Page 12 of To the Moon and Back

“Lacy, Lacy Devon, and my band is Sliders. We’ve been together for a couple of years.”

“You’ve got talent, promise.”

“That means a lot, to hear you say that.”

“And I especially like that tune. You sing from the heart, and great voice by the way.”

The heat that had been fluttering in my chest and cheeks ramped up a level to furnace mode. I shifted from one foot to the other.

“How many tracks have you got?”

“How many do you want?” I laughed, hoping to ease my own tension.

“About five.”

“What?”

He gestured toward the tent door. “We’re on the main stage at nine tonight, and our warm up band has just pulled out. They’ve all got some stomach flu.” He paused. “We need to implement plan B.”

“And plan B is?”

“Find a new supporting act.”

I was silent. He couldn’t mean us. No. Surely not. That was ludicrous. We’d come to listen to music, not get in front of a crowd and play.

“You.” He stepped closer and stroked the back of his thumb down my cheek. “You’re plan B.”

I looked up at him. “Oh…I see.”

“Is that a yes?”

Damn, I could smell him, some divine cologne that was laced with sandalwood and black pepper.

“Yes to what?” I sensed Rich and Nial moving in closer.

“Sliders being our warm up act.” Chris shrugged. “I’d say we’re desperate but that doesn’t sound right because I think you’d be great, really great, and we shouldn’t have to be desperate to get you on stage. You know what I mean?” He tipped his head, pulled on his bottom lip with his teeth.

“I think so.” I swallowed.

“If you’ve got the balls that is.” Chris raised his eyebrows. “And the ambition.”

“Hell yeah!” I dragged in a deep breath. “We’ve got both. And this is the rest of the band.” I nodded at Rich and Nial. “Meet my guys, Rich Topper and Nial Jones.”

“Hey.” Chris turned to them and held out his hand.

The three guys shook.

“I was just saying to Lacy, we could really do with your help later, to warm up the crowd for us. I love your sound.”

“Really?” Nial’s eyes were wide. He was a little pale, too. He pushed at his glasses.

“Of course we’re up for it.” Rich clasped Nial’s shoulder. “Just tell us where and when.”

Chris grinned. “Get yourselves behind the main stage at about seven. I’ll tell Security to expect you.” He turned back to me, his eyebrows raised. “It must be written in the stars that we keep running into each other.”

“It must be.” I reached for his hand and squeezed. “Thank you for the opportunity to be heard.”

“Someone gave Scarlet Men a chance once. That’s all it takes.”

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