Jake put their names on the list, and they waited through a seventy-year-old man singing “Free Bird” and a young woman who gave Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” a try.
“Yikes,” Mary said.
“What, you don’t think they’d make it onAmerican Idol?” Jake asked her.
“I mean, you’ve got to have standards.”
Finally, the twins were called. The Crew and Danny cheered them on and while they did their best with “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey.
“Crushed it,” Danny said to Jake when they’d returned. “If this cop thing doesn’t work out, maybe Tommy will let you sing at the bar.”
“I could work for tips,” Jake said.
“You’d starve. No one is paying to hear you sing.” Tommy loved to tease his brother.
The night was going well, but Dot thought of a way to spice things up. “I have an idea,” she said.
“You always have an idea,” Mary said. “No one can keep up.”
“Ignore her, Dot. Tell us.” Harper elbowed Mary.
“Let’s try this. Karaoke roulette,” Dot said. “We split into two teams. We’ll pick three songs, and you three pick three songs, then we’ll take our chances for who has to sing what.”
“I’m down,” Tommy said.
“Sounds like it’s boys against the girls,” Jake said.
“I love it,” Harper said.
“Well, I’m not very competitive,” Mary chimed in. “But wewillwin.”
“Well, let’s see what you’ve got, New York.” Jake couldn’t wait to hear her sing.
Dot found a napkin and borrowed a pen to divvy up the challenges.
They were on another round of drinks and Jake also brought a big pitcher of ice water for the table. “Everyone needs to hydrate,” he instructed. Mary admired how he took charge. She downed a glass of water.
They turned in their picks and the deejay got a kick out of this game. He got to choose the songandwho would sing it.
Up first was Harper. They gave her “Since U Been Gone.” “Seriously, you guys? Kelly Clarkson, please forgive me for what’s about to happen.” She covered her face with her hands. Mary shed her sweater and she and Dot got up to sing backup to help Harper out.
“You were wonderful,” Tommy said, hugging Harper. She felt embarrassed but let herself be squeezed tight.
Tommy was chosen to sing “Sweet Caroline,” which was what the entire bar wanted to hear. And then Jake went for it with the “Folsom Prison Blues.” Then the three guys were challenged by The Crew with “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.”
“How am I supposed to sing about a place I’ve never been?” Danny laughed, having more fun than he’d had in ages. Dot cheered him from her seat. When they finished, they clasped hands and Dot praised him.
“You were so good!” She showered him with praise.
“You’re crazy,” Danny said as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. She felt his lips on her skin long after he’d pulled away and took his seat.
Next was Mary. “Song choice is everything,” Jake called. She went up and found out what they’d chosen.
“You have to be kidding me.” But she knew she couldn’t get out of it. She looked to the ceiling to gather herself. Then she belted out Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.” Everyone in the White Horse Saloon was on their feet, dancing and singing.
“Rollin’ on the river!” Mary finished, threw her arms in the air, and curtsied twice before handing back the mic.
In a surprise move, the deejay called up Danny and Dot.