Starting from Zero (Starting from 1)

“You’d think Beyoncé was making a guest appearance. This place is bumping,” Seb commented, sipping his cocktail.

The lights went down before I could reply, and the crowd went wild. When a single spotlight shone over the microphone stand, it got a little louder. And when Justin and the boys walked onto the stage, the noise rose to stadium concert levels. Okay, maybe that was a slight exaggeration—but only a slight one. The sound of cheering, wolf whistles, and applause reverberated through my body.

Justin gripped the mic with his right hand as he adjusted his guitar strap with the other. He wore a snug black tee that accentuated his ink and basic blue jeans. He’d cut his hair, but it suited him. He emitted a badass, sexy vibe before he even opened his mouth. If he was nervous, I couldn’t tell. He looked poised and proud and fuck…he looked like a rock star.

“Hey there. We’re Zero and this one’s called ‘Everywhere.’ One, two, three…”

Tegan set a steady beat on drums, Ky followed on bass a few seconds later, and Johnny on electric guitar. I’d heard them play often in my studio and thought they were good. However, performing live was a whole other art form. These guys sounded as though they’d been playing together for years. And when Justin joined in on vocals, anyone could tell Zero had true star power.

They played new material for thirty minutes before pausing for Justin to introduce himself and his bandmates. The audience hung on his every word, clapping and cheering with their arms raised. When they continued with a bluesy number, everyone swayed to the beat. The follow-up rockin’ anthem, “My Way” had everyone jumping and dancing. The energy was frenetic. Magical, even.

When the club darkened after a ninety-minute set, Zero left the stage to the sound of thunderous applause.

“Damn, they’re really good,” Seb gushed.

“Yeah. Here. Hold my drink.”

He furrowed his brow as he took my glass. “What are you doing?”

“Honestly, I have no idea. Wish me luck.”

I moved through the crush of bodies to the nearest exit. The heavy door opened onto a wide driveway at the side of the club between the main street and the parking lot. I immediately realized that I didn’t know where to go. I hadn’t asked enough questions. Fuck. I’d been like this for days. Full of ideas but unsure about how to execute them. I swiped my damp hands on my jeans and went to search for my car, which of course was sandwiched tightly between two expensive-looking vehicles.

I took pity on the attendant’s panicky look when I asked for my keys. “It’s okay. I can wait. I just need to get something out of my car. Thanks.”

“Phew. Here you go, sir.”

My Porsche was parked under a streetlight behind the club. I sidled between the vehicles and miraculously was able to wedge my arm in the passenger-side door and grab the roses. A few red petals tore from the buds and scattered in the light spring breeze, but they still looked good. I shoved a couple of stray stems into the bouquet and turned toward the back door just as it opened. I spotted Ky and Tegan first. Then Johnny. But no sign of Justin.

I waited a couple of minutes more before inspiration struck. I shimmied back to my car and climbed on the roof just as the door opened and a triumphant cheer filled the air. The four members of Zero clasped hands and whooped. I grinned when they lifted Charlie and ran around the small clearing near the building. I was too far to hear their conversation, but I didn’t mind. I was skilled at the art of people-watching.

Charlie spotted me from his perch and waved excitedly. Everyone turned, or maybe no one did. The only one I saw was Justin. He froze for a moment and stared at me. Then he smiled. Even from a distance, I could tell it lit his eyes before stretching from ear to ear.

My heart pounded in my chest. I licked my lips and sat a little taller. I started to slide down to meet him, but he was faster and more agile. He slipped between the cars and then hopped onto the Porsche’s hood.

“You’re here,” he said.

“Yeah. I couldn’t miss Zero’s debut. You were incredible, baby.”

“Thanks.” He pursed his lips, then brushed his nose with the back of his hand before inching forward. He gestured toward the bouquet beside me. “Are those for me?”

“Yes. They’re boyfriend roses.”

Justin grinned. “Oh yeah?”

“You said they should be bigger and these were the biggest ones I could find. I should have bought more and maybe a different color,” I babbled nervously.

“No. They’re perfect.”

“Come sit with me. Please.”

He glanced at my outstretched hand before threading his fingers with mine. I moved the roses to give him space and set them in his lap. “Thank you.”