19. Finn
I’m riding the highest of highs as I step onto the stage at the Seaside Music Festival.
All is right with the world now that Raven’s officially mine.
We’re only playing a few songs tonight, but we’re starting off with the song that won Jax the competition last year.
“Just Being Me” is a crowd favorite and has been a popular single.
It’s also the one that made Sloane fall completely in love with him, so it’s special for multiple reasons.
We start the upbeat tune, but this time as I sing harmony, it hits differently. I’m connecting to it like never before. Maybe it’s because in all my years, I’ve never truly been in love. My heart fills with emotion as we sing the last verse, and I realize every single word rings true.
I hope you don’t ask how fast did I fall
With you by my side, we can get through it all
You are it for me
I can clearly see
I’m in love with you
Please take a chance on me
By letting me be me.
After the crowd settles, we switch it up to a slow song no one has ever heard. We’re testing out “Impossible Fears” and from the looks of it, they’re into it as much as “Just Being Me” , which makes me perform even better.
It’s a song about how we’re all our own worse critic.
It also focuses on the need for pulling yourself up, making the changes you need, and getting back on track.
For a fuller effect, Ryker and I join Jax in harmonizing to the melody.
This creates a richer tone and a more hopeful undercurrent to the mood of the song.
As Jax hits the final note, there’s a thunderous applause. Ryker walks back to my drum kit, snags a water bottle, and downs it before the next song and yells over the noise of the audience. “Told ya this was the right song. We killed it!”
For our last song, “Dating Season”, we switch things up and go back to an upbeat tempo that’s sexy and fun as hell to play.
I’ve never specifically told the guys when we were writing, but this song entirely emulates the way I felt when meeting Raven.
Our relationship was new, exciting, and ultimately life changing.
At least that’s how it feels each time I think of her now.
The fact she feels the same makes my heart soar even faster than the beats I’m laying down.
We all contributed to the lyrics, so I can’t take credit for every word on this track, but I most certainly took the lead with the concept.
As we start this song, my eyes drift to Raven, who’s standing beside her family left of center stage. I’m not sure who pulled the strings to get them down in front for this performance, but I’m grateful. The moment her eyes meet mine, everyone drifts away, and I’m only singing this song to her.
With my whole heart, I belt out the words,
Our first impression was a joke.
Tried to fool me with your rum and Coke.
But I clearly saw right through you.
Then we danced around the floor
and you got me wanting more.
From your lips to your hips
You’ve got me thinking I’ve been missing out.
All my life, I’ve been fine.
Without ever giving of my heart
It was quick. It was fun.
It never lasted very long.
But just one night with you, has made me see
That I’ve had it all wrong.
Sweetness, it didn’t take much.
But with just one kiss and a hug
I know my dating season is done.
I want you. I want more.
And I’ve never said this before,
Unless it’s you, by my side
my dating season is done.
When the song breaks into my drum solo and a guitar riff, I’m forced to break eye contact with Raven. I truly hope she sees that I’m all in. I know time will only tell if we stay together, but for now, I think we’re finally off to a good start.
The moment we finish our song, I can barely hear myself think, let alone hear the directions coming through my ear monitors from backstage; the venue is filled with so much noise. I look to Jax, who motions for me to join him and Ryker at the front of the stage.
When the crowd settles, the emcee joins us and looks to the judges of the competition. “So, what do you think about Jax Cartwright and his new band The Ruby Frax?”
James Collins, the head judge, just chuckles. “They’re even better in person. I’ve caught a preview of their new single and just loved it. I think these guys are gonna go far! So much has changed in a year, hasn’t it, Jax?”
Jax reaches for the mic, then turns to look at Sloane with a wide smile.
“It sure has. Most of you may not know this, but just a little over a year ago, I was challenged to get up on this stage in the first place. I’d never performed at a venue of this magnitude, and if Sloane hadn’t given me an ultimatum, I probably wouldn’t even be here today. ”
The crowd cheers, so he waits for them to settle.
“I want to thank Smashing Waves Records for putting Sloane in my path. Without her, I wouldn’t have entered the competition, let alone win it last year. I also wouldn’t have gone on tour and met up with Finn McGowen or Ryker Jones.”
The emcee cuts in, “Speaking of Sloane, I heard a little rumor about you two, and I think congratulations are in order.”
Jax’s smile stretches so wide, his face might split in two. “Thank you. The rumors are absolutely true! Sloane’s my wife, and I couldn’t be happier.”
The emcee looks to me and then asks Jax the next question. “Let’s put out another Ruby Frax rumor and clear the air for the entire world to hear. Is it true your wife, Sloane, has a twin sister?”
“Yes. That’s also true, and she’s the one dating this lucky guy, Finn.”
Puffing out my chest, I’m sure my grin is wide.
James Collins looks to the crowd and spots the Lancasters. Pointing them out, he says, “I can see how everyone would be confused. Aside from their clothes, they’re identical.”
Without a thought, I’m reaching for the mic and setting the record straight.
“Oh, James, they may be identical but trust me, there are subtle differences. After being on tour with Sloane, she’s…
well, she’s like a sister to me, but Raven…
well, she’s nothing like a sister. In fact, I’ve never loved anyone the way I love her.
So, trust me… there’s a huge difference between them, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. ”
Raven’s mouth just hangs open as the audience cheers.
The emcee chuckles. “Well… that’s certainly how to dispel any rumors. I know I, for one, can’t wait to hear your new single “Impossible Fears”. I also hope you release “Dating Season” sooner than later. I felt that song deep in my soul and know others will, too.”