Ready for it? (Joost Klein)

5

"Hello guys! Did I mention that you two are my favorite artists? You each bring your own vibe to your songs. I love them!"

"Oh my god, thank you Nemo! I really appreciate that. I just think your song could be one of the big winners! I love The Code"

Joost grins at me. "Oh so you did your homework?" I bite my tongue not to answer. Not if Nemo can see it.

"It's almost time for our rehearsals. Are you stressed?", Nemo asks. Joost shakes his head. "I was born for Eurovision baby!"

Nemo and I laugh."Livia, are you going to perform in that outfit? That seems impossible to me with those heels." All three of us look at my heels.

"Never underestimate a woman, Nemo! I've practiced enough in heels to be able to do this."

Someone from the organization approaches us to tell us that rehearsals are about to begin. She pushes us toward the stage and gives us a list to see when it's our turn.

Serbia is first. I am the fifth candidate. I sit down in one of the comfortable seats with a good view of the stage.

I listened to all the songs last night with Kate at the hotel and I am very curious to see how the candidates sound in real life.

Joost comes and sits next to me. He has a gin and tonic in his hand.

"So did you look me up during your homework, too?" He takes a big sip of his drink. I actually looked him up and the bad thing is that I thought his song was one of the best of them all.It was impossible to listen to Europapa and stay still. Of course, I wouldn't just admit that to him.

"I watched your video. And I saw a blue bird." He laughs when he sees my judgmental face.

"Hey hey, those people are my best friends. You can insult me, but not them."

"Oh so I'm allowed to insult you? Well, let's start with your shoes. They are very ugly." I can't suppress the smile I have.

"Thanks. You're cute too." He continues drinking his gin and tonic. "By the way, nice hotel we're staying at right? Always a surprise what you get to hear in the elevator."

I look the other way so he doesn't see my smile. There is something about him that makes me feel so at ease.

"Right but you know what I like best about our hotel? That the other people staying there share their food with someone. Little acts like that for others are great aren't they?"

He slumps down in the seat and hands his gin and tonic to me. "Is this your way of asking if you can drink from my drink?" 

I smile and return his glass. "No, thank you. I only drink after I perform." In response, he drinks out his glass in 1 sitting.

"So tell me something about yourself. What do you like besides apple pie and gossiping about people?"

I think for a moment. "Basically everything I'm doing right now. Performing for people, having interactions with fans. But at the same time, I'm also the person who takes a book at night and reads in silence for hours at a stretch."

Joost looks at me. "I've never read a book in my life."

I laugh and after a few seconds he laughs with me.

Then an organizer comes to get me. "Livia, it's your turn. Just follow me to the stage." Joost straightens up. "I'll get a gin and tonic for when you get back."