This is it! Last two chapters and maybe an epilogue coming. Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you enjoyed it. I have been absent... but of course, you know I came up with more to write, I just don't want to post it because I need fewer stories up in the air. so just know I'm distracted, but keep reading and telling me what you think that way I make sure I am back on the stories I have yet to finish. Anyway Later! happy holidays! ~S.K.
Step10: Fall In love
The Gala buzzed with activity, the air filled with anticipation, and the sparkling decor set the stage for Tori's much-awaited performance. Trina, in her boss mode, ensured every detail was perfect, orchestrating the event like a maestro.
As Tori prepared to take the stage, she was greeted by Beck, her chosen date for the evening. His first instinct was to capture their presence together, a selfie destined for social media stardom.
"Smile, Tori! This is going to look so good for us," Beck exclaimed, snapping the photo.
"What do you mean?" Tori asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Well, ever since I posted that I was your Love Lights date, my Instagram has been blowing up," Beck explained. "Plus, my daughter has been calling me non-stop to meet you."
"Oh?" Tori said, feigning enthusiasm. "You know, I don't think this is going to work. Please enjoy the gala, but don't come looking for me after I perform." Tori walked away, leaving Beck standing there, bewildered.
Then she got a text from Max. It said that Jade's agent pulled her off the project because she was moving on to work for a more relevant artist. This hurt her more than being used by Beck.
Jade and Tori's eyes met across the ballroom. Jade's eyes were full of something Tori couldn't recognize anymore because of the news she had received. She turned away.
Jade watched as Tori looked at her, she had been looking at her phone, then there was pain in her gaze and she walked away. Jade frowned and headed toward Tori's Sister. On her way, she ran into Beck.
"Hey, Beck. What happened with Tori?" Jade inquired.
Beck scratched his head. "Tori decided to break the date off."
Jade frowned, her attention shifting back to Tori. Tori's performance was starting. She had work to do. Upbeat music played with jingle bells and the sounds of trumpets in the arrangement surprised Jade. She began to take video, using a couple of rigs she had brought along. Three different cameras were now capturing the performance in a music video style for all of Victoria Vega's fans to see.
As Tori's melodic voice filled the room, the tension between her and Jade lingered, their unspoken feelings and the unraveling events creating a complex web of emotions at the Gala.
Carolers singing
Sleigh bells are ringing
It's that time of year
Tori started to sing and the audience responded to her very Christmassy outfit. Her sexy Mrs. Claus outfit had Jade's eyes riveted to the Latina as she sang.
Everyone's toasting
Chestnuts are roasting
Christmas time is near
Tori swallowed as she looked out into the audience. She spotted Jade in a sort of control station. Her blue eyes watching her every move. And she could not help but feel the next words even if she were being betrayed by the woman.
Something's missing, and I'm wishing
Wishing that you knew
How much it would mean to spend this
Christmas time with you
Tori turned away. And walked to the other side of the stage and smiled as she saw how everyone seemed to be enjoying Andre's last Christmas song.
So if you feel it coming
On this special day
Just trust your heart
Don't let your head get in the way
Tori glanced at her backup singers and smiled. Then moved to them and danced with them as she sang.
'Cause it's Christmas
And the start of something new
Well it's Christmas
And I hope you will feel it too
As Tori walked up to the center stage. Jade felt the words. And she smiled loving what Tori did with the song.
Candy canes and mistletoe
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
But all of it means nothing
Without you
Tori finally let go of what had happened before, this was about the kids and her mother's charity. But now she was remembering how much she loved performing. She lost herself in the process.
Just for a minute, you get a feeling
Look up in the sky
Santa's here, so get in the spirit
Just give it a try
Jade found herself locked in the magic that was Tori. and she swayed a little with the music.
Children beaming, and I'm dreaming
Hoping that it's true
'Cause it would mean so much to spend this
Christmas time with you
Tori pointed at some of the kids that had come to the gala. Excited they waved at her, and she took their little hands as she continued to sing.
So if you feel it comin'
On this special day
Just trust your heart
'Cause I can't wait to hear you say
That it's Christmas
And the start of something new
Well, it's Christmas
And I hope you'll feel it too
There was one part that Andre had recorded. She had it Digitally remastered to match the new tempo of the song. Tori played the part, a tear rolling down her cheek as she listened to her loved one's voice. This way she could say she sang with him this Christmas.
Everyone together, sing
Silver bells and golden rings
But all of it means nothing…
Tori took a deep breath and sang out.
Without you
She sang with Andre at the end of the song—his altered ad-libs with her own.
No, no no
It's not Christmas (Christmas)
Without you, you, you
It's not Christmas
Without you, you, you
It's not Christmas
Without you, you, you
It's not Christmas without you
Tori basked in the applause as she took a gracious bow, the Gala attendees showering her with appreciation for the heartfelt performance. The song resonated not only in the room but also online, with the audience capturing every note and sharing it with the world.
As she stepped off the stage, the atmosphere was electric with praise. Jade approached her, an attempt at a congratulatory smile on her face. "You did great, Vega. The audience loved it," Jade said sincerely.
Tori's response, however, was laced with bitterness. "You're still here? I thought you would be long gone covering a more relevant artist." Tori's words hung in the air as she walked away, pushing past Jade and disappearing into a backstage area.
Jade stood there, her expression a mix of frustration and confusion. The Love Lights journey had taken unexpected turns, leaving Tori in a moment of overwhelming emotion. As Tori retreated to the backstage area, Jade hesitated, torn between following her and respecting the distance Tori seemed to desire.