Chapter 43: Music Under the Stars
Chapter 41
The crowd grew as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden light across the waves. Tiki torches flickered to life, and the beachside restaurant buzzed with chatter and anticipation. A local MC stepped up to the mic and welcomed everyone with a bright smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our Music Under the Stars competition! We've got an exciting lineup tonight—so sit back, relax, and enjoy the talent!"
The first few performers were adults—most strummed guitars, some sang covers, others played instruments. A couple of acts were actually pretty impressive. A steel drum trio got the audience clapping, and an older man singing Bob Marley had the whole restaurant humming along.
Then came the girl I'd met earlier—Rihanna. She stepped up onto the stage, a bit nervous but clearly holding it together. The crowd quieted.
She strummed the first chords on her guitar and began singing—a soft, clear voice that stunned everyone into silence. It wasn't showy or loud, but it had this kind of soulful honesty that made people lean in. A few lines in, and you could hear murmurs: "She's amazing."
When she finished, the applause was loud and enthusiastic. I clapped hard, too.
Charlie leaned toward me. "You're gonna have to bring your A-game now, kid."
I grinned. "Was already planning on it."
The MC stepped back up. "Next up—Jake Harper!"
Phoebe gave me a wink as she picked up her guitar and followed me toward the stage. I climbed the couple of steps and adjusted the mic. The lights warmed my face, and the sound of the ocean filled the silent pause.
"Hey everyone," I began, "this song is about... normal life."