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When Sparks Fly

Page 42

by Portia MacIntosh

‘Still, it sounds like it’s going to be incredible,’ I reassure him.

Adam’s face brightens.

‘I’m really looking forward to it,’ he says. ‘It’s my first time, hosting something in front of a live audience – one that I can actually see, that is.’

I glance around at the half-built stage, the stacks of temporary barriers, the signs for the different food stalls – wow, it looks like it’s going to be amazing. Marram Bay loves a function but this is a new one. Bonfire Night has never really been a town-wide celebration. I’m excited to check it out.

As we continue walking, a woman approaches us, her expression serious but friendly. Adam greets her warmly.

‘Kerry, hey! This is Lia,’ he tells her. ‘Lia, this is Kerry – the boss.’

Kerry gives me a nod and a smile.

‘Hardly,’ she jokes. ‘Adam, sorry to cut to the chase, but we’ve hit another stumbling block.’

‘What’s going on?’ Adam asks.

Kerry sighs.

‘I won’t get into all the boring details, but all of the bands coming from the US aren’t coming now.’

‘What?’ he replies. ‘Can the show go on without them? Surely it can, right?’

‘It can, but the event will be too short,’ Kerry says. She glances at Adam. ‘Unless you can sing.’

Adam laughs.

‘No chance.’

An idea sparks in my mind – something I had to pull out of the bag once before, for a festive pop roadshow I worked on.

‘If you need to fill the space quickly and cheaply, you should consider local talent,’ I tell them. ‘You can get local bands and singers easy, and it’ll look great for the community if you’re giving them a platform.’

Kerry’s eyes light up.

‘That’s brilliant,’ she says simply. ‘Sorry, who are you? I feel awful now, I thought you might just be one of his birds.’

‘Oi,’ Adam says with a chuckle.

Adam turns to me, clearly impressed.

‘Lia worked organising tours and festivals back in London,’ Adam explains. ‘But, lucky for us, she’s just moved back to the area.’

‘Would you be willing to take on this job?’ Kerry asks me, her smile sort of desperate. ‘Just for a week, tops, to find us some talent for the festival?’

I look at Adam for a second. He smiles warmly.

‘You’re our only hope, Lia,’ he says in a funny voice. ‘And I’ll help you, of course. There’s not much else I can bring to the table, until the big day.’

I mean, let’s be real, I’m the one who is actually desperate here. And this isn’t just a job, it’s a great job.

‘Okay, I’ll do it,’ I say, playing it a little cool, but showing my enthusiasm too.

Kerry shakes my hand.

‘Thank you, Lia,’ she replies. ‘We’ve really landed on our feet with you. I’ll make sure you’re well paid – London rates – for this.’

Still, I smile, and keep my cool, but wow. Deep down, I know I should be the one thanking Kerry and Adam. This is my chance to shine, and who knows? This might lead to something more permanent. Working for a radio station – how cool would that be?