Angel Dares by Joss Stirling Page A

rock godling with insulting song, check. Find Will’s soulfinder, check. Have one hell of an evening, check.’ Giggling, I grabbed my costume and shoes from Summer and started jogging back to the security gate.
    ‘Jewellery!’ called Summer.
    I turned and Alex lobbed me the travel case. I caught it against my chest. ‘What would I do without all of you, hey? See you later.’
     
    Nerves made my insides ripple like wobbly jelly. I leaned against the stairs leading up to the stage from backstage, taking deep calming breaths like Summer had tried to teach me. Normally I would play with the water in my bottle, making it spin and bubble to settle my mind, but I couldn’t risk it. Banned from my usual pre-show ritual, I had to make do with yoga breathing—and I suck at the mindfulness stuff that everyone else seems to like. Stop and be quiet: that’s when I panic.
    Matt ambled up, chewing on a crisp from packet of salt and vinegar. He held it out. ‘Want one?’
    I shook my head. ‘How can you be so calm?’
    ‘I’m not calm. This is my sixth packet. If I stop eating, I’ll throw up.’
    ‘Oh Lord, oh Lord,’ I moaned, pressing my hand against my tummy. ‘Why did you have to mention that?’
    Jay strode over, giving us his version of a military inspection. ‘Everyone here?’
    ‘Yeah, Jay,’ the guys mumbled.
    ‘Angel, you look sweet. Nice dress.’ An unsnide compliment from Jay—the world was surely about to end?
    ‘Thanks.’
    Gathering his thoughts, he looked about him. We could hear the crowd massed on the field in front of the second stage. Our performance area was built near the woods at the western edge of the festival ground. It was probably good for me that we were away from the sea. One result of my gift is that I am tuned into any moving water. The sea sets my instincts buzzing. I had enough going on without having to clamp down on the urge to play with the waves. The only downside here was the mosquitos that came out at twilight; otherwise it was a real boost for our band of newbies to make it on to the evening programme on one of the proper stages rather than a session tent. We might even get televised if the cameras were looking for some new action.
    Jay laced his fingers together and squeezed them hard. ‘Just play your best, guys. I’ve every faith in you.’
    I couldn’t get used to this ‘nice’ Jay. It was like that Lego character—good cop/bad cop. I kept expecting his head to spin round so it would be back to the normal foul character.
    ‘You too, mate,’ said Matt, filling in the awkward silence.
    The lights came on stage, which was our signal to set up.
    ‘OK, let’s do this!’ Jay ran up the stairs. I followed with Black Adder tucked under my arm, trying not to teeter on my heels. As we walked out on to the stage, the audience gave us a welcoming round of applause even before the announcer gave our name.
    ‘Yo, Angel!’ bellowed Will.
    I shaded my eyes to find my friends right down by the barrier. The three Benedict boys and Alex formed a formidable honour guard for Misty and Summer.
    ‘Looking good!’ called Uriel.
    Misty and Summer waved. Alex gave a sharp whistle. Even Victor was smiling.
    Feeling a little more settled, I plugged in Black Adder and checked the tuning. The other guys in the band were doing their pre-show checks but everything seemed very efficient and there were no blips. Jay waited to meet our gaze, making sure his troops were in position. ‘Good to go?’
    We nodded.
    Jay signalled the stage manager that we were all set.
    ‘And now!’ thundered the announcer. ‘Kicking off tonight’s programme we have a debut band from London. I’m sure we’re going to hear much more of them after this. So give it up for Seventh Edition!’
    The crowd gave us a roar of approval. I glanced over the faces, wondering if Kurt had kept his promise to come. But he wouldn’t be out there among the herd of music lovers on the field, would he? That would cause a