Rhythm of Heartbreak

Chapter 15: The Duet

Shaun moved across the stage, hitting every note with ease. The crowd's energy was electric, pushing him to deliver his best performance yet. This was the moment he'd been working toward for years, and he was savoring every bit of it. Each lyric, each dance step, was precise, and the applause fueled him even more.

As he was about to start the bridge, Shaun's eyes scanned the audience and landed on a familiar face. Jess was there, looking stunning in a short rustic dress that showed off her arms and legs. Her beauty caught him off guard; he hadn't expected her to look so captivating. The way she played with her braided hair and pouted her lips made Shaun want to laugh—she was just being her usual silly self.

But then, his mood shifted. His movements stiffened as he saw someone's arms wrapped around Jess's shoulders, pulling her close. His heart sank when he realized it was Rick. Her innocent smile, the one he thought was just for him, was now directed at Rick. Their shared laughter and inside jokes made Shaun feel like an outsider.

Trying to shake off the image, Shaun focused on finishing his performance. He ended with a dramatic twirl and pointed toward Jess, blending it into his routine. The audience erupted in applause, soothing his nerves for a moment.

As he walked off the stage, Shaun couldn't help but glance back at Jess. Rick's arm was still around her. Was this their way of getting under his skin?

Jess's eyes met his briefly, but she quickly looked away, as if hiding something. When their eyes locked again, Shaun felt a fire ignite in him. He smirked, knowing he still had some effect on her. After taking his final bow, Shaun walked down the steep stairs, nearly tripping as the host announced the next performer.

"It's an honor to introduce tonight's headliner, one of the biggest names in the industry. Please welcome the award-winning musician, Rick Reed!" the emcee declared.

The crowd went wild, chanting Rick's name. Shaun stood in the shadows, clenching his fists as he watched Rick stride onto the stage, bathed in the spotlight. A sharp pang of jealousy hit him as Rick took the mic, commanding everyone's attention. Rick's eyes briefly met Jess's, and her face lit up with admiration. The contrast between her excitement and Shaun's growing resentment was hard to ignore.

Meanwhile, Rick's thoughts drifted to his last meeting with the record label as he watched the pool of crowd in front of him. He'd been reluctant to join the boot camp despite Alexander Miller and Bennie Hacks's best efforts to convince him. The spotlight and constant attention were not things he enjoyed. Music was his escape, a way to confront his pain alone, without the pressure of fame. The idea of navigating the demands of being in the public eye always felt like a burden.

Rick had always seen himself as unworthy of love and acceptance, a feeling Bennie and Alexander knew well. They'd pushed him to join the boot camp, saying it might help him heal and find himself. But as he stood on that stage, surrounded by the very crowd he had dreaded, he felt trapped between his desire for anonymity and the expectations placed on him.

His gaze returned to Jess, who stood out in the crowd. Her eyes sparkled, and her flushed cheeks showed her excitement. He had noticed her talent while she practiced for the Awards night, and it had left a lasting impression on him. Her performance resonated with his struggles, creating a connection he hadn't expected. Watching her now, Rick felt his perspective shift—maybe this experience wasn't as burdensome as he'd feared.

Clearing his throat, he pushed aside his thoughts and addressed the audience with a warm smile. "Thank you all for the warm welcome. What a fantastic opening night! Are you enjoying the festivities?" Though his words were rehearsed, his enthusiasm was genuine.

The crowd responded with a loud cheer.

"This year, we're celebrating young talents like you. So, instead of a solo performance from me tonight, let's have a magical duet with the one and only Jess Lynn!" Rick announced.

Jess's heart raced as the crowd applauded. She felt a wave of panic wash over her. Rick's supportive smile was meant to calm her, but it only made her more anxious. Rick motioned for Jess to join him on stage. She reluctantly stepped forward, wishing the ground would swallow her up. When she reached the center, Rick gently pulled her close and whispered, "Relax... You know this song."

Jess shot him a questioning look. "Why are you doing this?"

"It's all good, trust me," he replied, heading to the lead guitarist. Jess watched as Rick communicated with the band, nodding in approval. Her hands were clammy as she prepared for the performance. The familiar strum of the guitar signaled the start of the song, a classic melody she had practiced before.

Rick began the first verse of "I Can't Smile Without You," and Jess joined in, their voices blending seamlessly. The song's gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics filled the air:

You know I can't smile without you
I can't smile without you
I can't laugh, and I can't sing
I'm finding it hard to do anything
You see I feel sad when you're sad
I feel glad when you're glad
If you only knew what I'm going through
I just can't smile without you

Rick moved towards Jess, pulling her into a twirl as they danced together. Their performance captivated the audience, who sang along, raising their phones in unison. The magic of their duet drew everyone in.

You came along just like a song
You brighten my day
Who would have believed that you were part of a dream
Now it all seems light years away

As they finished the song, their hands clasped together, Jess took a chance with a head voice flourish, ending the song on an epic note. The audience went wild, cheering loudly. Jess embraced Rick, a spontaneous gesture she later justified as a spur-of-the-moment thing. Rick smiled warmly, raising their hands for the final bow.

As they made their way off the stage, Jess's smile faded when she saw Shaun blocking their path, his eyes filled with anger.

"Jessie, we need to talk," he said.

Jess looked at him, hearing the seriousness in his voice and noticing the use of her old nickname. Rick's hand tightened around hers. Jess knew she had to face Shaun, no matter how hard it would be. She braced herself, ready for whatever was coming next.