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“Quick, grab that high-top table over there,” my sister Lanie urges as we enter the crowded club.
Pointing to the table in question, the bright neon X marked on my hand illuminates like a beacon, signaling the fact I’m still a minor in these black lights. It doesn’t bother me though; I’ve got better things to do than drink. “This one?”
Nodding, she shouts above the music, “It’s got the best view of the stage!”
Like the older sister she is, Lanie’s always looking out for me. She knows how much I have riding on this internship. If I crush it, I’ll be hired on permanently for my dream job. If I crash and burn, I’ll never get a job in the entertainment industry. Yeah, I’m likely exaggerating, but it feels this way. The pressure is on.
Once we’re seated, I lean in and ask, “When will Ryan get here?”
Ryan is Lanie’s boyfriend. They met unexpectedly when she came to open Nana’s house for the summer last year. Despite the plan Nana put into place before she passed, I firmly believe Ryan is perfect for Lanie.
Looking at her phone, she grins like a fool. “He just texted to say he’s running by his place to change, then he’ll be here.”
“Girl, you’ve got it bad,” I tease, like any younger sister should. If my hunch is right, I have a feeling we’ll finally be getting that boy in our family Dad has always hoped for. That guy is head over heels in love with my sister, and now that they’ve both graduated, I’m certain it will be only a matter of time before he pops the question.
Wistfully, Lanie sighs. “I can only hope one day, you’ll find someone like Ryan.”
“Uh, no thanks. I’ve got plans—and they don’t include a man in my future.”
I’ve worked my ass off to be the top of my class and even manage to surprise everyone by graduating early this spring. I have the internship of a lifetime lined up, and I’m focusing my energy on that.
I swear, Lanie’s just as bad as Mom with her pointed looks. “You just wait, Sloane. You’re gonna meet some guy who will completely knock you on your ass, and you’ll be so stupid in love, you won’t know what hit ya…” With a shit-eating grin, she smirks proudly. “And I’m here for it.”
“Yeah. I don’t think so. Don’t get me wrong, I love that you’ve found the love of your life, but it’s not in the cards for me for at least another few years.”
“Oh, Sloaney…” She shakes her head as a knowing smirk slides into place. “You and your five-year plan.”
“Hush.” I swat at her, as the first band for open mic night steps up to the stage. “I need to pay attention.” Pulling out the notebook I keep in my purse, I quickly jot down the band’s name and my first impressions.
The lead singer steps up to the mic, introduces themselves, then starts into a song I don’t recognize. It’s great they’re playing their own songs, but they don’t quite have the sound I’m looking for. They aren’t bad, but nothing makes them stand out either. After a few songs, a new artist takes their place. Unfortunately, it’s more of the same. They sound great for tonight’s crowd, but there’s nothing worth writing home about.
From the corner of my eye, I see my sister light up like a tree on Christmas as she spots something across the room. Obviously, Ryan’s arrived. Nothing makes my sister look this happy, like him.
She’s on her feet, embracing him the moment he arrives at our table. I know for a fact she saw him only this morning, as he left for work from our place. However, the two of them act like they’ve been apart for ten years, rather than ten hours.
I’ll admit, I’m jealous—but not in the way most would think. I’m envious of her ability to open up and actually let him in. Someday, I want a man to look at me the way Ryan looks at Lanie. One who gets her so completely and pushes her to follow her dreams. But I’m not in any hurry. I’ve got plenty to focus on at the moment.
When they break apart, Ryan leans in to give me a side hug. “Hey, Sloane. You look great tonight. Thanks for suggesting we join you.”
“No problem. I’m hoping to catch some local talent worthy of pitching to my boss.”
Just as the words leave my mouth, a new musician comes to center stage with only a guitar and sits on the stool that’s been provided for him. He’s about my age and reminds me a bit like the comedian Matt Rife, with his predominant cheekbones, tousled hair, and gorgeous smile. Though he has a bit more scruff around his chiseled jaw, and it looks good on him. He’s wearing worn jeans and a well-fitted black t-shirt and looks the part of a musician as he runs a hand through his hair before reaching for the mic.
Unlike the others who’ve performed before him, he’s a bit raw. I can sense his nerves as he fumbles with the mic to adjust it before speaking. “Hi. I’m Jax Cartwright.” The crowd cheers like they have for the other performers and when they settle down, he continues, “Some of you might remember me, but performing like this is a first tonight. I’m gonna play a few covers, along with one of my own. I hope y’all will enjoy this.” He keeps it simple and to the point, but as he strums his guitar, checking if it’s in tune, there’s something about him that holds my attention.
Ryan leans in and says, “I went to school with this guy. He’s a year younger than me. I never knew he could play.”
The moment Jax strums the chords to Ed Sheeran’s song, “Thinking Out Loud,” Lanie squeals, jumping to her feet. “Ohmigod, I love this song! Dance with me, Ryan.”
Ryan must agree because the next thing I know, I’m sitting alone at the table, completely mesmerized by Jax. His acoustic version of this song is on point. Before he can get to the chorus, I pull out my phone to capture his brilliance. The hairs on my skin stand to full attention as goose bumps erupt along my spine and up my arms as I watch him sing about falling in love. His timing and pitch are perfection, as his voice fills the room. By the time this song ends, I’m dying to know what else he’s got in him.
Thankfully, Jax doesn’t disappoint.
As the song ends, his sexy voice announces, “I’m gonna switch things up and play a personal favorite. This is the first song I ever learned to play. Hope you enjoymyversion of ‘American Pie.’”
I never would’ve picked this song, but the crowd goes wild as he hits the chorus, and they enthusiastically join him in his lyrics. Again, I’ve had my camera rolling from the beginning. It may originally be Don McLean’s, but Jax quickly makes it his own. His ability to draw in a crowd is infectious. His raw talent holds everyone’s interest.
By the time he launches into his own song, he’s got the crowd hook, line, and sinker. They clap along enthusiastically. When he reaches the chorus for a second time, the audience joins in. The moment he finishes, I’m frantically sending all three videos to my boss with the following email:
