by Twyla Turner
Three years later…
“I’m sorry, Miss Wright.” The Artists and Repertoire (A&R) Coordinator said with a straight, slow-blinking face like he was bored. He’s obviously let down thousands of hopefuls over his career. “You’ve got a decent following. Your SoundCloud profile is professional and polished. Your demo was poppin’. And last, but certainly not least, your voice is one of the best I’ve heard in years. But unfortunately, you don’t have the right look or sound we at Allister Records are currently searching for at the moment.”
What you mean is…‘You’re not skinny enough, at twenty-nine you’re not young enough, and your pigment isn’t light enough for Allister Records,’ Lyris Wright thought to herself.
“Thank you for your time,” she said instead.
“Oh, wait! There is another opportunity we have for you, though. We’re holding auditions upstairs for an alto backup singer for one of our most popular artists. I’ve sent your demo and social media info up to them. I think you’d be great.” The coordinator finished with a smile like he’d just done his good deed for the day.
“Thank you,” Lyris smiled with the biggest phoniest smile she could muster under the circumstances.
Lyris quickly got up, put her guitar in its case, nodded, and strode from the room. It was her third rejection in as many months. And then to add insult to injury, the man had the nerve to tell her she’d be great as a backup singer after telling her she had one of the best voices he’d heard in a long time. She had to get out of there before she spoke her mind and was blackballed from the industry before she even got started. She knew her mouth would get her in trouble like it often did.
She’d been in LA for over a year, and had sent out demos to every record label out there. From the more indie labels to the top dogs in the industry. Only three had even given her a chance to meet face to face. And once they saw her, it was the same every time.
She wasn’t pretty enough. Slim enough. Light enough. Blue-eyed enough. Her voice was too big. She was a little too rock, when they wanted more soul. She had too much soul, when they wanted a little more rock. Lyris felt like she was stuck in a story with Goldilocks. She was never just right.
She pushed through the glass doors and stepped out into the Southern California sunlight. Lyris quickly pulled out her cell phone and called her bestie, Serena. They’d come to LA together from Indianapolis, against the express wishes of their parents, to find their dreams. Serena was looking to become the next Ava Duvernay. She had dreams of directing Oscar winning movies, where Lyris had dreams of becoming a Rock & Soul artist.
“Hey, Lyris! How’d it go?” Serena asked as soon as she answered.
“It didn’t.”
“Damn.”
“You already know,” Lyris said while she tried to keep the tremble from her throat. It didn’t work because Serena knew her better than anyone.
“Don’t get upset, Lyris. You’re amazing and you know it. They’re superficial assholes. And the crazy thing is, you’re gorgeous. Like it doesn’t make any sense.”
“I’m not their type of gorgeous, though. That’s the problem. Not even the quote on unquote ‘black’ labels are interested. I’m too rock and have too many rolls for them. Get it? Rock ‘n’ rolls?”
“Oh hush! You’re perfect.”
“Says the tall, slender ‘could have been a model if she wanted to’ lady,” Lyris retorted.
“Girl, you already know how I wish I had ass and tits like you.”
“Ha! But you didn’t say anything about the belly, thighs, and arms that go with it.”
“I’d take it!”
“Riiiiiight.”
“Well, anyway, what are you going to do now?”’
“Actually, I’m trying to figure that out. After telling me I had one of the best voices he’d heard in a while, he then told me I should audition for a backup spot for one of their artists.” The eye roll could be heard in Lyris’ voice.
“Well, it doesn’t sound like a totally bad idea. You should audition,” Serena said hopefully.
“Audition for what?” Lyris heard Sebastian say in the background.
Sebastian was their roommate who had lived in LA for over ten years. He was a working model/actor also looking for his big break. He’d come from Wyoming to escape his judgmental small town, where gay men were frowned upon, if not beaten to death. If it weren’t for the fact that he liked men, Lyris was sure that Serena would be all over him. He was gorgeous and one-hundred percent cis male cowboy who just happened to like men. Women were drawn to him like flies on shit, and always walked away disappointed when they found out he played for the other team.
