Voice of an Angel

Chapter 9- Going Solo

"Forever, for worse or better

My poor heart will only surrender

Go forever, for worse or better

My poor heart will only surrender now

(Desperate measures now)

I can't let this, I can't let this go

When I got you right where I want you

I've been pushing for this for so long

Kiss me, just once, for luck

These are desperate measures now (Desperate measures now)

I can't let this, I can't let this go"

Desperate Measures, Marianas Trench

Jude POV

I was a total nervous wreck. I somehow had to dial back with Grace without it being weird. Ash's advice had been sound, and talking to Violetta randomly, and probably flirting more than I ever had, felt good. It felt right, even if her expression was mainly one of disbelief. Tonight I was working and Grace was singing. I'd been watching her vlog for more videos, but beyond our duets, there was nothing new. A few male fans had complained slightly about her singing with a guy, but she'd been quick to point out it was her life, and if they didn't like it they could move on.

Strangely, not one had continued to complain, and not a follower had dropped. Good for her.

I was at work a full hour early, and Eliza just sighed.

"Look, Jude, I know you're crazy about your girls, but you really gotta relax." She said as I pulled my hair into a man bun. I didn't like strangers touching my hair, and I'd discovered the first night I worked with it down, that people didn't seem to understand this boundary. I turned to her and my brow raised.

"My girls? Plural?" I asked, wondering how people seemed to just, know my business. She laughed.

"Of course. Eli's twin, and this Grace person." She said as she touched up her makeup.

"How do you know about Eli's twin?" I huffed out. She turned to me and grinned.

"You get this look on your face when she is mentioned, honey. It's obvious that girl is pretty much your everything. You feel excitement for this mystery girl, but if you want my two cents, it's because you don't see a future with someone like that. Someone you can't actually know." She said seriously. "I'd love for someone to look like that on my behalf. Really. Now, since we're early, let's go set up hmm?" She patted my arm as she walked by.

We went about wiping down all the surfaces and giving the floor a once over with a mop. I checked the upholstery for any blemishes. Wanna know a secret? We use baby wipes to keep them clean daily, with a steam clean once a week. The effectiveness has led to me carrying baby wipes in my bag, since they can clean nearly anything if you catch it fast enough. Once that was done, we had about ten minutes until the doors opened. Samuel popped up next to us.

"What do you think about allowing people encores on solo night like we do for duets?" He asked, and everyone gathered around the bar agreed. Sometimes there were gaps in singing, because people were told to do one song only. He rubbed his hands together. "Great!"

Soon patrons began filtering in. I'd been given delivery to the tables up front of the stage again, thank God. It was a little lighter as there was no half off for ladies tonight like it was on Wednesdays, but most tables were occupied. I was going about my work when I saw her at the edge of the stage. Okay, so while I'd seen the belly dancing outfit and her near-professional level of dance ability, I was somehow expecting the same black and white Gothic lolita outfit as she'd worn last time. You'd think that the massive difference from one to the other would make it harder for me to identify, but it was like a sixth sense.

Today she wore a Gothic black and red vintage corset, with lacing on both sides and metal fastenings. She also wore pleather leggings that hugged her legs like second skin, and peep-toe stiletto heels in the same red damask that ran up the center of the corset. Her hair was covered by a black bust-length wig in a sexy body wave. What am I even saying it was all sexy and extremely distracting in combination with her signature black filigree mask and glossy ruby lips. I wanted to throw the hoodie I had in the break room over her. I could see a few deep red highlights peeking through the wig as she shifted her head.

She actually settled at a table this time after letting Phoebe know what she planned to sing. Eliza hurried to take her order, so I could deliver it. This time she'd ordered a Bay Breeze. I couldn't help but think of the movie Red Eye. I wondered if she was a fan of it, just like Violetta. One of the few times she'd said more than a few words was her excitement over the sheer girl power in that movie. The main character uses the difference between a Sea Breeze and a Bay Breeze to sniff out someone suspicious. I shook my head, happily carrying her drink over.

"Your drink, Grace." I said cheerfully. I noted she stiffened slightly. Eliza was right, and so was Ash. I was doing this girl an injustice. "Let me know if you need anything." I said with a wink, before moving away. I hoped I'd been sufficiently friendly but not over the top this time. As I weaved around I would point myself her way to appreciate her supremely hot figure. To be honest, I don't know what Vi hides under her nondescript clothing. I know I am ridiculously attracted to her anyway, but I can't help a bit of curiosity.

About half an hour and few half-assed karaoke performances later, Grace got up. My eyes couldn't peel away from her ass as she climbed the stairs. Okay, I'm a man and I have eyes. Doesn't mean I plan to do anything else but appreciate. I realized I wasn't the only one and gritted my jaw. Then I saw Ash and Eli at a table nearby, looking equally irritated. Huh, I wonder when they showed up. Wait. Why were they so protective over Grace now? They didn't even know her. Dammit, I hoped they could keep their paws to themselves. I may have decided to only be friends, but I was hoping she'd join our band. If any of us ended up jealous, it would not be a good thing for the band or our friendship.

Then I heard the opening chords. Holy s**t. Alone by Heart? Anything sung by Ann Wilson was just tough on a lot of singers. Grace showed nothing but confidence as she began, and I tried to keep my mind on my job.

"I hear the ticking of the clock

I'm lying here, the room's pitch dark

I wonder where you are tonight

No answer on the telephone

And the night goes by so very slow

Oh, I hope that it won't end though

Alone

'Til now, I always got by on my own

I never really cared until I met you

And now it chills me to the bone

How do I get you alone?

How do I get you alone?

You don't know how long I have wanted

To touch your lips and hold you tight, oh

You don't know how long I have waited

And I was gonna tell you tonight

But the secret is still my own

And my love for you is still unknown

Alone

'Til now, I always got by on my own

I never really cared until I met you

And now it chills me to the bone

How do I get you alone?

How do I get you alone?

[Guitar Solo]

How do I get you alone?

How do I get you alone?

Alone, alone"

I don't know why I was worried at all. Of course, she sang it all effortlessly. It was probably my imagination, but I felt like she sang it to me, which gave me mixed feelings. The applause was thunderous, and my best friends looked... proud? What the hell? I was trying not to let myself get distracted by the situation, but I was struggling. Samuel came up to me and smiled.

"Jude, I'm officially moving you to Monday and Tuesday, alright? That way you can be here and watch to your heart's content on Wednesday and Thursday, okay? Take the rest of the night, kiddo." He said, patting my shoulder. I was lucky he was so understanding. Then he paused. "Make sure you sing too though, it will help me out if you do." He winked. Ahhh, true. Anyone that was a fan, which was a lot locally, would of course come hoping to see me sing. I was taking the offer though.

I wandered over to the table where Ash and Eli sat on tall stools, hopping onto one of my own. They both quirked their brow. I grinned.

"Schedule change, but the boss wants me to sing." I said, and they both smirked. "Hey we should talk to Grace together later." They just nodded. Ooo-kayyy. Interesting.