At the office, a ton of e-mails and phone messages were waiting for her. Without wasting any more time, she dived in and started doing what she does best. She derived pleasure from her work because it allowed her to travel to mystical, wondrous lands while sitting at her desk. Also, interacting with all these diverse artists inspired her to hone her own artistic talents.
The day had gone as quickly as it had come and Samke and Kenny were at her office door badgering her to log off. Tonight was open mic night at The Spot downtown, Kenny’s favourite spot to hang out. Their mutual friend, Kenny, was an aspiring singer and open mic nights helped him get that much closer to his dreams. On some nights, talent scouts would drop in, putting their feelers out, so to speak, onto the underground scene of local talent. Clubs such as The Spot and The Bassline were quite credible establishments where would-be stars were spotted and signed soon after.
As usual, The Spot was packed to full capacity and luckily for them, they had free lifetime passes at the door. Sandile, the owner, had known and been friends with Kenny as far back as anyone can remember.
“Kenny ma Kenzo! How are you doing my man? It has been a hot minute!” shouted Sandile over the noise, giving Kenny a huge brotherly hug.
Kenny smiled broadly and greeted his very good friend back. Sandile steered them to their favourite table right at the front of the stage.
Sandile looked over to Zamo and Samke.
“Ladies, are you good? You both look absolutely stunning tonight! Come on, sit down and you, Kenny, I hope you’ve got your A-game because tonight we have a couple of people who are ready to make your dreams come true!”
Kenny, taken aback, bleated, “But I’m not prepared!”
Zamo couldn’t believe what she was hearing but was really enjoying it. Is it not Kenny the one who always berates her about being dull? Who’s boring now?
“Kenny, you’re such a drama queen! If I didn’t have a heart, I would be mocking you right now. I won’t. I’ll tell you this much though: You only live once my friend!” Then she gloatingly shouted, “YOLO!”
Everybody laughed at Kenny’s expense.
Kenny, suddenly shy, managed to respond. “Alright, alright. You win. As unprepared as I am, I’ll do it. Besides, this could be my ticket to stardom!” He turned his attention to Sandile, “So, when am I up my man?”
Sandile, smiled a winner’s smile. “You’re the 3rd act from the opening one. Trust me, my man; you won’t want to miss the people that are here tonight.”
Samke and Zamo moved over to give Kenny a hug.
“We’ll be here cheering you on and if you feel a little overwhelmed, just focus on one thing. The far end of the room is a good place to start. If all fails, pretend that everybody is a piece of furniture,” reassured Zamo.
“Yes, my friend, you have our full support. Just go out there and slay it!” added Samke putting on an American slang accent.
Sandile turned to leave the table and gave Kenny a pat on the back. “Don’t worry about anything my man. Just be yourself and sing your heart out!” He smiled again and bid them farewell. “If I don’t see you all again tonight, enjoy yourselves and your first drink is on me!”
Samke, beamed at Sandile, “You’re a star! Thank you!”
Zamo looked askance at her friend and hoped that she eased on the liquor just for tonight at least. There can’t be any drama tonight. Not on Kenny’s night!
***
Tell us: What do you think will happen next?