“For a backup singer spot with a popular artist,” Serena explained to him. “I think Lyris should do it.”
“Hell yeah, she should!” Sebastian said loudly for Lyris to hear it.
“Oh, great. So, I can forego my dream to blend into the background while I watch someone else live my dream from the shadows. That sounds right up my alley.” Lyris rolled her eyes.
“Lyris, it’s an in. That’s all you need. Make connections in the industry instead of waitressing by day and singing in lounges by night. And then coming home to drink copious amounts of wine with us and complain.”
“What about you? Shouldn’t you be giving yourself this same advice?”
“Absolutely. That’s why I just accepted a job as a lowly production assistant, on the set of some romcom,” Serena sighed on the other end of the line.
“Seriously?! That’s fantastic, Se!”
“Is it, though?”
“I mean, it’s not your dream, but it’s a foot in the door.”
“Now, repeat what you just said into a mirror.”
Damn! She got me.
“Fine, I’ll do it. I’ll audition. But I don’t have to like it.”
“It’ll work out. You’ll see.”
“Love you, Se.”
“Love you too, Lys.”
Gage sighed as another singer auditioning for a backup spot on his new tour walked away. He’d already had a female soprano and male bass. They’d been with him for the last three years. Now he was looking for a female alto. Someone to replace the alto they’d just lost because she was pregnant after years of trying, and couldn’t commit to another tour.
All the women who’d auditioned thus far sounded good, but he was looking for something else. The A&R team usually did the auditioning for tours and performances, but Gage had wanted to be involved in choosing who would tour with him. For him, it wasn’t just about how good they sounded. It was also about building a family. If they were going to be on the road together. Traveling the world together. Gage wanted them all to feel like they were a part of a family. He was searching for a feeling. For a personality, along with a good voice. And thus far, none of the women who’d auditioned for the alto spot gave him that feeling. That sense of family.
It was late afternoon and they’d been going since morning. Gage was ready to call it, when the door opened once more. A woman who looked to be in her twenties walked through the door. Gage’s eyes widened. He leaned over to his manager, Jesse, and whispered in his ear.
“Hey, Tabitha?” Jesse called out to the assistant who was bringing in each singer.
“Yeah, Jesse?”
“This is the last one for the day.”
“Alright.”
Gage’s eyes trailed over the woman from hair follicle to the soles of her brown knee-high boots. Her skin was flawless, warm espresso. Her hair was a voluminous mass of maroon tinted ringlets that hung to her shoulders. It framed a gorgeous, full heart-shaped face. Bright, pretty eyes. A cute flared nose. And soft, glossy lush lips.
She was plump. Her dark-washed, high-waisted jeans hugged her thick thighs and wide hips. She smiled as she walked into the room, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Something about her eyes seemed sad and possibly defeated.
“Hi, my name is Lyris Wright.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Lyris.” J
esse responded first.
Gage just nodded. He was still a more quiet, introspective person, even if it had been years since he stuttered. He still fumbled over his words when he was nervous, though. Which was why he never spoke to the crowd at a concert when he first took the stage. He’d wait until after the first song, when his nerves had cooled a bit to speak into the mic.
“So, how much singing experience do you have, Miss Wright?”
“The church choir for most of my formative years. Night clubs since I’ve been grown.”
“Do you know Gage’s music?”
“I…uh…have heard some of it,” she hesitated and glanced at Gage for a split second before looking back at Jesse.
“So, you don’t know any of his songs by heart then?” Jesse raised a brow.
“Look, I can sing anything you put in front of me. I’ve heard some of your stuff,” she turned to address Gage directly, “but I don’t know it by heart. But I can know it by tomorrow.”
“Please,” Gage spoke the one word and gestured for her to proceed. He liked that she wasn’t star struck by him.
