"VEGA!" Jade yelled from the base of her friend's staircase. The half-Latina's mother had let her into the house a whole 10 minutes ago and she was yet to come down. "Would you hurry up already?! We're going to be late!"
"I'm ready to go!" Trina spoke up from the sofa, as soon as she heard they were going to support Cat at another event, she had suddenly been desperate to join them.
"If you follow us from this house I will hit you with my car." Jade snapped back, narrow eyes, before yelling up again. "TORI!"
"I'm coming I'm coming!" Tori yelled back, suddenly appearing at the top of the stairs in a simple black dress, shoes in hand and rushing down the stairs.
"Please let me come- it could be my big chance to show off to-" Trina started to ramble, before Jade glared at her again.
"Leaving, now!" Jade decided, grabbing Tori's wrist and pulling her out of the house.
"Hey - ouch!" Tori blurted out as Jade pulled her down the driveway, shoes still not on her feet yet. "I prefer when Beck takes me places." She pouted, climbing into the passenger seat.
"That sucks for you." Jade grumbled back, putting the car into drive.
With the success of Cat's growing following, the label decided it was time for her first concert - as the opener during the Califronian stretch of the tour for another pop artist called Eliza. Her first show was tonight in Hollywood; then over the next week she'd be in Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Santa Ana. The venues weren't huge- only 1000 people capacity, but would be the perfect way to get her first step into to a concert and touring set up. From her social media comments reacting to the tour announcement, there was little doubt that she'd be be able to fill those rooms herself- but for a first time it was best for her to just be opener. It would also be the first time she'd be singing full versions of the songs for her album, only releasing teasers so far, so there was a lot weighing on it already.
After all the rehearsals and sound checks, it was finally time. She'd been preparing all day, but nothing could calm her nerves. Jade had helped her pick out the outfit she'd stayed up late finishing—dark-wash jeans with bold stitching down the legs, paired with a boxy, cropped shirt she'd designed herself, and her favourite red boots to match her signature color. The PR team loved that she made her own clothes. It added a personal touch they were quick to work into her image: the DIY singer-songwriter, unapologetically herself. It felt right but didn't help with the adrenaline rush flooding through her veins.
She peeked out from behind the stage curtain, her heart hammering as she caught sight of the rows of faces and flashing lights, the audience rippling with anticipation. The stage manager gave her a nod, and before she could take another shaky breath, her cue sounded, and the lights dimmed, prompting a hush over the crowd. The quiet grew heavy, and Cat felt the weight of every eye on her. She took one last deep breath and stepped out, into the spotlight, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the lights.
"Hey, everyone!" She forced a smile, her voice wavering slightly. "I'm Caterina, and'-" Before she could finish the crowd erupted with yells and cheers, taking her back for a moment. It seemed that even those who hadn't brought tickets to see her somehow knew who she was. The nerves instantly washed away from Cat, replaced which a bold bright smile and a polite wave to the crowd before she continued. "I'm so excited to be here tonight, opening for Eliza. I hope you like these songs."
The crowd erupted again, clapping and cheering, and the warmth of their energy hitting her with full force. The audience only really knew the snippets she'd released online, along with her and Andre's version of her first 3, but she was about to share a few more with them right now.
The opening notes of Tattooed Heart drifted into the air, and as she launched into it, she felt herself settle into the rhythm. Her voice, tentative at first, grew stronger with each verse. Her team decided it would be good to start the audience up with one they'd know, at least the demo version of, and the response was amazing. Cat had never had people sing back at her before. A lot didnt know the words- but for those who did, it was a strange feeling for her. Like, it was a song she'd written- and people were singing it?
As it finished, the next song rolled out, Lovin It. This was initially one of Alessia's that she never put out- but had slipped onto Cat's album now. It was quick and catchy, and through the encouraging whoops and cheers, the crowd had seemingly caught on by the song's end. Her nerves started to dissolve with each passing minute. As she moved through the set, Cat noticed something amazing: people were starting to catch on, their faces lighting up as they recognised snippets of the songs that had been teased on her social media.
Next came Pink Champagne a proper dance around the stage kind of tune. It was the kind of thing Tori would sing, and that's because she'd helped her write it. It was nice having a part of her friends in the music- with Andre producing, Jade being the inspiration behind a few, Tori helping with ideas. As she skipped around the stage she spotted those friends, faces beaming with pride. Jade, Andre and Tori were cheering, while Beck and Robbie held up their phones, filming the moment. She didn't know how they'd all managed to push their way to the front- but she was very glad they did. Jade had probably yelled at a few people to move.
