"Welcome to the American Union Hotel sir...how may I help you?"
"Yes, I'm here for the 'Cancer Takedown' charity event. I'm the opening musical act Rob James."
"Okay Mr. James, your dressing room is down the hall and to the left. Here's your key"
This day, the first Tuesday of the month, was my chance; my first performance in front of a large audience with the pressure of opening for a worldwide star. I was opening for Taylor Swift and I was nervous about everything. I had been performing my country songs in front of small audiences of no larger than around fifty people, but this was in front of at least a thousand. I had just turned 24 and was hoping this show could lead to something.
I was unlocking the door when I heard a door close behind me. I turned around and there she was.
"Hi, are you the opening act?"
"Yes. Rob James."
"How long have you been singing?"
"About two years, but I never performed in front of more than fifty people before. This is by far the biggest crowd I've seen. I hope I don't screw up."
She smiled. "Don't worry, I remember my first big show...I was sweating like crazy and shaking badly. You just need to concentrate more on your music than what the crowd thinks and if you do that you'll be just fine. I have to go get ready so I'll see ya later."
I entered the room and quickly changed as I only had 25 minutes before I had to be on stage. I sang all three of my songs to make sure I could get through them without issue.
The charity director knocked on my door. "We need you on stage in two minutes, Mr. James."
I walked on stage and looked around through the crowd. This was definitely the largest crowd I've ever been in front of. As I looked around, I noticed Taylor was standing in the back as our eyes met. She gave me a smile and a wave as the band began behind me. I started with the song I thought was the best I had, "Taking It Down". The crowd seemed to like the song very much, which helped my confidence greatly. When I was done, the entire crowd clapped very loudly. I looked through and didn't see anyone that wasn't cheering. I looked back at Taylor and saw that she was clapping as well and was the last one to stop.
"Damn, she must have really liked it." I thought to myself.
My other two songs went by and the crowd never seemed to die down.
"Thank you very much everyone. I hope you all enjoyed the sounds of Rob James. And now for the person you all came to see...Taylor Swift!"
Taylor walked up and gave me a hug before I walked off the stage and headed for the bar.
"Wow, I don't know how I can follow that but I'll try."
Taylor got through her first four songs, as the crowd was still very into the concert.
"Okay, we're going to take a fifteen minute break and then we will continue!"
Taylor walked over to the bar and sat down next to me.
"Hey Rob, you were awesome up there."
"Thanks, but I'm still nowhere as good as you are."
"Hey, I've got a great idea. Do you know my song 'Love Story'?"
"Of course I do."
"Do you want to do a duet of that song with me as my final song?"
"Sure, but what parts will I sing?"
"Did you see my special with Def Leppard?" I nodded. "Just sing his parts and we'll be fine, okay?"
"Sure thing Taylor." She kissed me on the cheek, got up and headed for the stage.
She continued her set before the time had come.
"Okay guys, for my last song I'm going to need a little help. Let's get Rob James back up here for a special duet performance!"
The crowd applauded as I got back to the stage. The duet went smoothly as the crowd again got loud with applause as we thanked everyone for coming out.
"Thanks for coming out everyone." Taylor said. "Because you guys were so good, I will be donating one million dollars to the 'Cancer Takedown' organization and I will come back again very soon."
After I left the stage, I headed back for my dressing room to pack up and leave. As I got to the door, Taylor stopped me.
"Hey, I've got a room here, let's go up and celebrate our perfomances."
"Okay, I have to pack up my stuff first and then I'll be up."
"Cool, here's my key. It's room 498...see ya soon."
I quickly packed my guitar in its case and grabbed my suitcase. I headed up the elevator to meet up with Taylor. I knocked on the door and she let me in.
"Hey Rob, take a seat and I'll get you a drink. What do you want?"
"Just a water, I don't drink alcohol."
"Neither do I, I just wasn't sure if you did."