Lyris shrugged off her brown leather jacket that matched her brown boots. Underneath was a cream-colored lace crop top that displayed peeks of skin. Her ample breasts made the material lift and showcase the skin of her soft, thick waist. She had meat on her bones and she wasn’t afraid to show it. She was proud of her full-figured body.
Gage bit his lips as that swath of skin on her pretty tummy hypnotized him. And then she opened her mouth and sang.
Gage’s eyes shot up to her face. His mouth dropped open. And he raked his fingers through his chin length dark hair as he leaned forward, drawn to her sound.
Lyris sang ‘I’m the Only One’, a 90s rock ballad by Melissa Etheridge. She arranged the melody to be different, yet the same. She gave the rock song an even more soulful sound. Her voice had just an edge of a rasp to it. She sang confidently. Effortlessly. Like she was born for it. Gage could relate.
She was one of the best singers he’d heard in a long time. It was no wonder she’d looked defeated walking in. She was auditioning way below her level of talent.
Gage turned his head towards Jesse and nodded slightly.
Jesse held up his hand, “That’s good, Miss Wright.”
Lyris stopped singing, and stood waiting for their feedback. Her face and body language spoke volumes. As if she were thinking, ‘I know I can sing my ass off, but what are these mediocre jackasses going to say to put me down or in a box in an attempt to diminish my God given talent.’
“You’re one of the best singers I’ve heard in a long time…if ever.” Gage finally spoke a full sentence to her. “I should be singing backup for you.”
Lyris raised her eyebrows and shifted her weight to her other hip. Waiting. It was obvious she’d been given that compliment before. Probably with a following ‘but…’
Gage leaned over to Jesse, “I like her.”
“Her voice is a little too overpowering for a backup singer.” Jesse looked her up and down, “And she has a little too much attitude for my taste.”
Gage felt his hackles rise. His manager certainly helped take his career to the next level, but Jesse was a classic Hollywood snob. Gage hadn’t been in long enough to be that jaded yet. But he’d learned to speak up early on. Otherwise he would’ve been railroaded into choices he didn’t want to make. It was already bad enough that they’d convinced him to tone down the Latin side of his music for his first album. For his sophomore album, which they were headed for tour on, he’d pushed until he was able to make the music he wanted. Something that was a nod to his Brazilian heritage.
“Well, it’s my tastes I’m concerned about,” Gage responded.
He turned his silvery green gaze back to Lyris, “I’d love to have you tour with us. I think you’d make a great addition to our family. I know this is a step down for you. It’s obvious you should be a solo artist, but you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t in need of some decent money and a foot in the door. And I promise you, you’ll get both going on tour with us.” And a place next to me in bed if you’re willing.
The first year Gage’s career took off, he’d had no shortage of women in his bed. If he’d wanted to, he could’ve had a different woman in his bed every night. Two at the same time if he asked. There were a couple of months he did just that. For a former stuttering fat kid, the attention was overwhelming and exciting. Somewhat shamefully, he’d taken full advantage of it. He was only human.
Then he’d started dating Natasha, a mega-famous pop singer. A tiny brunette with gray eyes that could sizzle like melted steel or freeze you out depending on her mood. And her mood was often erratic, flip-flopping between the two. They’d dated for the last two years, but recently had broken up. She couldn’t handle all the attention he received and the women in his DMs, as if she didn’t have men in hers. And Gage didn’t feel like she really knew him or wanted to. He felt like she thought of him as the perfect item to round out her popularity. Something to make her more famous. Natasha was greedy for fame. For the followers and likes. She wanted to be more popular and have more followers than the notorious K family. Combined. She wasn’t far off.
It was too much for Gage, so he broke it off with her. Unfortunately, he didn’t do it until after they’d already recorded a duet together that had already been released on both their new albums. He prayed the record label wouldn’t force them to perform together. Gage, of course, knew he was being very naïve.
Gage came back to the present. Lyris was still silent. He knew she was at war with herself. With her pride.
“What do you say? Would you like to tour the world?” Gage asked.