As the song continued, Cat lost herself in the music, letting the beat carry her as she moved across the stage. She'd written this one to be a celebration, a reminder to embrace the moment and have fun. And here, with hundreds of people dancing and cheering, it felt exactly right.
The audience was on fire, their hands in the air, bodies moving, and Cat felt like she was floating. By the end of the song, she was breathless, laughing as the crowd cheered and clapped, their voices blending into a chorus of excitement and joy.
"Thank you so much!" she shouted into the mic, beaming as she looked out over the crowd. She could hardly believe it—they'd come to see her, to hear her music, and they were dancing. She felt the thrill of it settle deep inside, an energy she knew she'd carry with her long after she left the stage.
When she finished her set, her chest heaving with exhilaration; the audience erupted, clapping and cheering, their voices filling the space. She felt her heart soaring, a wild blend of relief and joy. She'd done it. She'd put herself out there, and people had listened. They had really listened.
"Thank you!" she called out again over the applause, a wide grin spreading across her face. "You've been amazing! I'll see you all soon!"
As she left the stage, the sounds of the crowd faded, and her hands were shaking slightly as she stepped into the dim backstage area. Her producer, Sam, was there, grinning as he gave her a thumbs-up. Her PR manager was already jotting down notes, practically glowing with excitement.
But it was the sight of her friends waiting for her by the side entrance of the venue that made her heart feel like it might burst. Jade pulled her into a tight hug, whispering, "You were incredible." Cat smiled against her shoulder, the last of her nerves melting away, replaced by a warmth that had nothing to do with the stage lights.
After an evening of celebrating with their friends, Cat and Jade finally returned home, the adrenaline of the night still lingering but their bodies tired from the excitement. They kicked off their shoes by the door and sank onto the couch, Cat cuddling up to Jade, her head resting on Jade's shoulder.
For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, the warmth of each other's company grounding them after the electric energy of the concert. Jade finally broke the quiet, glancing at Cat with a curious look. "So… that song. Lovin' It. Who's the guy youre singing about?"
Cat blinked, momentarily thrown off. "Oh, that? It was actually Alessia's song. She wrote it before she left the label, and I guess it was already pretty much finished. If they'd let me, I would've changed the lyrics to 'girl,' but they didn't really give me a choice."
Jade frowned slightly, a thought clearly forming as she studied Cat's face. "What do you mean, they didn't give you a choice?"
Cat shrugged, a bit dismissively. "They just… I don't know, they said it wasn't the time to make changes. I didn't think much of it. I figured they wanted to keep the original lyrics since it was her song."
But Jade's expression didn't soften. "Did they say anything else about it? Or anything about you? Like… you and me?"
Cat bit her lip, realising now where Jade was going with this. "Well, sort of. I mean… when they were prepping me, they said it might be better if I don't mention having a girlfriend, you know? They just said it was better if I seemed single, so fans could relate more or something like that."
Jade's eyes narrowed slightly, a thoughtful but intense look in her gaze. "Or they just don't want people knowing you're with a girl."
Cat's brow furrowed as she sat up a little, processing Jade's words. "I mean… I don't think they're trying to hide it," she said slowly. But even as she said it, a part of her felt unsure. She remembered the way the label reps had shifted uncomfortably when she'd mentioned Jade, how they'd quickly glossed over it. Maybe it wasn't just about appearing single.
Jade took her hand, squeezing it gently. "Cat, I'm not saying you have to do anything about it. I just want you to be aware… Labels aren't always upfront. Sometimes, they'll try to keep things a certain way because they think that's what sells. But if they're trying to erase part of who you are, I don't want you just going along with it."
Cat felt a pang in her chest, both grateful and a little overwhelmed. She hadn't thought about it much, just trusting the label to steer her in the right direction. But Jade's words settled heavily with her, the thought of having to hide part of herself feeling suddenly suffocating.
"I know you're right," Cat said quietly, her voice softening. "I just… I'm not sure how to handle it. This whole thing is so new to me, and I don't want to mess it up before I even get started."
Jade nodded, understanding but firm. "Just remember who you are, Cat. I'm not saying to do anything drastic right now. Just… don't let them push you into something that makes you feel like you can't be honest. And if you want me there, I'll be there. Whatever you need."
Cat nodded, a small, appreciative smile forming on her lips. She leaned into Jade's shoulder again, the warmth of her words settling around her. "Thanks, Jade. I'll keep that in mind. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Jade wrapped an arm around her, kissing the top of her head. "You'll figure it out. And if they're worth working with, they'll support you just as you are." She let the words hang for a moment before adding. "I love you and am so proud of you."
"I love you too."