The Spotlight

Chapter 10

I take a deep breath, feeling the hot Los Angeles heat on my skin as I stand among the other contestants.

I turn to David. "Who do you want as a mentor?" I ask, genuinely curious about his thoughts.

David flashes that confident grin of his, the one that seems to light up his whole face. "Definitely not Gary Borelow," he says with a chuckle. "He has a record for losing and bad song choices. Great singer, but he's not for me to win this."

I feel a little twinge in my chest at his dismissal of Gary, but I keep my face neutral as David continues.

"I'm hoping for Nicole," he says, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "She's had multiple winners or has contestants that are in the semi-finals. Being a semi-finalist is almost as good as winning, as there are people who got record deals after." He winks playfully. "Besides, who wouldn't want a Pussycat as their mentor?"

I can't help but smile at his cheekiness, even as I mull over his words. Nicole has indeed had a lot of success as a mentor, but something in me can't help but defend Gary.

"I wouldn't mind Gary," I say, my voice gentle but firm.

David's eyebrows shoot up, and he nudges me playfully with his elbow. "Because he's hot?" he teases, a mischievous glint in his eye.

I feel the heat rush to my cheeks immediately, and I know I must be blushing furiously. It's true that Gary is attractive—I'd be lying if I said I hadn't noticed—but that's not why I admire him. I shake my head, willing my voice to steady as I explain.

"Because of his story," I say, meeting David's gaze. "His comeback is incredible, and you can't deny he's talented, whether he's had a winner or not. You are bound to learn from him."

As I speak, I feel a surge of passion. Gary's journey in the music industry has always resonated with me. The way he bounced back after Take That disbanded, how he reinvented himself as a solo artist, and then reunited with the band—it's a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft. That's the kind of mentor I want—someone who understands the ups and downs of the industry and can guide us through them.

David seems taken aback by the intensity in my voice. His teasing smile softens into something more thoughtful. "I hadn't thought about it like that," he admits. "You really admire him, don't you?"

Our conversation is interrupted by the commotion of the group. The production assistant has returned, clipboard in hand, looking ready to make an announcement. My heart starts racing.

As we wait for the announcement, I can't help but let my mind wander. What if it is Gary? The thought sends a flutter through my stomach. I imagine standing in front of him, receiving guidance on my performances, and maybe even getting to hear some of his songwriting tips. But then again, what if it's Nicole? Or Tulisa? Or Louis? Each possibility brings its own set of exciting prospects and challenges.

The production assistant clears her throat, and a hush falls over us. "Alright, everyone," she says, her voice carrying across the now-silent group. "It's time to meet your mentor. They will be here shortly."

A collective intake of breath ripples through the group, including me. This is it. In just a few moments, we'll know who will be guiding us through this competition.

I follow the gaze of my fellow contestants, my heart leaping into my throat as I spot a sleek black limousine gliding towards us. The vehicle moves with an almost otherworldly grace, its polished surface reflecting the bright Los Angeles sun.

My breath catches in my chest. Our mentor is about to be revealed.

I feel David tense beside me, his earlier bravado seemingly evaporating in the face of this imminent revelation.