Beautiful One Read Online Free Page B

stage.
    Jake had finished up a bag of chips, wiped his hands on his jeans, and picked up his bass. We always joked about how he could eat anything and not gain weight. He was on the gangly side and didn’t compare to Matt in the looks’ department. Jake was average-looking with his brown hair and eyes to match, but his fun personality easily brought him from a six to an eight.
    Matt, our drummer, was more on the stocky side, not overweight, but if he didn’t work out he could be. Matt had brown hair he usually shaved just because he didn’t want to deal with it. His face was attractive with expressive blue eyes that made him a favorite with the college girls. A solid nine, easy.
    The guys were always joking around and laughing. Today was no different, except Mason was just going through the motions. I knew he was still upset, but covered it with a fake smile. The guys didn’t pick up on it, but I did.
    After about twenty minutes, I noticed Lance’s plump silhouette in the back of the church. He caught my eye and smiled at me as he moved from the shadows. The way his dark brown hair surrounded his round face and kind smile was heartwarming. Everyone adored Lance, but no one as much as we did, his team.
    Lance approached the stage and stood silent for a few minutes. His dark brown eyes focused from me to the guys goofing around. When the guys saw Lance, they stopped their joking and gave him their full attention. The shift in the room was immediate, from light-hearted to tense. Lance made eye contact with each of us. Finally, he said the words we knew were coming but dreaded to hear.
    â€œThey’ve found my replacement.”
    Unable to control my emotions, my eyes pooled with tears. The rest of the guys were stunned as they stared back at Lance.
    Lance leaving us was no surprise. Seattle was his wife’s hometown, and he had promised her eventually he’d take her back home. We all hated to see him go, but the right job had come up, and he couldn’t pass it up. Knowing didn’t make it any easier, but Lance was determined to take care of us until the bitter end. He’d said he wouldn’t leave us until a replacement was found and now the time had come. To soften the blow, Lance went on to tell us what he knew about our new bandleader.
    â€œYou all know I wanted to lead our church in a new direction, bringing in a younger crowd. Well, I can see this guy being able to pull it off.” Lance walked up the three steps to the stage and pulled up a chair. “Let me first say, he’s a go-getter. He’s twenty-one, attends UC Irvine, and has the enthusiasm and commitment to lead this church exactly where we want it to go. He was the lead singer at his former church, plays piano and guitar, and is familiar with everything from stage-lighting to working the soundboard. There’s something about him. Just wait until I introduce you. You’ll see.”
    For the first time since Lance shared his news, a small smile crossed his face.
    I wiped away a stray tear, then Mason blurted out, “So when do we get to meet him?”
    â€œHe has to take care of a few things. It’ll be anywhere from six to eight weeks. I’m not starting in Seattle until after Christmas, so I’ll be here until then. I just wanted you four to be the first to know.”
    Finally, I found my voice. “What’s his name?”
    Lance answered with confidence. “Spencer Hayes.”
    ****
    Mason was silent on our walk to the car.
    â€œCan today get any worse?”
    â€œEverything’s gonna be okay. Lance seems excited about this guy. And whatever you think is going on with Melissa and Aidan, I still think you’re imagining it.” At least I hope so . “I start tutoring Aidan Monday, I’ll see if I can find out anything.”
    â€œDon’t say a word!” Mason snapped. “Let me handle this. Don’t make me sorry I said anything to