Chelsea
One Week Later
“How are you feeling?”
Ever since today began, Antonio had asked that same question countless of times.
At this point, I thought I might have to give him a good shake until he finally believed my answer.
“I’m great,” I repeated for what felt like the tenth time.
Tonight was the night we’d been training for. Our first performance together as a part of his tour. Our tour.
No longer would I be playing for a hotel staff or temporary staying guests. Not even the busy streets of Los Angeles. I’d be playing for real. Following my dream and becoming a professional musician.
When he caught me pep-talking myself, he thought it was a threat of getting cold feet. He literally offered to cancel the show to avoid me getting nervous. Since then, he’s been watching me ever so carefully. Waiting for me to change my mind.
Pretty sure now was a little late for that. It didn’t matter. I truly believed that we’d crush it. Hopefully, he’d get the confidence I felt. Funny how the tables turned after two weeks.
“You’re going to blow them all away,” he promised before sliding an arm around my body.
One of the stagehands popped in to warn us two minutes until showtime. Antonio glared at him while I smiled and thanked him.
Alone once more, he pulled me close. The smell of his cologne left my head spinning.
I bought a dress for the occasion. One that reminded me of the beautiful woman I watched before my first performance. Ever since I put it on, he couldn’t keep his hands off of me. I couldn’t lie, I loved it.
“Who are you playing for once we step out there?” he asked softly, his breath brushing the hairs on the top of my head.
Knowing what answer he wanted, I smiled mischievously. “I’ll be playing for you.”
Expecting him to shake his head in disappointment, I was surprised when a smile formed on his lips. “I planned on saying the same thing.”
Warmth exploded from my chest and I swore the man would make me melt into a puddle. He kissed me, not giving a damn who saw. Only when we heard the thirty-second mark did he pull away.
“Let’s go show the world what they’ve been missing out on.”
Grabbing my hand, he held it tight as he led me to the stage. Even now, he wasn’t embarrassed to show me off to everyone as his. From new talent to girlfriend, I never loved a title change as much as the one I had now.
The moment we stepped out on stage, applause filled the large room. Purposely avoiding looking out at the crowd, I knew well enough how large the building was. Travis showed off the auditorium, proud of his find.
Heading to the front of the stage, we both bowed. Giving each other one last glance, his hand disappeared from mine before we sat down at the two pianos pointing to each other.
Remembering to breathe, I ignored the heat of the light above. Felt way hotter than the one before. Ignored everyone who watched us. Pretended that the love of my life and I were the only ones preoccupying the room. Knowing that Antonio would carry me if I were to fall, I knew nothing bad would happen.
Sucking in a breath, I let my fingers lightly drag across the keys. Letting the audience calm with their claps, I looked at the sheet music. Confident I wouldn’t need it, I fought a smile from lifting on my lips.
After playing the setlist a countless amount of times, I felt like I knew each song by heart.
With Antonio waiting for me to start, to give me as much time as I needed, I closed my eyes. Enjoyed the silence surrounding us. Finally, I hit the first note.
By the end of the show, the audience wouldn’t be only clapping for Antonio. They’d be clapping for us.