23 Look Who You Made Me

"LOOK WHO YOU MADE ME"

Waking up the next morning, I remembered why I hadn't shared a bed with Cherry since we were nine. She went full starfish mode. Her arm and leg pinned me down to the mattress.

I liked physical contact, especially when I when I was upset, like last night. But having her knobby knee pressed into my abdomen and her arm across my forehead wasn't how I liked it.

I'd been so focused on removing my best friend's limbs from me, that it took me a moment to realize the arm chair was empty. My eyes darted to the bathroom--also empty.

"He went home." I turned to my dad who looked up from his phone to meet my eye. He sat against the head board, still in his pajamas.

It made sense why Peter would want to leave. Especially after what I said to him last night. Still, there was a dull ache in my chest as I thought about him driving home alone.

He sat his phone down, giving me his full attention. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Absolutely not." I yawned, sitting up to stretch. "I have a concert to prepare for."

I forced that to be my only thought as I got ready for the day.

The concert started a two and it was already noon. That didn't give me a whole lot of time to get ready, so I had to work fast.

Since I didn't know what one would wear to a Summer Showcase, I choose an outfit that toed the line between casual and glam. A black mini dress with an ankle length mesh overlay decorated in multicolored rhinestones of different shapes. Cherry helped me add similar gems to my hair, which I left out in its natural wavy state.

Despite my best efforts, thoughts of Peter slipped between the cracks of my mind. The small moments where all I had to do was wait for the next task to begin, he was there.

Because I'm in love with you.

A weird swarm of angry butterflies filled my lower belly as I remembered the words. His look of genuine confusion when I told him to stop lying. The way his expression closed up when I so casually brought up one of his biggest regrets.

The wave of nausea that washed over me wasn't only because of my upcoming performance.

There was a knock on the bathroom door. "Faye?" Cherry called out, Gabrielle wants you there early for promotional stuff."

Swallowing down my growing lump of nerves, I opened the door.

"You ready, kiddo?" my dad asked.

Smoothing my hands over the skirt of my dress, I answered truthfully. "Not even a little bit."

***

The beach was already swarming with people when we arrived. Gabrielle gave me instructions on where to meet her. My dad and Tristan went to find a spot on the sand while Cherry and I tried to find Bea Lopez's assistant.

"Faye, I love you," Cherry told me randomly as we weaved through the crowds. "But not enough to loose my fingers." She held up her hand that mine was currently squeezing the life out of.

I loosened my grip. "Sorry."

"I've never seen you so nervous before."

"I've never had so much at risk before."

"Don't think if it like that," she said. "This is a win-win situation. Even if you don't get a chance to sign a deal with Bea Lopez, you still got to perform in front of hundreds, probably thousands with the live stream."

I loved Cherry for many reasons, but her positivity was probably my favorite. She never let me get sucked down into my negative thoughts.

"I know you don't like keeping track of numbers," she continued as we got closer to the purple tent Gabrielle told us to meet her in. "But since they posted the Summer Showcase lineup, you've gained almost a hundred new followers and the 'I Don't Wanna Dance With You' music video is super close to half a million views. After this performance, those numbers will skyrocket."

The realization both excited and terrified me as Cherry pulled out her phone to show me. I never thought so many people would be interested in my music, in me. I hoped, of course. But actually seeing it felt amazing.

Because I'm in love with you.

Peter was back in my head like the thought was loaded and ready for even the tiniest moment of me letting my guard down.

"Peter told me he's in love with me," I blurted.

Cherry screeched to a halt, whipping around to stand in front of me. Her eyes were round with shock. "He did what? When?"

"Last night."

"Well, what did you say?"

"He snuck out before we woke up, so..." I told her, looking down at the sand dusting the sidewalk. "I told him he was lying."

"Faye..."

"I basically accused him of only telling me he loved me to keep me from leaving."

My best friend was quiet for a long moment.

I glanced up at her. "This is that part where you point out the silver lining."