She took a deep breath and let it out like a defeated sigh, “Yeah. I’d like that.”
He knew she was at least partially lying, but he’d take it.
“Good.” Gage flashed her a crooked smile. The kind that sent most women into a ball of mush. Lyris just blinked at him.
Huh… I must be losing my touch.
“Alright, Lyris. Tabitha will help you fill out the paperwork you need to get paid and tell you how to go about getting set up with the AFTRA union, if you’re not already. We start rehearsals for the tour here on Monday, 10 a.m. sharp. Make sure you learn every song on Gage’s new album and last album. Enjoy your weekend,” Jesse instructed her.
“Thank you,” Lyris said before grabbing her jacket and bag and walking out.
“Good luck with that one,” Jesse said to Gage.
Gage ignored his manager and just watched Lyris strut out of the room.
~~~
Lyris finished filling out all her information so she could get paid. She grabbed her guitar she’d left in the waiting room and headed for the door.
She couldn’t decide which feeling to settle into. Elation that she finally had any kind of singing gig where she would make really good, steady money. Apparently, working for a high-profile artist on tour, gets you a nearly six figure salary to start. Or disappointment and frustration that her voice would be obscured in the background for some dude who probably needs Auto-Tune to hit any notes.
Lyris tossed her stuff in her Prius and headed to her apartment in West Hollywood. She didn’t even turn up her music to conduct her own personal car concert like she normally did.
She unlocked and walked through the door of her shared apartment. On the other side waited Serena and Sebastian. They looked at her hopefully.
“Well…” Serena asked.
“I got the backup gig.”
Serena and Sebastian leapt from the seats and ran to Lyris. They hugged her and jumped up and down. She couldn’t help but smile. Her friends finally made her decide that elation was the best emotion to currently feel.
“This is so awesome, Lyris!” Sebastian said as he gripped her shoulders and held her at arm’s length. “Aren’t you happy?”
“I mean, yeah. You just know that being someone’s backup singer wasn’t my dream.”
&
nbsp; “Sweetie, it’s the start of your dreams coming true,” he looked at her sincerely. “Do you have any idea of the backup singers who ended up becoming huge solo artists? Whitney Houston, Mariah Carrey, Sheryl Crow, Cher, Luther Vandross, etc.”
“What does a country boy from Wyoming know about Lutha?” Lyris asked in shock.
“Pssh!” He waved her off. “I know Lutha.”
Lyris had to admit that Sebastian was right. It was a foot in the door, which was the biggest break in her strides towards success that she’d had thus far.
“You’re a backup singer. I’m a production assistant.” Serena turned Lyris to face her. “We’ve finally got our foot in the door. Now, let’s kick that bastard down. Before your tour is over and before this movie is finished, they will know who Lyris Wright and Serena Davis are.”
“Hell yeah!” Lyris high-fived her best friend.
“Now, let’s celebrate!” Sebastian shouted.
“I’m down. But I can’t get too trashed, I have only the weekend to memorize every Gage Walker song.”
“Oooh! That’s who you’re singing backup for?!?!” Sebastian asked.
“Yep.”
“Woman! He’s fucking gorgeous! I can absolutely help you learn his songs,” Sebastian said. “I love his music. Let’s get some drinks, crank up his songs, and do drunk karaoke.”
“Umm…is there really any other kind of karaoke?” Lyris asked.
Sebastian scrunched his face in thought, “True.”
“To the liquor store?!” Serena shouted out the question while holding up her car keys.
“To the liquor store!” Lyris and Sebastian bellowed back.
They piled into Serena’s little Honda HR-V and headed to the store. Sebastian was in the passenger seat where there was more leg room for his long legs. He turned in his seat to look at Lyris.
“So…tell me. Was he as gorgeous in person as on TV and in photos?”
“Who? Gage Walker?”
“Duh! Who else would I be talking about?”
Lyris rolled her eyes. Serena stopped at a stoplight and looked back at her too.
