London Harmony: Feel the Beat (9 page)

Then she placed a hand on my arm then lifted it and started playing with my fabric bracelet with the topaz on its silver ringlet. Then she let go and looked up. “You are already stunning lady. You can see the whole world in a way nobody else can yet you still can't see yourself the way everyone else does.”

She tilted her head and smiled. “You have this whole sassy, cute thing going for you that just makes you shine. You are pretty already, and the only thing you need to look beautiful is to smile.”

I blushed and nervously shifted my weight from side to side as I whispered, “But I want to look sexy... like you.”

She grinned and said, “For her?” I nodded and looked down. She grabbed my chin and raised my eyes to hers. She had a mischievous look on her face as she said, “Again, I don't know how you can't see it. It was obvious to me that she already finds you sexy. You made her nervous and self-conscious and she couldn't stop smiling at you. I bet that woman is never nervous and self-conscious about anything.”

She sat me down and looked at me in the mirror as her brow creased in thought as she absently ran her fingers through my shoulder length hair, fluffing it up. Then she smiled and reached over my shoulder and pulled my glasses off and she swiveled me on the little stool in front of her mirror to face her. I heard her pull out the second stool and she sat.

Her shadow in the lighter glare of the world around her moved from side to side like she was examining me, then she attacked my face with makeup and brushes. When she got to my eyes, I could just barely make out her hands and an eyeliner pencil and some brushes. I sensed her hesitation when she moved to my left eye.

I reached out and my hand collided with her midriff and I lowered it to her lap and patted her knee. “It's just like any other eye. You won't hurt me.”

She wasn't breathing, but I got the impression that she nodded then went about working on it. She started breathing again with ragged purple sandpaper rising up my back, when my eye didn't explode into a thousand shards. I hugged myself knowing how uncomfortable that damn prosthetic made her. I knew I was a freak and it always hurt when I repelled people I cared about.

I was startled by a firm slap to my arms and I let them drop to my sides. “Don't make me do worse woman, get out of your head. I just didn't want to hurt your eye. You tell me how tender the socket is all the time.” I exhaled and nodded, when had I stopped breathing?

She brushed something on my lips and then the world came into focus as she gently slid my glasses back on. She spun me on the swiveling stool and I looked in the mirror and blinked. I looked the same. Well except for the thick black eyeliner and the long black arcs at the outer corners of my eyes that narrowed to razor-sharp ends.

I looked closer. And could see she added an almost unnoticeable smoky shadow that feathered out to my natural skin tone. I saw the barest hint of blusher on my cheeks and she finished with some clear lip gloss. I turned to look at her. “You barely did anything.”

She nodded. “And you look gorgeous. She's going to be drawn to your eyes.” Then she hesitated and I saw a bit of panic and indecision as she stuttered out, “Ummm... unless you know... you don't want that.”

I thought about it a moment, I really hated drawing attention to my eyes, but Isabelle seemed to always look at my right eye whenever we spoke. I guess it would be ok. I shrugged and she started breathing again and smiled at me and said, “I just brought out your sassy-ness by a factor of two. Combine that with your smile and Belle won't stand a chance.”

I smiled shyly at that and blushed at the knowledge that Rayleigh was absolutely right, I was doing this for Tink.

We stood and she linked arms with me and I snagged Percy's handle as Ray said, “Right. Let's get to work then.” I bumped her hip in thanks and we headed out to Randall's waiting SUV.

We arrived at Dusty Joe's, a downscale club over in East End. It featured a modest size dance floor and was known for live music. It was a good venue for bands trying to make the transition from the underground music scene into mainstream performing.

Where the neighborhood may not be too savory, it was still known as a great stepping stone for local bands. Just like Future Relic, whom we were singing backup for that night. They didn't pay much, just twenty-five quid a night, but they always bought the drinks and chips on the fifteen minute break halfway through the set. Rayleigh and I did it more for the experience than anything.

She was going to make it big in the industry, she has the looks and the voice. She's so insecure though, thinking she has to get better before she attempts it. I got her to promise to make a demo CD when I did, we'd go in halfsies on the studio time.

I grinned, knowing something she didn't. I would have the lolly for the recording studio by next week. I was thinking I'd surprise her with it when we go out hunting for a flat for me the following week.

We dug out our mics and stands, Randall took them and looped the cables over his shoulder. As we walked to the side door for employees and performers. I grinned when I saw a familiar cherry red Piaggio Ape parked in the back of the lot. She had really come – and showed up early.

We stepped inside and made our way to the tiny stage where the band was already setting up. It was so loud in the club with the piped in music blaring, even this early there were a few people on the dance floor. I could see and feel the voices yelling over the music and the clinking of bottles and glasses at the bar. It was almost overwhelming as the cacophony of sounds constrained to the small space assaulted me. It was like a thousand bee stings and someone hitting my shoulders repeatedly with a phone book.