Her mouth opened, then shut a few times before she actually spoke. "You don't have to worry about him breaking your heart anymore."

That was what I wanted. That was why I tried so hard to push him away. But hearing it outloud, it didn't sound like an accomplishment.

"Faye Moore?"

I looked over to find Bea Lopez's assistant, Gabrielle. She looked put together in jeans and a flowy tank. Her dark hair in a long braid. But she sounded frantic as she crossed something off on her clip board. "We've been waiting for you, you're up next."

"Next? For what?" Did I miss the concert starting?

She didn't stop to explain, just charged ahead. Cherry and I followed, needing to break into a small jog to keep up.

"You're up after this group," Gabrielle told me once we got to the tent. She finally stopped, looking to Cherry. "Who are you?"

"Oh, I'm Cherry. Faye's friend," she said. "Is it okay if I join her?"

Gabrielle's brows lowered as she studied Cherry. "You sound really familiar. Have we met before?"

Thankfully, Gabrielle got a message on her headset, forgetting her question. Cherry and I glanced at each other, holding back laughter. Once she finished her conversation, she turned back to us. "Sorry, but friends and family are not allowed beyond this point."

The nausea was back. I'd have to do this part alone. Reluctantly, I released Cherry's hand.

She stopped me, taking both my hands in hers. "Deep breath in," she instructed and I followed. "Breath out all gross negativity because you deserve this. You worked for this. And you're going to kill it today."

"Alright, Faye, your interview is next," Gabrielle said.

Cherry gave me a quick, tight squeeze before going to find my dad and Tristan.

Gabrielle escorted me into the tent. There was a plush, purple sofa, decorated with a pillows, set up in the middle of the room. Sitting on the couch was none other than Bea Lopez herself.

Her bleach blonde hair was styled in a pixie cut that looked expertly tousled. She wore a dress patterned with pink roses and skulls and polka-dots. Her hot pink lips spread into a smile as she stood to greet me.

"Faye Moore." She pulled me into a friendly hug. "I'm so glad to finally meet you."

I didn't realize how wide I smiled until my face started to cramp. "I'm pretty sure that's my line. I still can't believe I'm here."

She laughed at my joke as she motioned for me to take a seat on the couch. A guy with glasses, handed me a microphone.

"This is going to be a quick introductory  interview," she explained as a woman with a large fluffy brush, dusted my face with a light powder. "This will be live."

I must've made a face because she added, "Don't worry. It'll be painless, I promise. I only have four questions four you."

A second guy who manned the camera along side a woman who worked from a laptop, told us we had a minute before we went live. Nerves rattled my entire body.

Bea Lopez placed a hand over my trembling one, offering a reassuring smile. "You're gonna do great, Faye."

The guy announced we were live and Bea launched into her introduction. "Hey everyone! We are back with another one of the lovely people performing today for the showcase. This is Faye Moore!"

The interview was a blur that I couldn't remember once Gabrielle escorted me from the tent. Hopefully, later, when I re-watch the live stream, I wouldn't be mortified by it.

My phone buzzed from where I held it in my bra, along with a tube of lip gloss.

You looked amazing!! Cherry's message read. The interview must've been shown on the main stage as well.

Since I was the last to be interviewed, Bea headed to the main stage to officially start the show case.

Gabrielle deposited me into another, bigger ten. The other performers were mingling with one another. A series of conversations and laughter like they were all old friends.

There was a reason I only had one friend. I didn't know how to interact with people, unless I was saying something rude or sarcastic. I've learned over the years that most people don't like that.

Bea mentioned during the interview that I was the youngest performer of the day. Standing in that room, I felt it. I also felt ridiculous in my dress. The other girls were dressed like they were going to Coachella. I felt so plain next to them.

It was clear that I was a little kid in way over her head. I found a stool in the corner and sat there, away from everyone else.

