When the show ended, most of the audience crushed toward the exit like a herd of sheep. I was one of the few people crazy enough to move against the crowd and head for the stage, losing Julie and Carla somewhere in the fray. I finally made it to the front, next to a bunch of groupies gazing at Jared while he bent over to unplug something. I struggled not to stare along with them, but was saved when Kyle spotted me.

“Maddie, you came!” He jumped off the stage and grabbed me in a hug.

“I wouldn’t miss it for anything. You were amazing!”

“Yeah?” He brushed hair away from his face, the tattoos on his fingers spelling out LIVE LOUD. “I was so nervous. You have no idea.”

“It was a great show. Seriously. I was impressed.”

“Thanks. That means a lot, coming from you.” His face broke out into a grin. “Hey, I didn’t get a chance to tell you the news. We have a live audition for The Sound on Friday!”

“What? No freaking way!” The Sound was a reality TV show where different rock bands competed against each other while being mentored by a famous musician. The winning band got a recording contract with a major label, and the top four bands were sent on tour together across the country. Plus, the show had millions of viewers, so even the bands that didn’t win picked up a ton of new fans just from being on it.

“I know. Crazy, right?” He laughed like he couldn’t believe it himself. “Jared sent in a video of us performing, plus MP3s of all our songs and a bunch of other shit. I didn’t think anything would happen with it, but yesterday a producer called out of the blue and invited us to come on the show to audition.”

“Wow, this is huge! I’m so happy for you.” I gave him another hug and meant every word I said—but I was prickling with a touch of envy, too. I wanted Kyle and his band to win, of course. And it’s not like I wanted to go on The Sound or anything, hell no. It’s just that, for once in my life, I’d like to do something bold like that, too. No more standing in the crowd and cheering for others, no more hiding in an orchestra or behind a piano, but on stage, living the dream out loud and in front. But that wasn’t me.

A girl with hair the color of fruit punch slammed against Kyle, wrapping her inked arms around him. They kissed for the longest, most awkward moment ever while I stood next to them like a creepy voyeur. Finally they remembered I was there and broke away, grinning like two beautiful misfits in love.

“Hey, Maddie!” Alexis said with a big smile. “Wasn’t Kyle incredible up there?”

“He really was,” I agreed.