Chapter inspiration: Escapade (Janet Jackson)


"Another audition? There's nearly twenty of us!" Joel moaned. Sebastian shushed him. "Isn't it late in this to add anoth—"

"Joel, shut up." Sebastian looked at the new arrival. He was probably the tallest in the room. "Ignore him. We usually do." He smiled gently. "What's your name?"

The boy shifted nervously. "Scott. I— I know all of your names. I guess you just don't pay attention to outside your group." He smiled a little. "I'm—"

"You're the center on the basketball team. Same height as James Harden. You made thirty-two free throws from half-court at the championship last year. You also look like that guy on SNL." Louis was trying to pass History so he spent most of rehearsal studying. Everyone looked at him; the last thing anyone expected Louis to show interest in was sports. When there was nothing but silence, he looked up. "What?"

"Yeah... Do you have any performing experience?" Nick asked from his spot between Jeff and Cameron.

Scott dug his sneaker into the carpet. "I, uh, do a bit of improv comedy. Never sang though." He shrugged. "At least, not in front of others."

"We are the last people to judge you. Seriously." Joel gave Scott an encouraging nod.

"Okay." Scott straightened up.

"As I was walkin' by

Saw you standin' there with a smile

Lookin' shy, you caught my eye

Thought you'd want to hang for a while

Well, I'd like to be with you

And you know it's Friday too

I hope you can find the time

This weekend to relax and unwind"

There were approving nods around the room. Sebastian noticed that Joel was actually paying attention. It was weird; Joel spent most rehearsals on his phone or asleep, only needing to be called on for a mash-up idea.

"My mind's tired

I've worked so hard all week

Cashed my check

I'm ready to go

I promise you

I'll show you such a good time

Come on, baby, let's get away

Let's save our troubles for another day

Come go with me, we've got it made

Let me take you on an escapade."

Scott finished, cheeks bright red. Hands were raised to vote him in; it was unanimous. "Welcome to the Warblers, Scott."

"A jock and a Warbler. Now I've seen everything."