Hey Bartender, Hit Me

Chapter 5

Luke took in a deep breath before walking inside the theatre. He had the morning off at the bar so he could go to an audition. He didn't think anything would come from it, but he hadn't gone to one in a while, and if he ever wanted to make it he had to try to make himself known.

He went to the check in table and signed the necessary papers, handed over his headshots, then found an empty corner so he could practice his song in his head. He always sang the same song for auditions, but ever since his fifth grade production of Annie when he forgot the words to his big solo, he always had the fear. It never hurt to be prepared.

"Hey, you're Luke Hemmings, right?" a voice to his left said.

Luke looked up from his spot on the ground. A tall, muscular man with short black hair was standing in front of him, with a shorter, almost lanky man next to him. His bleached blonde hair was styled in a quiff similar to his own. "I'm Calum." The first introduced himself. "And this is Niall."

"Yeah, I'm Luke, it's nice to meet you." he said.

The two men sat down in front of him, forming a little circle on the floor.

"We know, we've seen you on TV."

"Calum, don't freak him out before we get to know him." Niall hissed, smacking his friend with the folder he was holding.

"It's all right. What did you mean though?"

"You were in the news for a couple days earlier in the month. Your boyfriend owns that bar, right?" Niall asked.

"Uhm, yeah. We were on the news?" Luke questioned.

"Oh yeah, buddy. Your face was all over. I'm surprised more people don't recognize you. You're like practically famous now!"

Luke shook his head. These guys were very high energy, but he could tell they were fun. He got good vibes from them both right off the bat.

"So, what are you auditioning with?" Niall asked. Just as Luke was about to reveal his song, a woman called everyone's attention.

"Can I have everyone numbers 340-359 line up against this wall please?" She asked, pointing to the wall next to the auditorium doors. Luke checked his little slip with his number on it, even though he knew he was 344 and stood.

"This is me, mates."

"Same here,"

"Yay! Audition buddies!" Niall exclaimed, hopping up and grabbing both Luke and Calum's hands. They rushed over to the line and stood in their places. The woman gave them a run down of what they were to do once they got onto the stage and where to sit. The doors were opened and all the auditionees filed in.

Niall was 340, so he went directly to the stage. He handed his music to the pianist sitting and waiting on the stage, then went directly to the middle and smiled brightly at the judges.

"Hello, my name is Niall Horan. I'll be singing "Being Alive" from Company." Luke sneaked a peak at the judges who sat a couple rows behind them and saw a couple of them roll their eyes. That song was over sung, but Niall sang it very well. Maybe Luke was biased because he was hoping to be friends with him, but it was probably the best rendition he'd ever heard of the song, besides the legendary Neil Patrick Harris.

Three more people went in between him and Niall. It was his turn so he got up from his seat and walked to the steps. He fumbled as he tried to walk up the three steps and heard a couple giggles from the audience. He blushed and his hands were shaking as he handed his papers to the accompanist.