Something About Emmett (Billionaire Romance) [COMPLETED]

Chapter 3 - Something Green

I had been moody all day, and I couldn't find a reason for it, yet I wasn't about to let it ruin my performance at the lounge tonight. Not when working was so important to me, and the only way in which I would earn enough money to find my own apartment.

So I went downstairs for a good cup of coffee and returned only to prepare myself, showering and waving my hair accordingly. I painted my lips a cold red and perfected my face as much as I could. My dress was black, classic, and it hung just above my knees, clinging tastefully to my curves. The heels I chose matched my mouth, and my earrings were simple cubic studs.

I was set. Old glamor and professionalism, the makings of any troubled singer.

Laughing at myself I retrieved my clutch, walking out of the house within minutes. Once I arrived I parked my car in the employees section, and felt the fluttering of waves rooted deep inside my stomach as I saw the influx of cars, the people, felt the air. Saturdays were always the busiest as people came to relieve their weekdays with great food, a few drinks, and a good live performance.

They came, and for once, they saw me sing. They saw me at my weakest, at my most vulnerable. It was terrifying and thrilling all at once, and I felt as if I were walking above air. It never quite lost feeling.

I walked through the back doors and into the backstage area, quickly coming into contact with Andrew who came to me and smiled.

"They're here for you, Julie. I hope you know that."

I grinned and rolled my eyes. "I'm just background noise. They like it when they eat."

He gave me a look over, then settled straight into my eyes with those pretty blue ones. "You're the reason this club has lifted, ask the owner. And these people here adore you. I adore you. So shut up and kiss me."

I kissed his cheek, chuckling, and took the bottled water he gave to me.

"Don't let those lights blind me too much, okay? And the curtains shouldn't fall godsmack on my face either-"

He gave me a crooked smile and walked away.

Then I was hounded by the makeup artist who was annoyed with me for not giving her anything to work on.

I was alone for a few seconds before the band came to me to go over a few pointers, and I let the lyrics of the song play silently in my head as the band spoke to me, or to themselves.

It was jazz tonight, beautiful jazz, and I knew I needed that rasp in my voice. That vibrating tone. Facials sensual and sultry, but alive with emotion.

"We're on in two. We'll start easy with Ella Fitzgerald. Then we'll do modern. Nora Jones."

"Got it," I said, nodding at the pianist. I took a few more sips of my water before I heard Andrew's voice from the sound system, announcing my name and that of the band.

The curtains opened slowly, and I walked to the microphone, the heels of my shoes sounding against the floor. It all became quiet. The lights were a heated beam over my face. But I kept my composure even as my heart seemed to gallop, and gave my most natural smile.

"Welcome, everyone, we're very glad to have you join us tonight and we hope you enjoy what we have to offer. My name is Julianne Burke, and this is our incredible band," I motioned. "We're going to start with a classic piece of jazz, by the greatest, Miss Ella Fitzgerald."