I let the music take me instead of letting in the world like I always did. I swayed with the beat as we greeted the band and started setting up our mics behind them, across from the drummer, Charles. I draped my leather jacket across a chair at the back of the stage.

I scanned the club, I couldn't make out the whole room, it was one huge open space and the back by the bar was too blurry to make anything out.

Then I grinned. Sitting on the edge of the dance floor was a blue haired pixie looking tough dressed in black leathers and black jeans. She was looking over her drink glass right at me as she sipped beer. Her eyes were sparkling. She set the beer down, which had been hiding her grin and I gave her a tiny wave. She gave me her too cute crooked smile in return and mouthed, “Hi.”

I about hopped around on stage as I set things up, stealing glances at her. Ray bumped my hip and almost giggled as she said,“You have it bad woman.” I just put my head down and blushed as I plugged my mic into the amplifier.

Then I looked down at Percy then back at Belle and then hopped off the stage. Sir Percival leaning against my leg as I walked around the dance floor to Tink. She stood and then surprised me with a warm hug when I got to her. She said, “Hi!” She had a hot lavender tone that induced collywobbles in my belly. Then she had to go and add, “You look hot tonight!”

I blushed, looked down and squeaked out, “Hi. I'm so glad you came!” Then I met her eyes. “You look pretty too.” I blinked at the fact that the black leather jacket she was wearing tonight almost matched mine. I had to say something else before I embarrassed myself more, so I quickly said, “I usually put Percy in the manager's office here while we perform. Could you watch him for me? He's a regular gentleman.”

She looked down at him and smiled, taking the handle from my hand, making electric incidental contact with our hands. “Of course. I'd love to share my table with such a handsome bloke.”

I tilted my head, trying to stop the grin that I seemed to always have when she was in the vicinity. Then I offered, “If anyone gives you flack about him, point out his service animal bib and tell them to sod off.” She nodded with mock surprise at my vulgarity. I glanced at the time, I wanted nothing but to talk to her but it was two minutes before we were on. “Well, I best be about it. There is a short break between sets, share your table?”

She nodded and then seemed to hesitate then leaned in quickly and gave me a peck on the cheek. “For luck.” I blushed again, nodded, and made my way back to the stage, Ray was watching me the whole time.

She gave me a hand up and didn't let go. Instead she used our grip to pull me beside her so she could say over the music. “It's so great to see you happy.” Then she let go and stood behind her mic. I pursed my lips to suppress a smile and stood behind my mic as Randall hopped off the stage and headed off into the club.

Barry, the band's front-man on guitar, and Jim on the electric bass exchanged short greetings with us. I had to slap Jim's shoulder as he almost drooled over Raleigh like he always did. It always made Ray feel like she had to shower afterward. I said, “Eyes front sailor. She taken and you know it!” Barry shot him a reproving glare and Jim raised his hands in surrender.

Then the song being played over the club's PA system came to an end and the overheads illuminated the stage. Barry said, “Homefront on three.” I wondered why he wanted to start with their best number rather than use it as the finale. I hate it when bands do that because you start with a high and then feel let down by the end. I slid my glasses off and stuffed them in a pocket.

I caught the shadowy movement as Charles raised his sticks in the air and hit them together three times, setting the beat. Each strike hit me like a lance of red straight through my head. I winced and on the fourth beat the band started playing.

I started swaying and bopping my head to the beat, letting it consume me, allowing myself to become part of it. I schooled my expression to one of carefree fun. I had learned not to wince at any off notes or unintended changes of tempo from bands that weren't professionally polished. Future Relic was a decent band, so there weren't too many faux pas.

As they played and sang the opening verses there were only a couple sour copper tastes in my mouth. Then Ray and I started lending backup harmonies. One thing I liked about Future Relic is that they are a “loud” band so Ray and I don't have to hold back much since there is no fear of upstaging the band. For a couple of the other bands we do gigs for, we have to hold back.

We had lost one job because we drew the attention of the crowd more than the actual band. Couple our singing with the eye candy that was my best friend and the band axed us after the first night. I think the lead singer's jealousy of how the band flirted with Ray had a lot to do with it too. The woman was used to being the center of attention and she didn't like it one bit.

Needless to say, we learned quickly to give just what each band needed and hold back the rest. We didn't need to do that here though. I smiled in Rayleigh's direction as we sang. The resonance of the harmonies zinged through me in a purple and orange string. It felt like warm blankets fresh out of the dryer being wrapped around me. My hands were tapping out the beat on my hips as I swayed.

When the chorus was over and they went back into verse, we just danced until the chorus and refrain where we would lend backup again. I loved the ending where we could just soak in the music and sway as we raised our hands above our heads and clapped, to encourage the crowd to clap with the beat as well.