There was a small monitor showing us the stage and soon the first performers were called out. It was a four member boy group who wore color coordinated outfits. The tent erupted with encouraging cheers as they ran out to the stage.

I watched them on the monitor, taking mental notes of how they walked on stage, introducing themselves and their first song. I never played a concert this big and no one gave me a handbook. I was thankful to be one of the final performers.

As each performer was called out to the stage, my nerves multiplied. They all looked like naturals. The interacted with the crowd and put their all into their two song sets.

Cherry messaged me, but I couldn't bring myself to reply to her. All my energy was being used to keep me on that stool. Yet my mind kept going back to how easily I could slip out of this tent and disappear.

"Preeya," Gabrielle called out. A south asian girl stepped forward, her hands covered in henna. "You're on after Ryan. Then Faye." When Gabrielle's eyes landed on me, so did everyone else's. Their curious glances and whispers and over all fact that I'd sat there unnoticed for nearly an hour, had me finally up out of my seat.

Once Preeya and Gabrielle left and the others went back to their conversations, I did the thing I've thought about for the last hour.

Outside of the tent, I felt like the elephant that was sitting on my chest finally moved on. I could breath, the salty ocean breeze cooling me.

Fishing my phone from my bra, I finally messaged Cherry back.

I can't do this.

I shut my phone down, not ready to explain myself. I just had to get away for a while. The stage was on the left so I went right. I was almost home free when I heard a voice behind me.

"You're going the wrong way."

My feet stopped of their own accord. Slowly, I turned around. Not wanting to believe what I was hearing. But I wasn't hearing things.

Peter stood before me, sweaty and breathing heavily like he'd been running. Seeing him brought a warmth to my chest. I bit down on the inside of my cheek, trying to suppress the surge of happiness him being there caused.

He came back.

His blue eyes squinted in the sun as he stepped closer. "The stage is the other way."

I looked at him, trying to figure out why he was back. Why kept trying even after what I said to him last night "What are you doing here? I thought you left."

He pushed his hair back from his sweaty forehead only for it to flop back into place. "I did. I was almost home when I remembered number ten on my list. I said I'd fight for you and I don't feel like I got my point across."

Taking another step, he was toe to toe with me. I had to tilt my head back a little to meet his eyes. My breath caught in my throat at the intensity in his gaze as he peered down at me.

"Because for the last two months, every thought I've had always circled back to you."

I stared up him, trying to remember the mechanics of breathing because that just knocked the air out of me.

"I fall asleep thinking about your smile and wake up hoping I'll get to see it in person. You're in my head, calling me an alien whenever I'm picking up litter or recycling. And when you sing...I feel it in my chest."

A slow smile inched across his lips, his gaze lost in a memory.

"When you're working in your garage, I like to sit on the curb in front my house and listen to you." His focus was on me again. "Wishing I could be in there next to you just so I can see the moment you become lost in the music. Your eyes fluttered close. One side of your mouth curls up. And it's like you're pulling the lyrics from the depths of your soul."

He reached forward, carefully taking my hand from where it was crossed over my stomach. Pressing the palm of my hand his chest. His heart thumping, he said, "I'm in love with you, Faye Moore. I need you to believe that."

Emotions swelled in my throat. I did believe him. Not because I needed to. But because he was there. No matter how hard I tried to push him away, he was there. Because he's Peter Conway, Mr. Perfect, and he doesn't lie.

"No guy has ever said anything like that about me," I spoke softly, not entirely sure this wasn't a dream. Where was Cherry to pinch me?

"I'll tell you how amazing you are every fucking day, if you let me."

I couldn't contain my smile anymore. "You swore."

"I mean it."

"I believe you."

His grin that followed knocked me out. He came to fight and held back no punches.

"Faye!" I looked around Peter to see Gabrielle frantically waving at me with both hands as she walked across the sand to me. "I've been searching for you! You're on in five minutes. Let's go."

