“Just curious.”
“We used to be four in the band. There was a singer, a bassist, a guitarist, and a drummer. The other three have all left, but I remained. However, if things don’t pick up after today, I too might have to give up,” Zeke shared.
The unattainable dream had worn Zeke out. He knew he couldn’t afford to squander his youth and time like those affluent men did. He had to earn a living.
“If I could give you a shot at stardom, would you take it?” Norah asked in a voice that caused Zeke to look up at her. Zeke saw the look on Norah’s face. It was full of confidence, and the smile on her face made her look radiant.
Zeke felt as though he was being hypnotized.
“Yes, I will take it!” he said firmly.
The words that came out of his mouth surprised him. He regretted having said those words so quickly. After all, he knew nothing about Norah.
“Miss… I don’t even know you. Is there any reason you’re asking me this question? I’ve been in a band for four years, and I haven’t been able to create a fan base. How then would I become famous?” Zeke asked, laughing self-mockingly.
“I will help you,” Norah said with conviction.
“You?” Zeke burst into laughter, as though he had heard a really funny joke. Still laughing, he added, “I appreciate you helping me with my hand. However, I have nothing to offer. If you’re looking for someone to deceive, find another target.”
He gulped down his drink in one swallow. “Goodbye, Miss. Thank you for the drink. I have to go now.”
Zeke slung his guitar over his back and turned to leave.
Norah said nothing. Instead, she counted down from five inwardly as she swirled the drink in her glass and then took a sip. “Five, four, three, two…”
As expected, Zeke returned to Norah, his guitar still on his back. In a low voice, he said, “I have nothing to lose, so I’ve decided that I’ll trust you.”
Norah chuckled. “Why not? Go on, have your seat.” Zeke sat back down on the bar stool, and Norah called for another drink.
“Do you dare perform on the stage at Glamour Club?” Norah asked, gesturing toward the stage. She watched Zeke’s face carefully for any reaction.
“Of course,” Zeke said eagerly. Though he had just been beaten for attempting to perform on stage without permission, he wouldn’t chicken out if the opportunity presented itself.
“However, getting on the Glamour Club stage isn’t easy. I’m not allowed to perform there,” Zeke finished, staring at his guitar.
“You’re making excuses. Will you dare if I can make it happen?” Norah asked with a smile. Her smile seemed to brighten the room even more.
“What? You’re looking to get someone a spot on stage?” Spencer asked, surprised.
In a chamber on the top floor of the building, Spencer lounged on the sofa with a nonchalant demeanor, his legs crossed. Beside him, Kaiden mirrored the pose. The Glamour Club was known to the Morris family. Spencer was a regular here, and he made the calls. He got to choose who could take the spotlight on stage.
Norah stayed on the sofa, acting calm despite Spencer’s stare.
“May I know your terms, Mr. Morris?” Norah raised her eyes and gestured at Zeke, saying, “He just wishes to…”
Leaning toward Kaiden, Spencer murmured, “Kaiden, do you think I should agree?”
Spencer’s and Kaiden’s recent visit to Krusa Mountain Racing had left them in awe of Selene, especially after her reveal as Norah, which had caused an uproar. They never expected Norah to be the skilled racer, Selene.
Kaiden’s eyes grew somber. He recalled how Kason had visited recently just to see Norah. Kason had never tried the Glamour Club for him, not even once! He wondered if Kason had developed a fondness for Norah. But he saw Kason had invited a masked woman to his home last time.
Since Kaiden couldn’t wrap his head around it, he decided to drop the subject.
With a spark of curiosity, Spencer said, “Miss Wilson, you should know that those who perform on the stage are all famous. And who is he?”
Zeke wanted to argue back, but he was at a loss for words. He had to bite his tongue. Deep down, he knew it was true, and speaking up would only invite more teasing.
With her arms crossed and leaning back, Norah said in a relaxed tone, “He might not be famous now, but who’s to say he won’t be in the future? Could he perhaps perform on stage today?” She acted as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.
Spencer found himself stealing glances at Norah. Unlike those flattering individuals, Norah remained casual, as if she were talking to her own friends. Had Spencer been sure he’d met Norah before, he might have mistaken her for an old friend.
Turning to Kaiden, Spencer said, “Well, since you’ve brought it to our attention, I’m happy to agree. Miss Wilson, you’re acquainted with Kaiden’s uncle, aren’t you? Given that connection, your friend can sing as many songs as he wishes.”
Interest sparkled in Norah’s eyes. How did Spencer and Kaiden figure out her connection with Kason? This made things much easier.
Norah nodded and said, “I’ll mention you to Mr. Hayes next time I see him.”
Kaiden looked up, his tone serious. “What is your relationship with my uncle, Miss Wilson? Have you officially divorced your husband?”
“Well, you can ask your uncle about it,” Norah replied.
“As for other things, I can’t tell you,” Norah said, not one to share too much about her personal life. Faced with his question, she chose not to respond. “Thanks anyway. Zeke, let’s head downstairs.”
As Norah and Zeke departed, Spencer, driven by curiosity, asked, “Kaiden, what’s going on between your uncle and Norah? He showed up at the Glamour Club looking for her. Your uncle usually avoids loud places. There must be something between them.”
Kaiden sighed and said, “If I had any idea, I wouldn’t have asked Norah. What’s my uncle thinking? Rumors say Derek and Norah haven’t finalized their divorce yet. If word gets out…”
“What would happen?” Spencer asked.
“If word gets out, my uncle might end up bound to her forever,” Kaiden replied with a frustrated look. “Even though Norah is attractive, she’s just a trophy wife and already married. I can’t stand the thought of my uncle marrying someone like that. I need to find a way to prevent it.”
Spencer intervened. “If your uncle cares for you, you should let him be. He’s been single in the military for years and finally found someone he likes. It’s not your place to interfere. He’s probably really in love.”
“But she’s been married before…” Kaiden remained unconvinced.
“Kaiden, I’m surprised you’re hung up on that. Let me tell you, a previous marriage isn’t the end of the world,” Spencer said, placing an arm around Kaiden’s shoulder, trying to persuade him.
With Spencer’s intervention, Norah and Zeke smoothly made their way to the stage on the first floor. Zeke, overflowing with excitement, exclaimed, “Miss Wilson, I can’t thank you enough! Performing at Glamour Club has always been my dream. I never thought it would come true!”
Norah wasn’t in the mood for chatter. She gestured toward the stage and announced, “You’ve got time for one song. Impress me with your talent, and I’ll ensure you become as famous as Rosy Secret.”
Even though Norah and Zeke were still strangers, Zeke was thrilled by her promise. He didn’t know how she would make him famous, but he knew he deserved the fame.
The stage lights dimmed, and the DJ’s beats toned down. The dancers on the floor began to ease off. They huddled up for chats or strolled back to the bar for a drink.
Then, a spotlight burst onto the stage, illuminating a bearded man cradling a guitar, standing ready at the microphone.
“Isn’t Rosy Secret supposed to perform tonight? Is this guy it? Could he be a well-known singer?”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.