Page 31 of Taste of Surrender
Two months later,I sat with my parents in the audience ofThe Band Showdown. Surrender had made it to the finale with two other groups, and we would soon find out if they won.
From the moment the cameras started rolling, everything moved quickly. When it was time for Surrender to perform for the last time on the show, we, along with the other guys’ families and Olivia, were directed to sit in the front row. It had been the same when the other bands were on stage. It allowed the production crew to get clear shots of us cheering for our loved ones.
Kirk Benson stood center stage and introduced the guys. “And now for the night’s final performance, welcome back to the stage, Surrender.”
The entire studio erupted in applause as the lights went down. A second later, the sound of Jesse’s guitar filled the venue. As the intro faded out, a spotlight illuminated Malachi standing in the center of the stage, one hand wrapped around the mic stand and the other pushing his dark brown hair off his gorgeous face.
He looked out at the crowd and began singing as Elliott and Silas joined in with Jesse. On the surface, Malachi looked like the same guy who had left months ago, but he seemed to have gained even more confidence since he’d been on the show. He was made for the stage.
I continued to watch as he poured every possible emotion into his lyrics. If I’d been a better brother, I would have spent an equal amount of time paying attention to Jesse, but I couldn’t tear my gaze away from Malachi. His voice was deep and smooth and hearing it again in person caused goosebumps to form along my skin. All of those feelings I had tried to bury over the past few months rose to the surface again, and it hurt to know our lives were going in different directions.
Their song came to an end far too quickly. When it was time for the winner to be announced, the anticipation was killing me. I couldn’t imagine how it was for the guys.
Kirk Benson returned to the stage with an envelope in his hand. “It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for. These final three bands have endured countless hours of practice and performances, all in the hope of being named the next winner ofThe Band Showdown. After tallying the votes, we’re ready to announce the band whose dreams are about to come true.”
The lights dimmed once again, and the house band started a drum roll.
“The winner of this year’sThe Band Showdownis …”
My heart felt as though it had stopped in my chest as we all stared at the stage. I was nervous for my brother and Malachi as we waited the seconds that felt like an eternity for Kirk to utter the words we wanted to hear.
“Surrender!”
I jumped to my feet along with my parents, Olivia, the Danvers, and Silas’s and Elliott’s families as we shouted and clapped.
They had done it.
Once the cameras stopped rolling,we were ushered backstage. Dozens of people surrounded the band, but the minute the guys saw all of us, they came rushing over.
“Holy shit! Can you believe it?” Jesse wrapped his arms around all of us.
“We’re so proud of you,” Mom gushed.
“You were incredible,” Dad added.
I smiled. “I knew from the beginning you were going to win.”
We continued to celebrate, and eventually, Malachi made his way to me.
“Congratulations.” I gave him a hug. “You looked amazing out there.”
“Thank you. It’s been a wild ride,” he replied.
“Yeah, Jesse’s been sending me pics. Looks like you guys have been living your best life.”
He frowned slightly and lowered his voice. “About that. I’m sorry I haven’t texted much.”
I shook my head. “You don’t have to explain. We both knew things would change once you were out here.”
Even though I’d had a difficult time dealing with his absence, I didn’t want him to feel bad.
“I’d really like to talk?—”
“Surrender, we need you all over here for some pictures,” an assistant called out.
“Later, okay?”
I nodded and watched Malachi walk away once again. Before we’d arrived, we had been told that if they won, they were obligated to do photoshoots and interviews immediately following the show, so even though I agreed we could catch up later, I knew we wouldn’t have any time alone because I was leaving the next day for Paris.
