And then there was me. Stiff. Wide-eyed. Looking like I was about to bolt off the stage. It was obvious who the weak link in the band was, and even worse, this was on TV for the entire country to see. I might have been playing the song, but I just wasn’t bringing it.

The mentors began buzzing for us, and on the bed, my fingers dug into the sheets, itching to get back on stage with my guitar and relive that moment. Jared’s hand slipped between our bodies, and he tangled his fingers with mine, sending a jolt under my skin. I wanted to look at him, to see his face when he squeezed my hand, but then it would make the moment too real. Instead, I kept my gaze on the screen while Jared’s thumb brushed against the spot on my wrist where my pulse raced, making my lips part with a silent sigh. None of the other guys noticed, too busy watching the mentors fight over our band on TV. They showed the clip of the guys all hugging after the audition, with Jared pulling me in to join them, before the show moved on to the next band.

Jared finally released my hand and put his fingers back on the laptop, allowing me to breathe again.

“That was pretty good,” he said. “Even though I sucked at bass, and my voice was too pitchy on the third verse.”

“You were fine,” Kyle said. “I screwed up the bridge though.”

“You were both amazing, and Hector, too,” I said. “I’m the one who stood there like a deer in the headlights the entire performance. And I was so shocked when a mentor buzzed for us that I lost my place.”

Jared leaned against me, nudging me with his arm. “You did great, really.”

A conflicting mix of feelings rushed through me. I wanted to rest my head against his shoulder. I wanted the other guys to leave so I could be alone with him. I wanted to escape to my room and forget about Jared completely. That was definitely the safest option.

“That was your first live show,” Kyle said, bringing me back to the moment. “You’ll do even better next time.”

Hector nodded. “Don’t stress about it, Maddie. You were really good.”

I gave them all a weak smile. “Thanks. I just don’t want to let you guys down.”

“You won’t,” Kyle said. “You just need more practice on stage, that’s all.”

Jared sat up straighter. “Look, it’s The Static Klingons.”

The four of them wore matching shirts made to look like they were crew members on Star Trek. Sean spoke for the group during their interview, describing how they practiced in an old barn in Nebraska.

“Ha! Your boyfriend lives on a farm,” Kyle said.