Deep breaths. Breathe In…and hold for 5…and out…here we go.
She counted herself in, lightly tapping her fingers against the guitar as a metronome. It felt strange at first to disturb the silence of the old large theater, as if she were interrupting a large creature’s slumber, but the familiar sound of the strings seemed to set her thoughts straight.
This is how she practiced whenever a space was available before a gig. Even before a sound check with the rest of the band, she needed to get comfortable with the sound of a room alone, it was one of her famous quirks.
This was a new song they were going to try out with the crowd. Even if they were fresh faces on the music scene, it still felt necessary for her and the guys to stay inspired while trying out new material on the road. She let the notes flow as she sang acapella.
You never made amends
Why should I call you a friend…
She paused. Sensing that she was being watched.
"Sing it again," a deep voice whispered so close as if she could feel a breath tickling her ear. Her body shivered involuntarily in response.
She whirled around in surprise, nearly losing her footing off the stage. No one was behind her. “Oh!” She exclaimed.
Someone heard me! Ah! That was one of my worst takes! She strained her eyes to make out the figure that called out to her, but it was too dark to see beyond the first few rows of seats. “Hello?” She answered back.
“But try it in this key, I bet your tone sounds richer here.” The voice continued, accompanied by an echoing note from the piano on the other side of the theater.
“Who is th-“ her question fell short as a tall figure made its way in front of the old grand piano she had noticed earlier.
The shape of what resembled a human came into view from the shadows of the dark venue.
Her breath hitched for a moment, taking in the sight of an unfamiliar man. Not just any man. One of the most beautiful men she had ever seen. She had never used the word beautiful to describe any man. Do men even come like this anymore? she thought to herself.
Soft waves of light brown hair framed his face and stopped right above his shoulders. She blinked several times, trying to wake from what felt like a lucid dream. Is he a hair stylist? Seemingly with hair like an angel.
His eyes caught her off guard, a bright blue so strange and lovely, they looked almost unnatural. Are those contacts? This guy can’t be for real!
She heard a low chuckle from the figure, as if he heard her thoughts. Did I say that aloud? Her eyes widened with embarrassment, not remembering what actually happened.
Locked in a trance with the stranger’s eyes as he quietly glided toward her direction, she suddenly snapped her gaze to his mouth, revealing the most immaculate set of teeth she had ever seen.
His mouth began to form words and she forced herself to look at him straight on, tensely pursing her own lips.
“Forgive me. I should have known better than to disturb an artist at work,” his tone sounded almost apologetic, with a touch of playfulness. He tilted his head to the side to examine her closely. He looked amused at her baffled expression.
Do I hear an accent? she thought hastily.
You should say something soon, and stop ogling him! What are you, a hormonal teenager? Have you never seen attractive men before? She scolded herself while shaking her head quickly. Despite the lyrics that came easily just seconds ago, simple words seemed to elude her at that moment.
Feeling unsettled under his gaze was an understatement.
His perfect smile pulled back into a cheeky grin. “Is everything all right?”
She opened her mouth to speak, but a rush of anxiety left her stammering. “Y-y-yes. I thought the venue wasn’t booked for tonight. I like to familiarize myself with a space and the acoustics when it’s empty, b-before sound check.” She bit her lip after the words tumbled out.
Way to sound like a tool. Why am I so nervous? She inwardly cursed her childhood stutter pushing through her voice. It came out every so often, whenever she spoke normally. Singing was a saving grace for hiding this issue when she performed, usually in front of strangers.
It was tough to look anywhere else besides his face as there was something magnetic about it. She thought jokingly she could almost see his aura, or some form of a glow around him, which was odd to see in a dark theater.
She eventually managed to steer her gaze just past his head, just like she trained herself to do during performances.
“As you should. Helps with the nerves, doesn’t it?” His smile flashed again as he leaned forward, closing the distance between them. “The stage is yours, Ms. Saida,” he whispered.
She raised her eyebrows. “How do you know my name?”
“I make it a point to know all openers at my events,” he stated matter-of-factly.
Recognition dawned on her as she studied his face more closely, without the caution she had before.
Of course! How could she have not realized who he was. Levi! He’s here?! “It’s you! But how are you here? The manager said you were out of town?” The questions tumbled coherently this time, her curiosity overtaking her nerves.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
He seemed to perk up at her sudden interest. “Ah, so you’ve met Ron. Yes, I decided to end my holiday early…some things here required my attention,” his eyes glinted.
She couldn’t believe her eyes, completely starstruck by the reclusive icon, who barely made himself known in any public capacity. He was known to only release one or two songs every year or so, all of which became hits overnight. His music was like nothing she had heard before, an eclectic sound that incorporated almost every genre, and experimented with musicians from all over the world. Her favorites were the songs with Middle-Eastern tones, all with a melancholic feel to it.
She found herself beginning to babble uncontrollably, “I didn’t know you owned this theater, it’s beautiful. On top of a music career, producing, you’ve done so much…” her voice trailed off as she looked down at her feet to hide the rush of blood to her face. Great, he’s going to think I’m a total spaz. No wonder he stays out of the public eye.
