Evie and Pandora immediately fell silent. Ally's eyes widened as she processed what Delaney just said.
"He wants to see me?" Ally asked in dis belief. Delaney clenched her jaw and nodded. "B-but you said I'm not supposed to-"
"I know what I said!" Delaney snapped. Her eyes were shooting daggers at Ally. She took a deep breathe before she continued. "But right now it's not up to me. If Austin says he wants to see you then you have to go see him."
Ally shot a quick glance at Evie and Pandora, whose expressions told her that nothing like this had ever happened to them. "But I don't want to upset you…"
Delaney gave her a tight lipped smile. "That's sweet. But seriously: you can't keep Austin waiting. Go!"
Delaney nudged Ally's shoulder, propelling her onwards. Ally gulped and began to walk forward, pausing for a moment to look back over her shoulder. The girls were standing there, watching her walk away. Evie and Pandora were standing there in awe; Delaney stood with her arms cross and anger clearly written across her face. Ally turned around and weaved her way through the back stage area. It was the same exact setup as the warehouse, so Ally easily found the dressing rooms. She stopped for a moment before knocking on the door. Austin's name was written in a plain black circle. Ally looked around at all the people milling around; no one even glanced her way. Were they used to seeing girls go into Austin's dressing room?
Ally shook that thought out of her head and knocked softly on the door. She held her breath as she waited for it to open. After a long few seconds, she was just about to forget about it and leave when the door swung open. Before her was Austin Moon, in the flesh. Ally took a moment to take in his appearance. He was wearing a red, unbuttoned flannel over a black tee shirt and dark skinny jeans, and he had a black beanie on his head. Ally suddenly felt silly when she realized she was still in her stage costume.
"Um, hi," Ally said after a brief silence.
Austin shook his head quickly, as if breaking out of a daze. "Oh. Right. Hi."
There was a pregnant pause again, making Ally slightly agitated. "Delaney said you wanted to see me?"
Austin seemed to snap back into it. "Oh! Right, come on in."
He pulled the door open wider and motioned for Ally to come inside. When Ally stepped inside, the room was nothing like she imagined. She always imagined that famous people's dressing rooms were extravagantly decorated, with huge couches and vanities and minibars and giant TVs and stuff, but Austin's dressing room was the complete opposite.
There was a black vanity pushed against the back wall with a stool in front of it. There were just a few things scattered on the table, like magazines and a cologne bottle. There was a couch, but it was a small, white one pushed against the left wall, facing a white coffee table. The only other thing in the room was a clothes wrack against the right wall. There was an open door on the right wall, and Ally could see that it was just an ordinary bathroom.
"Not what you expected?" Austin laughed and took a seat on the stool.
Ally realized that she had not been very discrete about her sizing up of the room. She blushed and took a seat on the couch. "I just thought…. I don't know… that'd it'd be more… luxurious?"
Ally wanted to slap herself the moment that sentence came out of her mouth. Austin didn't even blink. "I'm a simple guy. Not really into all the glitz and glam stuff."
Ally nodded and looked down at her lap, desperately wanting to change the subject. "So… Why'd you want to talk to me."
Something in the back of Ally's mind was hoping that he would bring up what passed between them on stage, whatever it was. Ally wasn't sure why, but she just wanted to know if he had felt the same thing between them. And if he can't stop thinking about me like I can't stop thinking about him. Ally shook her head to clear out her stupid thoughts.
Austin put his hands in his lap and cleared his throat. "Oh. Right. I wanted to talk to you about your performance."
"Oh?" Ally sat up straighter and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.
"I have to say, you are the best singer that's ever taken that stage, hands down."
Ally blushed even more. She thought that she probably looked like a tomato at that point. "Oh, thank you, that's very kind."
Austin smiled. "As soon as I got off that stage, people were bombarding me wanting to know who you were. I had to tell them that I honestly didn't know. So that's why I called you here. I want to know a few things about you."
Ally bit her lip. "Ok?"
Austin gave her a warm smile. "First of all, what's your name?"
"Ally Dawson."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ally." Hearing him say her name sent chills down Ally's spine, but she ignored it. "Have you ever had a record deal?"
"No. That was pretty much the first time I've ever really sang in front of a big audience."
"Wow," Austin mused, "I would've never guessed. Where are you from?"
"I'm from Miami."
"What brought you to Las Vegas?"
Ally let out a breath. "My lousy ex-boyfriend. But I wouldn't say he brought me to Vegas. More like left me stranded a few hundred miles outside of Vegas with nothing."
Austin let out a low whistle. "Sounds like a real douche."
Ally rolled her eyes and nodded.
"Anyways," Austin continued, "as amazing as your singing was, I have to say that the rest of your performance was a little… off."
"Excuse me?"
Austin's smile was gone. "I'm just saying you were a little… distracted or something. That can't happen. You need to be fully engaged every second that you are on stage. I'm sure Delaney went over this with you."
I was distracted because of you, you jerk face! Ally wanted to scream, but she just nodded.
"Great. Because as great as your singing is, we can't keep you around if you aren't putting one hundred percent into the performance."