She ushered me along, telling someone over her headset that she was bringing me to the stage. I glanced back at Peter over my shoulder. He lifted his hand in a wave, but stop midway to pick up an ice cream wrapper that blew in his path, dropping it in a nearby trash bin.

He was definitely from another planet.

Ignoring Gabrielle's protests, I ran back over to him. Just like that day in detention, I grabbed a handful of his shirt--Yellowcard today--and pulled his mouth to mine.

His hands were on my hips, bringing me closer as he kissed me back. I moved my hands to his deliciously soft curls as everything but him faded away.

But only for a second before Gabrielle started shrieking.

"Alright. Okay. We get you two are in love, but Faye needs to be on that stage in three minutes!"

He pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Go show the rest of the world how amazing you are."

"Faye," Gabrielle urged, two seconds from picking me up and carrying me to the stage herself. "Let's get a move on."

"You were right last night," I said as Bea's assistant resulted to physically pulling me away from Peter.

"About what?" he called out as Gabrielle dragged me along backwards.

"I am in love with you!" I shouted. I couldn't see how he responded to that as Gabrielle forced me to turn around and run.

Running in sand was not an easy feat. Now I understood why Peter was so out of breath when he found me. Thankfully, Preeya's set went a little over time, so by the time Gabrielle deposited me by the stage, we no longer had to rush.

I turned my phone on, seeing a flood a of messages from Cherry.

Yes you can, Faye

You've wanted this

Don't let fear ruin this opportunity for you

PETER IS HERE??

He just ran off to find you

I hope he found you

If I don't see you on that stage soon, I will become violent

"Get ready," a stage hand said as he fitted me with an earpiece so I could hear myself on stage. This was definitely nothing like the other performances I've had.

Preeya came off stage practically glowing and not only because of the sweat. She touched my shoulder as she passed. "Good luck!"

Bea Lopez stood on stage again asking for another round of applause for Preeya. When she introduced me, the stage hand instructed me to go up the stairs.

As I crossed the stage to Bea Lopez and a very large crowd clapping for me, I tried to stay present. Unlike the interview earlier, I wanted to remember this moment first hand.

Deep breath in, and breathe out all the unwarranted fear because you're about to rock this!

That was the last message Cherry sent before I tucked my phone back into my bra and joined Bea on stage.

I did just that as Bea Lopez left the stage and the band began to play the opening notes of "I Don't Wanna Dance With You". Their version sounded a lot tighter than the beat I made myself.

The song started off slow, just me in front of the mic stand singing the first verse. It was perfect because my nerves had my legs stiff. When I saw Cherry's blue and purple braids, those nerves began to melt away. She was in the front row with my dad and Tristan and Peter. Focusing on them, I was able to shake my nerves completely as the pre-chorus started and the song picked up tempo.

My tear ducts are dry

I realize now that you are not the right guy

Two left feet

Dancing off beat all of the time

I'll change the song

Dancing with myself tonight

Finally loose enough to move, I danced across the stage. Playing around with the band as I moved around them. To my surprise there were a few people in the crowd singing my lyrics back at me.

As the song slowed down again at the end, I moved to place the mic back in its stand. Singing a slower version of the upbeat chorus as the song ended.

The band left the stage, replaced by a studio piano. The stage hands set the piano up sideways so the crowd could still see me as I sat down to play.

I let my eyes find my people again. I couldn't hear them over the crowd, but I knew whatever they said was encouraging and that was all that mattered.

"This next song is dedicated to anyone who needs to be reminded that they deserve good things." I looked over at my dad and Cherry. Peter. The good things in my life.

The crowd became quiet as I began to play, listening to this love letter I wrote to myself.

The lyrics were gentle reminders to be kinder to myself. To stop waiting for the other shoe to drop. To live my life instead of reacting to it. To be present in the moment.

That summer, I realized how much more fulfilling life could be when I stopped trying to predict the future. That day at the museum, Peter told me life didn't come with warnings and he was absolutely right. Amazing things could happen when you stopped playing it safe.

