Sure Be Cool If You Did (Shevine)

Chapter 8: Good News... or Bad News?

Blake's POV

I eagerly look up at the stage. My lips still sting from just kissing Adam, my head and heart pounding form that janitor dude seeing us. About what he said -- what the h*ll is a Shevine? Anyway, I doubt he'll share this information with anyone, but if he does... Adam and I are both screwed. Now, I'm back in my big red chair, and it's been an hour already -- Shakira and Usher's artists went right after Adam's -- after the backstage kiss. Now, I'm waiting for the video playback on screen to end so I can get to the performances of mine. Gray. I'm just praying that when Adam obviously tries to steal her, that if the others turn she'll pick Adam. I have to jus hope this stupid little plan works out.

The playback video ends and Carson walks up on stage beaming. He waves over to the right, where my boy, Colton, walks in through his entrance, smiling widely. He is quickly followed by Gray, who walks in through the other entrance looking stunning; she's in a blue sparkling dress with stilettos and pretty curled hair. I can't blame Adam for liking her somewhat. Once they're both up on stage, Carson turns to the audience.

"Let the battle begin."

The lights dim and it's silent until Gray starts off Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls. I love this song, and she makes it so pretty with her voice. 

Wait. Snap out of it, Blake. I mentally slap myself. I tune in when Colton starts his verse, his soothing voice echoing through the silent room---

Wait, it's silent. Dead silent. The audience is quiet, nervous whispers passing around, but it's as if they want to hear every single bit of this song, savour it, and leave all the compliments until the end. I get it. I listen carefully when Colton's voice cracks -- but it's not a bad thing. He makes it sound like he's in pain, his voice shaking just enough to rhyme with the feel of the song, give even more emotional appeal. It's well done, and impressive.

Soon enough, the song is over, and the audience waits maybe thirty seconds to make any noise. It's a kind of respectful and amazed reaction, so much that it's a late one. Soon they start to clap, and I give myself time to think.

Do I really need to do this?

Colton was good, but Gray was just as. Even so, if I give Gray to Adam, it gives me an excuse to keep my boy Colton, who I do not want to kick off -- I'm afraid, because Colton is clearly only country, and I don't think the others want to work with a country artist. But meanwhile, Gray is alternative, and can sing just abot anything. And if she picks Adam, it gives him an excuse to not date her. Which I'm praying he doesn't want to do anyway, but it's not like I haven't seen the ways he looks at her. I may be insensitive, but I can't do this without Adam. And Gray is in the way of me surviving this with him, so I need to knock her out of my path. My clear path to love. Okay, hold on -- I'm going full-on poet here, let's not.

The applause stops and Carson looks to Adam to start off with his comments. Come on, Addy, I think. Praise her so she actually likes her. The thing is, I doubt Carson told the contestants about this rule. So, if Gray ends up actually liking Adam, she may pick him in hopes of being around him more, and then he'd have to reject her. Of course, they could always just date once the show is done, but I'll have enough time to win him over.

Finally, after Adam tells Gray "Wow, completely shocked at how much power your performance had! Colton was amazing too, but I'd go with Gray" Carson turns to me and raises his eyebrows. "Blake?"

I smile, opening my arms as if to air hug my two artists. "You guys blew. Me. Away." The audience roars in agreement. "I absolutely loved it. Colton, when you first did your little voice crack, I thought it was a mistake, but then I realized you were purposely adding to the hurt kind of part of the song, and it really illuminated that theme. I loved it." I turn to Gray. "Gray,  my girl! You really did expose yourself more in this performance, like Adam said---"