Under the Spotlight

Chapter 1

Victoria

The tour ended three days ago, but my body still hasn't figured that out.

I wake up expecting the hum of a crowd, the vibration of bass beneath my feet. Instead, there's silence thick, unfamiliar, almost accusing. Vacation, they called it. A break before the Grammys. As if awards season is something you rest for.

Five years in this industry taught me one thing: nothing is ever given. Everything is taken or stolen.

After a few weeks of break the Grammy's came around and my apartment was filled with my glam team. As I got ready I looked on my phone while I was getting my hair done there were so many new artists invited to the Grammy's this year.

There were so many new faces this year, with names I've never even heard of.  I'd been in this industry long enough to know the difference between talent and timing. Between people who waited their turn and people who were pushed to the front of the line. Five years ago I would've killed for an invitation like this. I turned my phone off and looked in the mirror for a moment.

Cindy (Stylist): "Estas bien?"

Victoria: "Si, no más estoy cansada"

As my stylist did the finishing touches of my hair, it was then time for me to change into my dress. I changed quickly and then it was time for makeup and I'd be ready to go.  Once I was finally ready it was time for me to head to the Grammy's. It was a short drive and once I arrived cameras were immediately flashing when I arrived. I smiled politely as I walked inside the building. I ran into a couple of my celebrity friends and talked with them for a bit. We got some pictures together then all of a sudden it got really crowded in the room.

I heard my name from a distance and looked around and saw a young Hispanic singer speaking with someone next to them and our eyes locked for a second but then I ignored it and just kept trying to keep a smile on my face for the cameras. It was finally time for the ceremony. I was escorted to my seat and I sat down while the guy from earlier continued speaking with other people, until eventually he took the seat beside me.

The Guy: "Victoria, is it?"

Victoria: "Yes."

The Guy: "Arlo Garcia."

He extended his hand. Up close, he looked younger than I expected too polished, too new. I hadn't heard of him before tonight. A rookie.

I shook his hand briefly.

Victoria: "Congratulations on your nomination," I said.

Arlo: "Thank you."

His smile flickered, just for a second.

Victoria: "Well, good luck tonight," I added, a smirk tugging at my lips.

Arlo: "Yeah," he said, returning it easily. "You as well."

I then shifted my attention to the ceremony which was about to begin.

Arlo

Being in the acting world was something I adored until I also discovered my love for creating music. Who would have thought two years later it would lead me to getting a Grammy nomination. I had just finished my first world tour and by surprise not long after that I was nominated for three Grammy's. People called it luck. Timing. Connections. They didn't call it mine.

Everyone had an explanation for my success. None of them included the nights I spent doubting whether I belonged in this industry at all. The very least I had my fans support when it seemed like nobody else around me actually supported my quick success.

The day of the Grammy's I felt very nervous about being in a room full of people who have worked for years to earn the success they now have. Cameras were flashing all around me I put on a smile on my face then I walked right inside to the building full of many artists whom I grew up listening to. I spoke with some artists whom I did know personally, once the room got crowded I noticed this woman in the crowd I couldn't take my eyes off of her and I couldn't help but wonder who she was. So I decided to ask my manager.

Arlo: "Who is that?"

I pointed toward the woman standing across the room.

Jim followed my gaze.

Jim: "That's Victoria Vergara. She has a beautiful voice and she's not impressed by actors who sing."

He nudged me just as she turned in our direction. Our eyes met for a brief moment before she looked away, like it hadn't meant anything at all.

Arlo: "What was that for?"

I asked quietly.

Jim leaned closer.

Jim: "I saw the way you looked at her. And it needs to stop. You've got a clean slate right now, and I'm not letting it turn into gossip headlines over some dating rumor."

Since then my mind couldn't help but wonder about her. The ceremony was about to begin and we were finally let in the room where the ceremony would be taking place. I was escorted to my table and noticed Victoria already sitting there.

I wanted to talk to her but then I got interrupted by some of my artists friends who wanted to talk with me. So I spoke with them first before sitting down. Once I was finished speaking with my friends I sat down next to Victoria.

Arlo: "Victoria, is it?"

Victoria: "Yes."

Arlo: "Arlo Garcia."

I extended my hand to shake hers and she briefly shook my hand.

Victoria: "Congratulations on your nomination," I said.

Arlo: "Thank you."

I felt my smile flickering since I was nervous about talking with her.  Not because I was unsure of myself but because I suddenly cared whether she was impressed.

Victoria: "Well, good luck tonight," she added, a smirk formed on her face which was sharp and unexpected.

Arlo: "Yeah," I said. "You as well."

It was the shortest conversation I had tonight yet it stuck with me. I couldn't tell if she was mocking me or daring me. The ceremony had begun and I then shifted my focus to the artists performing, then I noticed the cameras near me and my jaw suddenly tightened I hoped they did not catch the interaction I had with Victoria.