Ready for it? (Joost Klein)

6

While performing, I can forget about everything for a while. Ready For It is a powerful song with a lot of girlpower in it. 

I do feel that it is not as good because Elena, Kate and Lucas are not there. Still, by the end, I am satisfied when the lights go out.

My heart rate is racing like crazy as the audience applauds.

I walk off stage and return to the room where the other candidates are also sitting. Baby Lasagna comes right up to me. "Livia, that was amazing! You had to see how everyone here was singing along with you!"

Marina Satti joins me. "Girl, I'm jealous. You did that really well!" Next thing I know, I'm taking them both in a hug. 

Normally I'm not the person to touch others quickly, but tonight it just feels right. "Thanks you two. I'm sure you guys are going to do it amazing too! My fingers are crossed for you guys."

Afterwards, I go back to the seats where I was sitting with Joost earlier. He is still sitting there and Nutsa Buzaladze is now sitting next to him. I sit down next to her. Nutsa does not stop her conversation with Joost and continues talking. 

I look around and realize I am thirsty. Then I see that Nutsa is holding a half-empty gin and tonic.

Was that the glass Joost got for me? Then I'll just get my drink myself. I get up and walk to the bar.

"What can I help you with?" the bartender says. I look at the menu. "A Sex on the Beach, please." In 30 seconds, I get my drink. 

I thank the bartender and want to step toward a group where Martinus, Marina and Nemo are standing, before I get the call.

It's Elio. I move to a corner where it's a little quieter. "Elio, hi."

"Livia, I just saw the video of you performing. You are doing absolutely great! Don't forget to let me know when to send a car to pick you up. There will be interviews with the other countries there tomorrow afternoon. I will still send you the details. Our flight to Belgium is tomorrow evening."

"Great! Thanks for letting me know. I'll see you tomorrow!" I put my phone away and take a sip of my drink.

"Good evening sweetheart. Why are you standing here so alone?"

A man in a dark suit appears next to me. He is not another candidate. His eyes wander down and he smirks. 

"Um... Who are you?" My instinct immediately says to take a step away from him. He takes one toward me. "Let's just say I'm one of the owners of this building. I designed it."

"That's nice."

I look at where all the other candidates and seats are. No one is focusing on me; they are all talking or looking at the stage.

I feel his hand slide over my lower back. I freez, "How about leaving here together tonight?" I can feel his breath on my neck.

I step backward until I am standing against one of the tables. "Excuse me sir, i don't think that's a good idea."

He steps back closer and closer. "Oh I don't think you understand sweetheart. A lot of people listen to me here. Let's just say I'm in close contact with journalists and people from the press."

He steps to my side and I feel his hand on my ass.

Before I can even step away, he grabs my wrist. "Isn't it important for you to have a good reputation?"

"Get your hands off me right now."

The man smiles and his hands swirl around my hips. "No sweetheart, I'll be the one giving instructions tonight."

He tries to kiss my neck.

Before I realize it, the man is pushed off me. I see a bright blue suit appear. "You fucking asshole!"I'm so happy to see Joost. He grabs the man by his collar. "I will personally make sure you lose your job."

"Joost, I want to get out of here."

As soon as he hears me, he releases the man and takes me outside. There he turns to me. "Are you okay?"

I nod and try to stop trembling. He sees my failed attempt and takes my hands in his. "Oh, Livia." 

"I'm going to call Elio to send a car." I try to grab my phone, but Joost stops me.

"You ride with me. I'll arrange for a cab."

I shake my head. "Joost, you shouldn't leave because of me. Stay here and enjoy your evening. I'll be fine."

"What kind of a man would I be if I left you alone now?"

"But you haven't even performed yet!"

Without listening, he pulls me to a cab parked. He tells the driver the address and we get in.

"You have to turn him in, Livia." He looks at me seriously. "If I do, a whole thing will be made of it. I don't want any negative media attention right now."

"That's bullshit. Who knows what would have happened had I not been looking for you."

I look out the window. The streets look beautiful.

"Thank you Joost."

He sighs. "Anything for you."