Ready for it? (Joost Klein)

9

My days in Belgium again consist of practicing and performing here and there. I'm on my way to visit my mom. We have a very close relationship together.

I drive to her house house with a big bouquet of flowers.                                                                                My mom deserves only the best.

She is already waiting for me in the doorway. "Livia! Honey, I missed you!"

5 minutes later we are sitting together outside on the terrace with-you can guess it-apple pie.

I look at my plate where the pie is on and can't help but smile and think of Joost. If I had his number, I would send him a picture of this.

"So tell me, how was Madrid?"

I decide not to tell her the incident with the weird creep and focus on the positives. "So nice, mom. I totally found what to do in my life. I'm so happy."

She smiles. "That's great, honey! I'm proud of you no matter what you do. I can't wait for the day of the grand finale!" 

I laugh. "I have to get through the semifinals first, mom." She shrugs. "You're working so hard for it. I'm sure you'll make it to the finals."

"How was it here while I was gone?"

"Good. I'm thinking of getting a cat in the house." I eat my last piece of cake. "Really? Why?"

"For a little company, Livia. Cats can be very sociable animals."

I nod. "Then you should do that, Mom."

My ring tone goes off. "Sorry, it's Elio. I have to pick this up."

"Hello Elio.""

Sorry to disturb you, Livia. I just got a call with an offer you're not going to believe."

He immediately has my full attention. "What?"

"You've been invited as a guest at a performance by Joost Klein tonight in Rotterdam."

"Wait what?"

Elio laughs. "That was exactly my reaction. Joost is performing in Rotterdam and he gave instructions to get you there."

I am surprised. "But what am I supposed to do there? I mean, it's his show, right?"

"I don't quite know either but I think you should do it. It's a great opportunity to attract Dutch fans."

Joost is so weird.

"So, do you want to do it?", Elio asks.

I actually know the answer right away. "Yes, of course!"

"Okay, great. I'll pick you up in 2 hours and then we'll drive to Rotterdam together. The show starts at 9 p.m. but that way we'll be there by 6 p.m."

"Okay, that's good. See you later!"

I put my phone away and look at my mom. "I'll be on a stage in the Netherlands tonight."

That night I arrive in Rotterdam at a festival that is still empty. I see Joost standing on the stage. He is testing the microphone. When he sees me, he jumps off the stage and comes to me.

"Joost, what the hell? What am I doing here?" I laugh as I look around.

Joost is wearing a black hoodie that has his first name on the front and Klein on the back.

"I try to put special guests in my shows here and there and I thought of you right away. Thanks for coming."

"I can't believe this. What do you want me to do on stage?"

Joost shrugged. "Sing your song, dance with me, vibe with the audience."

"You really are crazy you know that?"

He laughs. "The audience is going to freak out when they see you."

A man approaches us. "Oh, this is Apson. Or the blue bird," Joost says.

I greet him. "Nice to meet you, I'm Livia." "I've heard a lot about you from him." Apson smiles and hands me the same black hoodie he and Joost are wearing.

"Anyone walking around here is obligated to wear it."

I roll my eyes but put on the hoodie. It's way too big but is comfortable. "Can we eat somewhere first? I'm starving!"