"Oh. Well, that breaks my heart. I'm honored that I could be here for it. Wish I'd met you sooner. I feel like I could've changed things."

"Maybe."

"Can I at least buy a signed CD from you?"

"I didn't set up a merch table this time."

"Well, shit. I spend every night going around trying to find undiscovered talent like yours, and I got here too damn late. If I'm lucky, in a year or so I'll see you playing somewhere and find out that you changed your mind." He extended his hand. "Good luck to you, Olivia."

She sighed. Then she took a long swig of her beer, finishing off the bottle. "I need another drink," she said. "How about you buy me one and we'll talk?"

"That would make me very happy."

"I'll almost definitely say no. But I'll listen to what you have to say."

"Fantastic." He pointed to the bottle. "Same kind?"

"Yes."

"Be right back."

Olivia watched Greg carefully as he walked over to the bar. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy, but that didn't mean he wouldn't try to slip something into her drink.

She couldn't believe this was happening. She'd spent long sleepless nights thinking about this decision. She'd cried in the bathroom at work over it. And now that she'd made peace with it, now that she felt better about her life, Greg was here to possibly make an offer that might cause her to forever wonder what might have been if she turned it down.

But she should turn it down. She should absolutely, positively, without question turn it down. Why go through all of the frustration again?

The bartender popped the bottles open and Greg brought them back to their table. He set hers in front of her, then held his up. "Cheers."

"Cheers." They clinked their bottles together.

"So let me be very blunt," said Greg. "If you've been struggling, it's not due to lack of musical talent, it's due to lack of stage presence."

Olivia grinned. "Are you saying I'm boring?"

"Not at all. You just put all of your focus on the songs and none on the talk. There should be anecdotes that go with each song. Jokes. Stuff to make the audience feel like they're your friend."

"I tried that. I was terrible at it."

"I can work with you. I swear, Olivia, I can take you to the next level. I'm not saying I can take you up here," he said, holding his hand high into the air, "but I promise I can take you here." He held up his hand at chest-level.

"Starting from where?"

Greg lowered his hand an inch. Then he chuckled. "Sorry, I don't want to undersell myself, but I don't want to move my hand too low and insult you. That was a no-win hand movement for me. All I'm saying is that I can help."

"I don't know."