As I sang the last notes of the song, the crowd erupted with applause. I could feel my face split with a smile as took a bow, leaving the stage for the next performer.

A trio of girls were up next, they told me they loved my voice as I passed them. I wished them luck as Gabrielle found me. She took my ear piece, handing it to a nearby stage hand.

"You can go back to making out with your boyfriend now," she told me teasingly.

"That's it?" It was kind of anticlimactic.

"For now," she said. "We have your information if we need to contact you."

I nodded, slightly confused as I took off for the crowd to find my people. They met me half way, my dad pulling me into a bone crushing hug.

"That was incredible, kiddo," my dad said, letting me breath again.

"I knew seeing you play 'For My Eyes Only' would give me chill," Cherry added, hugging me next. Tristan nodded in agreement, giving me a fist bump.

When I got to Peter, I realized he wore a different shirt. It looked a lot like the shirt I made for myself with "I Don't Wanna Dance With You" across it in the same iron-on letters I used. It looked like ransome note. Except his shirt wasn't cropped.

"Where did you get this?" I demanded, tugging at it.

"I made it," he said simply. "I copied your design from Daniel's party. It might be my new favorite band shirt."

"Why weren't you wearing it earlier?"

"I had to make sure you still liked me or it would've been awkward."

I gazed up at him, still kind of amazed I had someone like him in my life. He looked at me like maybe he thought the same. "Thank you. For coming back."

His brows lifted in surprise. "You said 'thank you'."

"It was a one time thing. Don't think I'm getting soft because I'm in love with you."

His face lit up with a grin. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

***

After the final performance, I received a message from Gabrielle to meet her back at the tent.

I went alone, promising Cherry I wouldn't try to run away again. Peter promised to chase me down if I did.

Bea sat on the purple couch, this time without the camera people. She patted the couch cushion next to her.

"Your performance..." she started once I sat down. "That last song was beautiful."

"Thank you." It was all I could say because the rest of my brain was busy screaming.

"I put together this showcase to give undiscovered artist a chance to put their names out there," she told me, clasping her hands in her lap. "And to potentially add new artists to my label."

I bit my cheek, trying not to get my hopes up.

"Now, this isn't anything official since you're still a minor and you parents need to be present when signing contracts," she stated. "And I know you're still in school. But I think you'll be a good fit at Signature Records. If you're interested."

Cherry wasn't there, so I pinched myself. Nope. Not dreaming. "Of course! I mean, yes. I'm interested."

Bea chuckled. "Alright then. I have a few out of state meeting to attend, but someone from my team will be in contact sometime over the next few months."

"Thank you, again. For the opportunity and...everything."

When I left the tent to find everyone, Cherry was already there waiting for me. "So?" she asked eagerly.

"She asked if I was interested in signing with her label."

Cherry let out the scream I'd been holding in. "Oh my gosh, Faye!" She pulled me into the tightest hug, the two of us bouncing around in the sand.

We joined Peter and Tristan down by the water. The sun starting to set. My dad messaged that he was heading back to the hotel because he started to burn.

When I sat next to Peter on the sand, I pulled his arm around my shoulders.

"I'm assuming the meeting went well," he said, looking down at me. "I heard Cherry scream from way over here."

I glanced at my best friend who was splashing around with Tristan in the shallow water.

"Very well."

He leaned down, catching my lips with his as he kissed me slowly. "I love you," he muttered against my lips.

I'd never tire of hearing him say that.

"I merely tolerate your existence," I said back against his mouth.

His eyes narrowed and I knew what was coming even before I felt his fingers at my sides. I yelped, hopping to my feet and taking off laughing.

*********

FIN.

Thank you so much for reading about Faye and Peter. I hope you found these characters loveable and fun to read about 💕💖

This book took me less than a month which is my greatest accomplishment honestly. ✨✨

Let me know how you found your way to this book because I like knowing things like that.

Again thanks for reading and voting and commenting 🥰🥰