Logan

29. The Story Of Tonight

Rehearsal had been easy enough last week with our songs, but we had no idea what this couple had in mind. It was a last-minute change between their band choice, apparently they were scouting out venues for their rehearsal dinner and they came in for a drink and we had been playing.

Ellie and Frank were a few years older than us, entering their thirties as newlyweds. Ellie's demeanor was intense, while Frank was shy and composed.

"It would make us so happy if you could also play the wedding!" Ellie smiled, her blonde ponytail bobbing as she spoke. "I know it's totally last minute, but we LOVED your chemistry onstage, and..." she looked at Frank "He loved your sound."

Frank's eyes were a shy slate grey blue, his smile spreading when Ellie put her hand on his knee. Frank took her hand in his, letting their fingers intertwine as he finished the conversation "I love Aerosmith, and hearing your rendition, damn, it was killer." Damien flashed a 'rock on' sign, as he continued, "We would love for you to play "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis, for tonight. Do you think you could do that? We also have a whole list of songs we'd like you to sing for the wedding, and you will be compensated at a higher price for that." He passed us a folder, there were great love songs, as well as a few I had in my playlists. In it were our agreements and checks written to us for tonight's performance. I glanced at Damien, his eyes were full of energy and it seemed like he lived for this stuff.

Damien held his hand out, "We'd love to make your special day even better. Consider us hired!" We all shook hands, except Ellie, she hugged me with a bubbly ferocity, squealing a 'thank you' as she and Frank left. I couldn't help but freak out for a moment, the wedding party would be meeting up in just four hours and I couldn't lie to Damien.
-
-
-

"Damien, I've never sang Elvis before." I whispered as Damien picked up his guitar. My rushed confession caused him to whip around and almost drop his guitar. We recovered it, and his hand brushed against mine as we made sure it was okay.

"Uhh, what's that now?" He stuttered, "Nat, we're playing, tonight. Like in a few hours, what do you mean, you've never sang Elvis before?"

"I mean, I've heard his songs, but I've never attempted THAT song. What if I butcher it?"

Damien's face was blank for a moment, before looking at me like I was crazy. "Um, are you hearing yourself? How long did we practice Aerosmith before we were ready? It was about six hours all together if you count me trying to nail parts. Just use a stand for your lyrics. Musicians do it all the time."

I pulled the lyrics up on my phone, my hands shaking as I typed in the search bar. "Okay, I'll give it a shot."

As Damien began playing, his electric guitar perfectly accenting the notes, I felt anxious, but I ignored it. I began singing, and Damien stopped me "Stop, you don't sound like yourself."

"I'm trying to sing the lyrics, Damien." I was frustrated, I wanted to get this just right.

Damien sighed, leaning his head down for a second. "We'll sing them together, okay? Just sing harmony and follow my lead."

As he started again, I relaxed my shoulders, and after the first few notes, Damien stopped me again. "Get up." I felt frustrated with him stopping me time after time.

"Damien, we have to get this right." I stood, annoyed. He put his guitar on the rest and stood next to me.

He put his arms around me and pulled me into a hug. "Come on, we don't have time for this. You're trying to get this perfect, but if you keep stressing like this, it won't be. Don't rush the music, don't rush the song. This couple chose us, because they're in love. Love, Natalie. They met and life kept them apart for so long and now they're going to get married. Isn't that beautiful? You need to shake off this feeling, or it will ruin your sound. Think about what love means for you, and I want to hear that through you."