Ally ground her teeth. Anything that she thought that she felt towards the blonde was gone; he was starting to get on her nerves.
"I'll do better next time." Ally said through gritted teeth.
"I hope so." Austin said with an almost patronizing smile. "That's all, you can go."
Ally stood up and walked out the door without looking back. Austin was starting to fill the arrogant star form that Ally had created in her head.
She found the girls sitting in the hair and makeup area, already changed out and ready.
"What'd he want?" Delaney said as soon as she saw Ally.
"Just that I seemed a little distracted on stage, and that I should try to do better next time." Ally decided to leave out the part where he complimented her singing, because she figured that'd just upset Delaney even more.
Delaney smirked. "Yeah, I was going to tell you the same thing. We need to work on that."
Delaney breezed past her, probably headed to Austin's dressing room.
"Don't listen to her," Evie said, looking up from her phone. "You did great. I'm sure you were really nervous."
Ally smiled and grabbed her bag. "I'm going to go change."
"We're going to hit up the clubs tonight, do you want to come?" Pandora asked, leaning forward in the mirror to touch up her lipstick. Ally thought for a moment. Dallas had always dragged her into clubs, and it was always a miserable evening. She hated watching all the drunken people grind on each other and she almost always ended up getting puked on by a wasted person. Ally shuddered at the memory.
"Nah, not really my thing. Maybe next time though." Ally shouldered her duffel bag.
"Ok then, suit yourself. We're going to head out now. There should be a car waiting for you when you're done. If you need anything, call us!" Pandora waved over her shoulder as she headed out with Evie.
Ally waved back, and headed into the dressing room. When she got dressed out of her costume, she handed it to a stage hand and headed to the exit. When she got outside she saw a car waiting for her. As she approached it, she saw the same driver that drove her the past few times.
"Hi!" She called, smiling at him.
"Good evening, Miss Ally." He said, tipping his hat.
As Ally handed him her bag, she realized that she didn't even know his name. "I feel so bad, sir. I never thought to ask for your name."
He chuckled as he opened the door and helped Ally in. "It's Richard. Don't feel bad. I've been driving the other three for who knows how long and I don't think they've said more to me than 'take us to the mall.'"
Ally giggled as Richard shut the door. When he got in the driver's seat, he turned around and asked Ally where she wanted to go, making Ally think for a minute.
"Someplace where there's music, but not a lot of people. Is there anywhere like that?"
Richard smiled. "I know just the place."
A&A
The car pulled up in front of a small coffee shop with big glass windows in downtown Las Vegas. There were a lot of people inside, but too many. Everyone's attention was focused on a little stage near the back of the shop, where someone was singing into a mic.
"What do you think?" Richard asked, glancing in the rearview mirror. Ally couldn't contain her grin.
"It looks amazing! Thank you so much!" Ally practically jumped out of the car.
"Let me know when you want me to pick you up!" Richard called. Ally was already at the door. She glanced back and smiled, knowing that she'd probably be here all night.
"Will do!" When Ally pulled open the door, she was greeted by the warm smell of coffee and a smooth melody. She quickly sat down at an unoccupied table. She soon realized that the older man on stage was belting out Sixteen Candles by the Crests. Ally couldn't help but smile along with the rest of the audience as the man danced around stage. When he finished the song, Ally stood and clapped.
A young man came up and took the mic from the man, who returned to his seat, people clapping him on the back on his way.
"Let's hear it for Bart's wonderful rendition of Sixteen Candles!" The audience whooped and whistled as Bart bowed before taking his seat. "Do we have any more volunteers?"
He shielded his eyes, peering out into the crowd. No one was volunteering. Aw, I hope this doesn't mean it's over. Ally thought. After a moment, the man clapped his hands together.
"Looks like it's host's pick!" He said enthusiastically. Some people groaned. Ally looked around as some people sunk down in their seats. When she looked back up to the stage, the host was pointing directly at her. "And we have a winner!"
Ally choked. "Me?"
"Yes you! Get up here!" The host motioned her up.
"Oh, no, I really just came to watch. I-" Ally was drowned out by the sound of the crowd shouting out encouragements. Ally sighed and slowly rose out of her seat. The audience cheered.
The host handed her the mic as she got on stage. "What will you be singing for us?"
Ally glanced behind her at the guitar sitting on its stand. "Um, could I play a song I wrote? I mean it's probably not very good but-"
"Are you kidding me? That'd be a treat!" The host exclaimed.
He left that stage and Ally grabbed the guitar. She sat on the stool and placed the mic in the stand.
She began softly strumming. "So I, um, wrote this song. It's called Heart's Content. I've never sang it to anyone else before, so… yeah. I hope you like it."
Maybe you thought
I hung the moon
Maybe you thought
We were johnny and june
Maybe we thought
It was just us two
Maybe we spoke too soon
The audience began clapping along, giving Ally a bit of confidence.
We never lie
And we don't tell tales
We bite our tongues
And our fingernails
We fall in love
And we don't fall out
Maybe we speak too soon
Here's you and me
And in between
We draw a line
But we can't see
Where it's been
We scratch our heads
And race against
The heart's content
Ally started to sway with the music, getting lost.