There was some moderate applause that I had to cover my ears for because they made my entire body ache like I was being pummeled by whiffle bats from all directions. I caught motion from Barry and Ray leaned in and spoke into my ear. “Three.” Indicating the third song in rotation. They were really messing with their normal order.

This one was more punk than pop. We had more backup in this number than any of their others. As I always do when music is involved, I had more fun than I thought I would. The crowd got more into it when we did a retro cover of Slapped by Leather and Heels. Really adventurous of these guys since not many people in the world can pull off the range that Penny Franklin has.

So they just keep the more extreme octaves into the “safe” zone instead. It takes a bit away from the song, but it was a brilliant piece so it was a blast to do. To my knowledge, only three people have been able to do a perfect cover of this song. Kimi Solomon from Satin Thunder, Amber LaLanie, and Tabby Cat. Besides them, maybe Whitney Houston and Mandy Fay Harris had Penny's range.

I had fun with the songs the band played until Barry announced a fifteen minute break. I slid my glasses on with both hands and glanced at Ray, who was waiting for that. Then she looped arms with me as we congratulated the boys. She said, “Let's go find your girl.” I blushed and nodded and we hopped off the stage and we looped around the dance floor to Tink.

She stood when we approached and the evil woman on my arm said to her, “I believe this belongs to you.”

She handed me off to the blue haired pixie who bowed graciously and responded with, “Why thank you,” as she took my arm and sat me down beside her.

I slapped both of their shoulders. “Hey, you two make me sound like I'm an object.”

Belle nodded and chided, “A pretty bauble.”

Rayleigh nodded back as she sat and added, “A keepsake.”

My whining and blushing were cut short as Randall arrived at the table with beers.
Ooooo...
We all clinked the necks of the bottles reddish orange pings spiked in my vision. “Cheers.” Then we drank.

Ray turned to the others. “So? What do you think?”

Randall wobbled his hand in a so-so motion and Isabelle just took another swig of beer to deflect the question. I cocked an eyebrow at her and she placed the beer on the table then pursed her lips for a second. “You two were great, and look bloody hot up there.”

This time Ray cocked an eyebrow and tutted, “Classic avoidance. Speak woman.”

Tink exhaled and seemed to deflate in resignation. “This band really isn't my thing. Not much variety and they actually do better on the covers than their original music. They aren't bad or anything, just not my taste.”

I nodded and affirmed, “That's about what we think too. They are good blokes for the most part. We're not ones to turn away a paying gig that will get us experience in front of people.”

Then I took another gulp of beer. I noted the relief as the strain in her shoulders relaxed. Rayleigh caught it too and pushed her shoulder playfully. “Hey, nobody here is going to say anything when you say it how it is. Especially since we agree. Be yourself, we won't bite.” Then she bit the tip of her tongue as she grinned evilly. “Well, Abbers might if you ask her to.”

I spewed the beer I was swigging and sputtered out in shock and embarrassment, “Ray!” I could have curled up into a ball in a dark room just then.

Belle arched an eyebrow and gave her crooked smile to my evil ex-best friend. “Really now, do tell.”

I squeaked out to Randall, “They're talking like I'm not right here again.” He nodded but the traitor had a smirk on his face too.
I'm betrayed by everyone!

I stopped talking when a warm hand on my cheek ignited a fire inside me and I leaned into it and closed my eyes as Belle said, “We're just giving you a hard time Abs.” Then I heated up in some really fun and interesting places when she kissed my cheek after she removed her hand.

I was trying to figure out how to spell my own name in my happy fog when she spoke again, “So why don't you two do your own stuff or team up or something?”

I looked at Ray then her and explained, “We'll for that we'd need a band, Belle. Ray-ray and I both mix our own music and most clubs want live music, not many want people just singing to recorded tracks.” I shrugged then added, “Clubs are a different venue than the streets and what I do doesn't translate well.”

She shook her head and replied, “I think you are underestimating the performance value. Just watching you assemble seemingly random things then turn them into a vocal work of art is just as amazing as your voice.”

My best friend nodded then looked at Belle who continued, “And I haven't heard your music yet, but the harmonic resonance you have with Abigail is so spot on that it creates a sound bigger than the sum of its parts. I'd love to hear what you can do sometime.”

We spent the rest of the break just chatting and having fun, then we went up on stage and finished the set. Ray stopped me from taking my glasses of on the first number by pointing to Tink's table. She was standing and starting to dance to the beat. I smiled and lowered my hands. Then locked eyes with the anime looking girl across the dance floor and I danced with her.

Though we were separated by six or seven meters, it felt like we were right in front of each other as we danced while I sang backup. Ray would grin and bump hips from time to time when she saw Tink and I locking eyes. I think she was having as much fun as me.