Choose Me- the second novel

Chapter 17- champagne or adrenaline

Taylor's POV

The booming bass of the band is the first thing I hear over the crowd. Once Matty has gone everything sort of goes by really quickly. We are assembled in our lineup, coordinated by Kim.

I'm next to Rhea in the lineup, last of the girls to walk, top of the bill. Rhea smiles down at me and we discuss the engagement, again. Shes unbelievably happy for us, and we make plans for a second double date.

"Malachi could not keep his eyes off of you" I tell her. As Phillipa takes to the stage, slipping through a silk curtain and into the bright lights.

"I think he was shocked. This is the sexiest I've ever looked." She says laughing.

"You and me too" I tell her, the nerves getting to me again. Matthew I remind myself, he will be there.

"I think Matty all but passed out" she tells me snickering.

"You could literally see his thought process, it went abit like woah, that's my fiancée. Darn she's hot." She laughs and I chuckle as we move up closer to the curtain. Hearing the crowd cheer on Phillipa. I am immeasurably happy that I got to do this with the girls, should they have been on the other side of the curtain I most likely would have bailed by now. I hold onto Rhea's hands briefly as we walk up the steps and Rachel descends on the crowd. Receiving a huge clap.

"Remember I'm right behind you." I tell her as she steps out into the light. I watch as the light hits her and she's a vision. Strong and beautiful. The crowd roar for her and I wait patiently.

"Ready, beautiful?" Kim asks, as I can hear the guitar solo beginning. I really got the best deal here and I look at her gratefully.

"Okay go, my goddess" she chuckles as the adrenaline hits me and the curtain swishes open waiting for me to step out.

Placing one gold stiletto heel in front of the other, I walk into the light, whilst Kraig tears up his guitar effortlessly. The crowd is substantial and they make themselves known roaring and cheering me on. Feeling elated from the acceptance of the crowd, and slightly deafened, I take the walk in my stride.

The runway is long, longer than I had imagined, stretching all the up to the bar. My first thought is find Matty, in amongst the crowd. Everybody's face is a blur, the light swamps me and they all look terribly dark. As the inner dancer comes out and I feel like I've got this, I briefly gaze down at my skimpy outfit to see how it's sparkling under the light. Kim is so clever, it practically beams. It's a show stopper.

Having progressed half of the walk, I gaze at Rhea working it, she looks fierce. And just beyond her, I spot Matthew at the end of the never ending runway and I feel my nerves settle. He's my goal I've got to make it to him, without any falls. Clever Matty putting himself at the finish line.

Ross positioned next to Matthew, watches me with an expression of love. Expecting Jay to look smug I am shocked as I capture his eyes in my own and he regards me seriously, brooding almost. Under the disco ball, my outfit sends light around the room and I hear the crowd swoon as the visual effect is practically artistic.

Should you not look for your enemies, in the crowd at your most superior moment then you are just not human. I spot Jen, near Jay and Brad, eyeing me enviously. I make sure to strut just that little bit harder whilst she watches me in her black gown, her pink pixie hair illuminated under the stage lights.

Malachi is gazing at Rhea adoringly. Her hair swishes as she walks. The pride I feel for Rhea is immense, she is a good role model, and she's found her one. Malachi is definitely all hers. The way he watches her, captivated.