Oho oho oho oh yeah
Maybe we hurt
Who we love the most
Maybe it's all we can stand
Maybe we walk through the world as ghosts
Break my own heart before you can
Here's you and me
And in between
We draw a line
But we can't see
Where it's been
We scratch our heads
And race against
The heart's content
Ohoho yeah
Maybe we know how the story ends
Maybe it's not even about us
We both retreat to opposing sands
And the love lives on without us
One thing I know for sure is
Love will find a way
Love will find a way
Here's you and me
And in between
We draw a line
But we can't see
Where it's been
We scratch our heads
And race against
The heart's content
Oho oho oho
You and me
Oho oho oho
You and me
Oho oho oho
You and me
Oho oho oho oh yeah
When she finished the final strum, the crowd exploded. Happiness fluttered in her chest as she put the guitar and gave a little curtsy. The host returned to the stage, looking amazed.
"Wow! That was- wow! What's your name dear?"
"Ally Dawson."
"Well, Ally, I think we can all agree that you are the highlight of the night! Definitely a tough act to follow! Let's hear it again for Ally!"
Under the cheer of the crowd, the crowd leaned over and whispered, "Come talk to me at the end of the night."
Ally nodded and smiled at the crowd. She returned to her seat, grinning from ear to ear. Three more people went after Ally, but Ally hardly paid attention. That was the first time that she sang one of her songs to anyone, and people like it. Ally was so giddy that she didn't even notice that everyone had cleared out for the night. All who was left was the host and a few coffee shop employees. The host came over to her and took a seat at her table.
"You were amazing up there, Ally!" Ally giggled and looked down at the table. "Seriously! People were coming in off the street while you were up there! I don't think I've ever seen this place so crowded."
Ally smiled and traced the rings of coffee stains on the table.
"How would you like it if I offered you a chance to sing here, every day. Paid, of course." The host looked at her hopefully.
Ally hesitated. "I don't know I-"
"Please! I know I sound desperate, but I just think it would be great for business. Things haven't been going too great lately, and I just want my kids to have a good life. I-"
"I'll do it!" Ally exclaimed, cutting him off. Ally always had a tough time saying no. The host's mouth fell open.
"Seriously?!" Ally smiled and nodded. The guy jumped up and shook Ally's hand. "You just saved my coffee house! I'm so grateful, you don't even know! I can't pay you very much, but you can have all the free coffee you want!"
"Deal," Ally laughed. After a moment, she remembered why she should have said no. "But I can only do it either in the morning or this time at night. I have… school…" Ally lied lamely.
The man, whose name badge said Jim, nodded furiously. "No problem! Mornings would be perfect! Does eight work for you? I know it's early but that's when I'm busiest."
"That sounds great. I'll see you tomorrow?" Ally said, shaking Jim's hand.
"Thanks again, Ally!"
Ally smiled as she headed out the door. She saw that Richard was waiting for her already. He smiled as she approached.
"How was it?" He asked as he opened the door.
"Well I now have a second job."
Richard arched an eyebrow and looked at her in the rearview mirror. "Do you think you can really juggle rehearsals, performances, and that?"
Ally sighed. "I hope so. You should have seen the look on that guy's face. He was so happy, which made me happy. And plus I get to play my own music. It's an opportunity I've never had before."
"Are you going to tell the girls?"
Ally sighed again. "No. I don't want them to think I'm not taking things seriously. I'll just tell them that I'm going to yoga or something."
"Good luck with that." Richard said playfully. Ally rolled her eyes and laughed.
When she got off the elevator into the apartment, she found the girls laying out on the couch.
"Where have you been?" Pandora asked, slurring slightly.
"You obviously weren't out clubbing, because we went to every single one." Delaney said, sounding twice as intoxicated as Pandora.
"I was… out" Ally said slowly.
"Out where?" Evie asked, propping herself up.
"I was at the… gym." Ally supplied lamely.
The girls looked at her and burst into laughter.
"Whatever you say, Ally."
A&A
I'm sure you all hate my guts. Don't worry, I hate myself too. I am so lame for not updating in so long. With school starting back up I've been so busy and stressed out to the max. I've been so focused on school that I've totally put off writing, and when I have spare time I just choose to do nothing. So I'm sorry for being so lame. I know a lot of you are probably annoyed by me, and I would be too. I'm going to try to start fitting writing into my schedule more. I really need to budget my time better.
You guys should be proud because I have AP World notes due tomorrow that I haven't started yet but I'm putting them off so I could bust out this chapter. And I know this chapter sucks, but the whole second job thing becomes really important later on, so I needed to add it in now. Also I'm sorry for any and all mistakes.
I want to thank you all for the reviews; it means so much to me. This is almost my most reviewed story, and it only has half as many chapters as my most reviewed. Do you think that we could possibly get this to 100 reviews? It would mean the world to me and definitely motivate me to update faster ;)
The song in this chapter was Heart's Content by Brandi Carlile
(Feel free to request songs for Ally to sing at the coffee shop- which btw I kinda imagine it looking like the coffee house in Friends, just a little more modern)
I own nothing
Review Rock :) (100?)
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