Reborn: Book 1 The McKensie Chronicles

Chapter 11 - Freeport 5

 Friday came quickly, but I was ready. I was a little tired of singing to the walls of the room I'd made into a sound chamber and looked forward to singing to real people. I was also a little nervous about singing in front of a live audience. What if they hated me? Nevertheless, I had enough songs that with breaks between sets I could sing for about three hours. I also had three outfits ready so if I decided to, I could change between sets.

We arrived at the Danbury Inn about an hour before the show, it was already about 75% full. I started getting nervous then. Faraday introduced me to Juan, the head of Security and the bouncer for the night. He took my hand and kissed it as if I was an old-school princess or a lady from the Renaissance era. I smiled, blushed slightly, and thanked him. He led us to the back; a table right by the stage had been set aside for me and my party. Connor was there; though he was leaving right after the show, he'd stayed to see it. Devon, J'J, Simba, and the whole crew of her ship were also there.

"McKinsey; this is Charles. He'll be your waiter for the night." Faraday said, indicating the younger man beside her, "Anything this table needs, just ask him or plug it into the terminal, and we'll take care of it. Food and drink are on the house tonight, just don't go overboard." she added with a smile.

Thank you" I said, "Can I start with a nice scotch, doesn't have to be top shelf since I'm not paying. I just need something to settle the nerves."

"Of course" they both replied in unison. Faraday giggled a little as she headed to the bar to get my scotch while Charles took the orders of everyone else. I couldn't help but wonder how John was going to make any money on me tonight with the free food and drink for my rather large party. I ate a Reuben Sandwich, it was made with imitation roast beef, but it was pretty good anyhow.

The scotch she brought tasted like it was top shelf, but I was not going to complain. Then it was time to get on stage. Connor squeezed my hand, I gulped the last bit of my second Scotch of the night, and stood up, heading to the stage. As soon as I got there, the lights dimmed a little and a spotlight was on me.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to thank you for coming tonight." John was on stage waiting for me, having stepped out of the door at the back of the stage as I left my table. "Tonight we have a very special treat. One that I hope we can repeat going forward." He paused then added, "I'd would like to introduce you to this very talented young lady I have been given the privilege of hosting. McKinsey Buchannan."

He handed me the microphone, the music began, and I looked out at the crowd nervously as I began to sing, "Close your eyes; give me your hand. Can you feel my heart beating? Do you understand?" I closed my eyes as I sang the words to Eternal Flame, a Bangles song I had known and fallen in love with long before now. By the time I was finished, there were several couples slow-dancing in front of the stage. When the song ended, they erupted in applause. I was no longer afraid, but very excited, and even a little turned on.

As the night wore on, I sang songs both slow and fast; a few sad songs, mostly upbeat happy songs. My last song of the evening was a Soldiers Light; another of the many songs I had loved in my first life.

The applause was wonderful, and the fact I could feel more than a few in the crowd were moved by the song was touching beyond words.

I left the stage at 11 pm with the promise of returning soon. When I went back to my table Connor gave me a hug and a kiss on the forehead. "Gotta go kiddo, keep this up and you will be famous before you are ready to be."

"Don't be a stranger! You and I both know it's only a call away. Besides, you can introduce me to Dolly over video chat!"

"Who says I want you to meet her?" He shot back with mock concern, and then added "You got it, Kinsey! Just don't go getting yourself into trouble while I'm not around to keep you safe!" With that, he headed out.