“I appreciate the sentiment, though I am no different than anyone who chases their passions. Wouldn’t you say the same for yourself?” He asked as he walked closer to her, his hands lightly tracing the end of her guitar strings, ever so close to her left hand. “This is your third city on your first tour, no? That’s very impressive for someone your age.”
“Ah yes, I’m no spring chicken,” she managed to whisper reflexively, the nerves of discomfort creeping their way back into her stomach. Even though being a 30-something year old was not old in the sense of all time and space, she couldn’t help but feel aged out of the music industry filled with spritely 20-somethings or younger.
I guess it is amazing for someone like me to be pursuing this at my age. Most women by this time are happily married with 2+ children, somehow managing a “real” job…making their mothers proud. Her stomach sank in defeat. It wasn’t that her age bothered her, instead she was reminded of how long she had put certain dreams on hold. One of her biggest regrets.
“I find the majority of these fledgling musicians quite boring, don’t you?” he exclaimed, as if he was consoling her silent thoughts.
She furrowed her brows in confusion, she didn’t say that out loud, did she? “Do you? I thought producers are always on the lookout for the next best thing in sound, usually the next best, young thing.”
“Ah, yes, but hearing derivative love songs of classics mixed with artificially stripped vocals does grow tired after a while,” he gave her a faraway look, as if lost in a memory. Was it not for his pristine appearance, she would almost describe him as worn-out. “These young people sing about love before they even know what real love is. Too formulaic,” he sighed.
She wasn’t sure how old he was; he looked to be in his mid-30s. He seemed too young to have made such a huge impact on the industry.
"On the other hand, everything is new and vital to them, living each moment like it's their last. Some of them manage to translate that well into art. Such tortured souls," he mused, his eyes floating back to her in interest.
“Um…that’s one way to look at it,” she remarked slowly, not wanting to step on any toes with her own headstrong opinions.
“You don’t have to hold back with me,” he said with a strange look of longing, as if he was daring her to do something outrageous.
“Oh, I actually, a-a-agree with you,” the stutter returned with a vengeance, she looked down as color rose to her cheeks again. Something about his presence left an unnerving feeling inside of her. She couldn’t place her finger on it.
His gaze fell toward her mouth, as his own turned into a smile. "Ah well, nevermind. Come now, I would love to hear the rest of your piece."
"Oh dear, I still have to warm up, s-sorry, I would hate to waste your time…" She exclaimed, nowhere near prepared to perform for someone like him.
"Nonsense, shake away those nerves and resume," he responded decidedly, leaving no room for argument.
She was taken aback by his forwardness. He was probably used to commanding the stage, she thought to herself.
After a few moments pause, she began tapping her guitar again, sending out her vocalizations through the hall with mmmm's and oooo's.
Then she started playing the simple chords that made up her song.
You never made amends
Why should I call you a friend
Stranger to me after all these years
My hope driven to tears
The words sent a wave of emotions through her, remembering her rough break up with her ex, John. They had a tumultuous relationship to say the least.
Her well of emotions made her voice belt out stronger than before, and for a moment she had to close her eyes to keep her sound from wavering. When they opened again, she caught Levi's eyes boring into her, as if he could feel her pain.
She stopped abruptly, losing focus on the words, and she put her guitar on the floor. "I'm sorry, I just need a moment."
"No apologies needed, Saida, may I call you Saida?"
"Yes. Did it sound alright?"
"Alright would be an understatement," he whispered in a low voice. "I didn't think there was more in this world that could still surprise me, yet here you are."
"I don't deserve such high praise, this is a new song, and it still needs a lot of work," she exclaimed while shaking her head.
"Promise me you won't change what you just sang for me. The world needs to hear it." He stared at her intently with a look she could not dissuade him otherwise.
"Oh, you're not joking, well, I guess I have to keep a promise."
He stood up from the stool he was sitting on the stage, pulling out a small card from his jacket before walking over to her. He held it between his fingers, beckoning her to take the card.
"I would love to work with you sometime soon. I have some samples that you might find interesting.”
Her mouth fell open in surprise, not believing the opportunity that just fell into her lap. Working with Levi would open up so many doors for her, doors that had remained tightly shut while she was performing in her early years. It was difficult to break through the noise and talent of the music industry.
"If I don't answer right away, please text that number," he directed her gaze to the number in black and white print.
"Yes of course," She responded breathlessly, not able to fathom what had just occurred. Was she really about to collaborate with one of the most elusive and talented people in the music world?
"I must be going now, but it was lovely to meet you, Saida." He said her name with more emphasis this time, as if committing her to memory.
She couldn't help but notice an old-fashioned mannerism about his demeanor, he seemed to speak with conviction, not like many of the people she knew.
She almost gasped as he reached for her hand, placing a firm grasp as he shook it. It was a strong handshake that took her by surprise.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." He chuckled at her reaction, still holding her hand.
She felt like her face was going to explode from embarrassment. "Y-you're fine. It was wonderful to meet you as well, Mr. Levi. My bandmates won't believe it."
"Just Levi will suffice," he smiled as she unconsciously took a step forward.
"Okay, Levi!" The stutter had left her then, unable to shake off her astonishment at being so casual with someone of his caliber.
He nodded and turned to exit the theater, leaving her alone in the spotlight on the stage.
"Did that really just happen?" she thought, trying to contain her excitement about this new endeavor.