Read Catch My Breath for Free Online Page B

in a finished basement with a closed door on the left and an open recreational area to the right.
    “That’s the laundry area,” Valerie said with a vague wave toward the door. “You’ll all be expected to do your own laundry, just as you would at home. Please be courteous to the others and don’t leave messes.”
    Elliot and Danny exchanged a look. Danny? Laundry? He tried not to laugh at that prospect.
    Elliot’s nerves resurged as they approached the crowded rec room. They were introduced to The Pixies, the resident girl band; OCD, the alt boys who barely held back eye rolls at Elliot and his friends; Isaiah, a hip-hop artist whose effortless cool intimidated the hell out of Elliot; and Chris Collins, the indie musician who intimidated him about ten times more.
    Elliot knew of Chris. He’d heard him play a few times in coffee shops and at open mics that he’d gone to with his friends. The guy was flat-out amazing. Part of Elliot hated that he was about to get swallowed up by the mainstream machine, but he couldn’t help but be happy for him. If anyone deserved the big time, it was him.
    “Okay, you guys can mingle or go unpack if you want,” Valerie announced to the crowd. “Be in the dining room for lunch at one.”
    Elliot looked around the room filled with people he didn’t know and four he wanted to cling to for safety. Danny and the others looked like they wanted to hang out though. They were already talking to others, Webb flirting with The Pixies, Reece making a beeline for Chris. Of course they wanted to get to know everyone. They weren’t social morons like he was. Elliot was about to go back upstairs to unpack, if for no other reason than to escape his own awkwardness, when Chris suddenly piped up.
    “Hey, Static guys. You wanna jam for a bit?” he asked with a grin. “We could go up to the den. I’d like to see what you’ve got.”
    Reece, who’d been on his way over to Chris, laughed. “That’s exactly what I was hoping for. Let me go grab my guitar.”
    Elliot chuckled a bit apprehensively. Well, that decided that. No escaping. At least Chris seemed really nice. Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
    Danny, who seemed to have a sixth sense for Elliot’s discomfort, slung an arm around his shoulders and grinned back at Chris. “We’ll show you what we’ve got. This boy right here not only looks like an angel, he sings like one too. You’ll see.”
    Jesus, Danny. Elliot’s cheeks warmed and he ducked his head to hide the reaction. “I’m n-not that good.”
    “You really are,” Tate said simply. Elliot had learned he wasn’t the type to beat around the bush. When Tate spoke, he meant it. That didn’t stop Elliot from being embarrassed. He wasn’t used to being the center of attention. But he knew he’d have to get used to it—and soon.
    Chris leaned down to pick up his guitar. “Let’s go find out.”
     
     
    A FEW minutes later, Elliot and his friends were sitting in an awed circle, just listening to Chris. They’d sung with him at first, joining in a few covers everyone knew, but Reece had asked him to play some of his new material. It seemed like no matter how many times Elliot heard him sing, the effect never diminished. His voice was like light. Like moonlight. Unedged and limitless and just… beautiful. Elliot didn’t know how else to describe it.
    They were all staring openmouthed when Chris finished. He’d sung a love song, something original Elliot was betting, since it sounded like nothing he’d ever heard before. Romantic but not corny, totally unique. He loved it.
    “Your voice is perfect,” Elliot whispered. He didn’t even try to keep the awe out of his tone. “Every time.”
    Chris smiled shyly and shook his head, raking his hand through an unruly, spiky mop of bright blond hair. “Nah. But I love to perform, you know? I never feel happier than when I’m on stage. It’s like… freedom, I guess.”
    Elliot nodded. “I haven’t really been on stage except