up to me. “One last chance, Emma. Are you sure you don’t want to withdraw?”
“Not happening. You’re not going to do anything and we both know it,” I grit out before stalking away.
Once I’m safely behind the stage, I take a seat and try to center myself. The performances before mine serve as a soothing backdrop while I focus on regulating my breathing. Inhale, hold, exhale. Each note from the singers on stage fills the air with an electric energy, reminding me of why I love music so much.
“Emma, are you okay?” a voice whispers nearby, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turn to see a fellow performer, concern etched on her face.
“Yeah, just…nervous,” I admit, forcing a smile. “But I’ll be fine.”
“Of course you will,” she reassures me, patting my shoulder gently. “You’re incredibly talented, and everyone here knows it.”
