Just a few more moments and I'll have to present myself. In the meantime, I prep my guitar, tuning it and making sure the strings were top notch.
Dagger had hired some other back up performers, such as an older woman who engaged the crowd in karaoke. She was a retired and older, slightly plump woman with a strong southern drawl that would put to shame even the toughest of cowboys. Thick, dark hair with gray strands woven into it framed her face that held a few wrinkles around her eyes and mouth.
She was still in her age a pretty woman, though her features told of a time where she probably was a radiant, gorgeous young woman. Her kindness stood out to all, though. She had just the right amount of toughness, not afraid to put anyone in their place but the perfect amount of kindness, where she could  put someone in their place sternly yet bring them into her home and nurture them.
She was the newest asset to the team of performers, and though we haven't known each other for long, it feels as if she could be a mother to me.
She has cheered me on, lifting me up in the days where it felt like I just can't anymore. When she sees me, she smiles at me and smashes me against her side in a hug.  "Hello darlin'. Good to see you again." She says as she relinquishes me from her hold.
"Good to see you, too." I mutter, stepping back and watching as she lights a cigarette and brings it to her lips. A dirty old habit that she had told me she picked up somewhere along the path called living.
"How's your man?" She asks, blowing a puff and raising a thin eyebrow.
"Good. I mean, we're doing better. It's a step by step process, you could say." I reply, shrugging.
She chuckles. "I know what you mean, girlie. But don't go chasin' perfection, now, you hear? Too much of that I've seen where people paint an unrealistic picture of romance in their minds and end up ruining it when they chase perfection. Perfection will never exist in a world full of fallen beings."
If only she knew that I know her words are true from experience.
She only knew that I had no family left - I hadn't told her everything.
"Thank you, I'll be careful not to do that." I tell her.
"'Adda girl. Now, I've got to go get ready for later tonight, and I'm sure you do, too. Break a leg out there, you'll do great." She says, giving me a thumb's up and smiling.
"Thank you, Sally. You too."
With that, we part ways. I'm the opening act for tonight, so I immediately head to the backstage. I part the red curtain and peek out from behind it, the seats are filling up and I scour the room for Colton.
He's not there.
I sigh.
He should be here by now, but maybe he's just running late.
I smooth the wrinkles from blouse, taking calming breaths as I do so. A heavy feeling settles in my chest but I just brush it off because it's probably nervousness, right?
I hear Dagger announcing my name, introducing me once more. "We have some special guests tonight and I truly hope you're impressed with the local's favorite." He says.
That piques my interest. I wonder what he could mean? I guess the pressure is on.
"Without further ado, please welcome Addison to the stage!" He exclaims. I smile as I pull back the curtain and step forth. I smile and wave, looking around at the audience but in reality, I'm still searching for Colton.
My search comes up empty and I bite my lip to hide my disappointment and worry.
He promised he would be here. He promised me.