Chapter Eight

Living My Dream

Once again I threw myself back into work.

If I want to make it as a rock goddess, I need to rub elbows with others in the music business.

I've been meeting all sorts of influential people at the coffee shop.

In the mean while, I bought an electric guitar to practice on and build up my creativity points.

Hopefully, I was due for another big promotion.

My co-worker Andrea had been promoted to the night shift supervisor. She felt it was time that I was allowed to showcase my true talent.

We did date a few times, but like what happened with Brandi, she and I decided that we were better off just friends.

I was grateful that Andrea pulled what strings she could to get me up on stage.

I was going to be performing tonight for the first time in front of an audience.

When I arrived at the coffee house, I waved at Brandi and Bill

'Break a leg.' Brandi called out to me, while she and Bill cuddled in the corner booth.

Brandi is not the same plain mousey little girl I'd first met.

Since it was apparent to me, that my next door neighbor preferred blondes, I thought it couldn't hurt for Brandi to lighten her dishwater colored hair a few shades. Her flowing golden colored locks and new found skill with a make up brush made her a total knock out.

She also ditched the jeans in favor of skirts and dresses to show off her really gorgeous legs.

I was happy to learn that Bill dumped all of his other girlfriends and went exclusive with Brandi.

The only sour point is that I think Bill is a bit of a weasel.

I can't understand what anyone see's in him. I throw up little black hearts every time I think of him. Ick.

I also kept a good eye on his house to make sure that he wasn't inviting any of his former girlfriends back on the sly.

So far, Bill is staying true to my best friend.

He makes Brandi happy, I suppose that's the important thing.

'After you set up the sound equipment, you're on first.' Andrea told me.

I was really nervous, but excited that I was getting my big break.

I had been practicing alone at home in front of the mirror all week.

Would they love me? Hate me? Or even worse maybe I wouldn't make any impression at all.

'You'll do fine.' Andrea encouraged, she seemed to sense the way my thoughts were going.

'I've heard you sing. If I thought you would bomb, I wouldn't be giving you this shot. Forget the audience and sing your song for me.'

When the lights were dimmed and the stage spotlighted. I made my way to the karoke machine.

Gingerly, I picked up the mike, the music began.

Taking a deep breath, I tuned out all the expectant eyes on me.

I just felt the rhythm and belted out the song I selected. I gave it all I had.

When it was over, the crowd burst into applause.

It was probably the most glorious feeling I ever had.

Happily, I went back to my post to cue up the machine for the next performer.

When I was back behind the scenes, there was a man waiting to talk to me.

'I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your song.' he told me. 'You have a wonderful voice. The song you selected also struck a nerve. I too have been unlucky in love...It seems I just can't find the one. Your song really touched me.'

I felt myself blushing and thanked him.

'I know your name is Annette. I've seen you around. I've just never had the courage to introduce myself before.'

'And you are?'

'My name's Martin.'

Oooh, interesting.

I loved the way he pronounced his name. Not to mention his sexy accent.

Mar-teen.

'Do you think you might like to hang out with me after work? I'm also in the music business. I would really like to get to know you better.'

Wow...what could I say?

Even if there wasn't any romance, Martin might be able to help me up the music career ladder.

It couldn't hurt to hang out.

'Sure.' I told him, flashing him my most winning smile. 'I'd like that very much.'

Coming Next: Is it love or something else all together?