Chapter Six

"Thanks for coming to the meeting tonight, everyone. I promise I won't keep you all long." Deanna places a couple boxes of pizzas in the middle of the table then gives everyone time to fix their plates before she begins going over things.

"This is really good," Edwin says, taking a bite out of the slice of pepperoni.

"I haven't had pizza in forever," Charlotte adds. Using her napkin, she wipes the cheese dangling from Edwin's chin.

"I figure I might as well feed you all, since I'm taking you away from your families tonight." Taking the seat at the end of the table, she gathers her paperwork together and proceeds to go over her notes one last time. "As some of you are aware, Tahoe's Got Talent is coming to the Glitz Casino next month. While the casino will be handling the majority of their food and beverages, I've signed a contract with the show and Coffee Loft is going to be providing any and all specialty coffee beverages for the duration of their stay."

The baristas all begin to cheer and clap.

"I'm pretty sure I'm crazy for even doing this, but hey, you live and learn, right? I've rented a food truck that will be parked outside the studio doors and I'm working on a schedule to keep at least two of you there serving hot and cold coffee during the times we agreed upon. I'll be going back and forth between both places, so don't panic and think you're going to be left on your own to tend to things. If anything, I'll probably spend more time there, since this is such a huge deal. If I sound like I'm nervous about this, you bet'cha I am. But I'm also looking forward to it. I should have a tentative schedule posted in the next day or so and if we need to make any changes, we'll do so on a one-on-one basis."

Edwin and Charlotte exchange excited glances, as do the other baristas. "This is going to be really cool. I bet they bring in some really big name performers for the actual show," Niecy adds.

"I was wondering that, too," Deanna says. "The coffee truck will close each day around 5pm, after the last scheduled auditions. The producer will provide us with guest passes, so if any of you would like to attend any of the tapings, you'll be able to go at no cost."

"With that being said, the truck is set to be delivered on Friday and I'll spend the weekend getting it set up for operation on Monday. I'll be here for a little while tonight working on an order—someone say a prayer for me—so if you have any questions, feel free to stick around. Otherwise, you're free to leave."

"I think Edwin needs to audition," Niecy speaks up before anyone has a chance to go anywhere. "Not only can he sing, but he totally has all the right the moves."

"Oh, no. Not me." Edwin lifts his hand into the air and takes a step back from the table.

Charlotte reaches for his arm. "I agree. I think it'd be great to have someone local on the show. Imagine all of the support you'd get."

"At least give it some thought," Gavin, Deanna's boyfriend, says from the doorway. "I've heard you sing. These guys are right, you're a heck of a performer."

"I'll think about it," he says. "But I'm not making any promises."

Instead of taking Charlotte back to her dorm, he drives down to the lake and switches his car off. The view of the water is absolutely breathtaking tonight. With the sun almost completely settled behind the mountains, the sky is a beautiful mix of purples and blues. "If you get cold, let me know. I have a blanket in the backseat."

"I'm pretty cozy right now," Charlotte says, sliding over in the seat. She reaches down and takes his hand in hers.

"Do you think I'm good enough to try out for a show like this?" he asks after several moments of complete silence.

"The first time I heard you sing, I had to do a double-take. I was like, how does he get those words to flow out of his mouth like that? And the way you curl your upper lip…that's talent. I definitely think you're good enough."

Though they've never really declared themselves anything more than close friends, Edwin knows she's speaking from the heart. Charlotte's not one to say something she doesn't mean.

He releases a deep sigh. "I don't know. I'm thinking about it."

"Something like this could be life-changing for you," she says, giving his hand a squeeze. "I know your parents would support you, too. What do you have to lose?"

"I've sang in church plenty of times, but never in front of a huge crowd. What if I forgot the words or I got so nervous I—"

"Edwin Wesley, I'm pretty sure you know the words to every Elvis song there is." Reaching over, she gives him a hug. "Now, you might slip and say latte or brew, but you seriously need to stop making excuses. Just do it!"