Ghostly Heartbreak | Luke Patterson

Chapter 21

When the guys poofed away, Julie and I took that as our cue to run off the stage. Julie ran with excitement and with pride, however, my mood was quite different. I ran off, happy that the performance was over with Julie and the Phantoms because I felt out of place with them. Seeing Julie and Luke having this obvious connection with each other took a pang to my heart.

Immediately, the two of us girls ran to Flynn who was cheering like a proud mom. Julie threw her arms over Flynn, as I just stood behind her with a smile on my face. Obviously Julie was a lot more excited than me because this time the spotlight was more on her and Luke than anyone else, since I decided to have my own solo career. I was more of in the background as a guitarist and backup singer than anything. Although, I feel like maybe I can get more out of my solo career, but I don't think I'd be okay with just leaving my friends behind.

Flynn turned to me, "Oh my god Nova! You're song was AMAZING! You got every single person in this room dancing." She gave me a bear hug, I was laughing at her excitement. "You both were incredible."

"Yeah, we were," Reggie said as the guys poofed behind Flynn. Julie nudged my shoulder as the boy spoke. Luke and Alex sat on the counter behind Flynn, both sharing the same smile.

"Hey," Luke said shocked as he pointed behind us, "Hey! Whoever Carrie was trying to impress is coming this way."

"Oh, its..." Julie paused as she slowly turned her head around, making me follow her lead.

"She looks all business," Reggie whispered, "Wait. Who should do the talking?"

"I-" I was cut off, I sighed trying to play it off.

"Right. Julie. Julie," Reggie said as Julie gave him a bored expression.

Julie glanced behind her at Luke, "You got this," he told her encouragingly.

The woman came over to us with a huge smile, "Hi, I'm Andi Parker, and I would-"

"Julie. Nova," a sharp voice spoke behind the woman. Both Julie and I looked at each other, wide eyed and nervous that Ray found us and could possibly let this opportunity slip from us.

"Dad," Julie spoke.

Ray narrowed his eyes at his daughter, "It's time to go. Go to the car now," both Julie and I made way to the car.

"Wait," Andi called out, "I'd like to talk to Nova. If that's okay? It'd take just a few minutes."

I glanced back at Ray, and saw that Julie was exiting through the door. My eyes held a pleading look, as Ray just sighed, "Fine. I'll be waiting for you in the car Nova." I nodded and turned my head towards the bar, seeing that even the boys left.

"Yes Ms. Parker," I said nervously.

Andi smiled, "Please call me Andi. You see, I really enjoyed your performance and I see an abundance of potential in you Nova."

"Thank you. That really means a lot to me," I pushed back a strand of my hair as I blushed.

"Of course. What I'm saying is that... I'd like to work with you. I haven't seen that much talent in years. Your voice is so rare and you have so much control over your voice at such a young age that I'm looking forward to see where you'll end up in the next couple of years, maybe even months, if you agree to work with me," she smiled at the end.

I gasped, "You're serious. You'd want to work with me and Julie-"

"I didn't say anything about Julie and the Phantoms," Andi said quickly, "Nova, I get that you're also in a band and that you're friends with them, but the reality is... a band can only get you so far. You want to become a rockstar from my understanding, and quite frankly, after seeing what I saw, Julie is hiding you in the back as she soaks up the limelight. Nova, you don't deserve to be just a back singer or guitarist. You deserve to be the main attraction, lights on you, name known everywhere you go. Staying the band will only harm you. Every band eventually goes their own ways, to better their chances as a solo act."