Singing in Seattle by Tracey West Read Free Book Online Page A

were surprised.
    â€œWow, that was great!” Aly said.
    â€œAn awesome song,” AJ agreed. “His lyrics have definitely improved.”
    It was time for Aly and AJ to narrow the six contestants down to three finalists. They looked at their notes.
    â€œClaire is definitely in,” Aly said.
    â€œRight,” AJ agreed. “And Henry is definitely out.”
    Aly nodded. “For sure. He needs to branch out a little more. What about Amber?”
    â€œShe’s good, but I can’t imagine singing one of her songs,” AJ said. “So that leaves Bree, Austin, and Josh. We can only pick two of them.”
    Aly studied her notes. “I thought Austin and Josh were both great.”
    â€œMe too,” AJ said. “But Austin . . .”
    â€œThere’s no proof,” Aly said. “And I really liked his song.”
    Aly sighed. “Okay. Are we on the same page?”
    AJ nodded.
    â€œThen let’s call everyone out,” Aly said.
    The six contestants filed onto the stage. Aly and AJ stood up.
    â€œThis was a really tough decision,” AJ said. “Even tougher than the last round. You’re all great songwriters. But we’re also trying to pick someone who can write a great song for us.”
    â€œSo, our first finalist is Claire,” Aly announced. “Great job.”
    Claire let out a happy squeal and hugged Amber.
    â€œOur next finalist is Josh,” AJ said. “Josh, you wowed us with your lyrics today.”
    Josh pumped his fist in the air.
    â€œThat leaves our third finalist,” Aly said. She saw that Henry and Bree were holding hands tightly. “Austin, we’ll see you in the finals.”
    Austin let out a whoop and jumped in the air.
    Henry and Bree hugged.
    â€œYou so deserve this,” Amber told Claire. “I hope you win.”
    Aly and AJ watched them from their seats.
    â€œNo Heather-like outbursts this time,” Aly said. “That’s a relief.”
    â€œMaybe,” AJ said. “But I won’t be relieved until we solve this mystery.”
    Aly shook her head. “AJ, everything’s working out fine. Maybe we should just let it go.”
    â€œWe can’t,” AJ insisted. “The winner of this contest is going to get a great prize and lots of attention. I don’t want to crown a thief by mistake!”

CHAPTER TEN:
    LOST AND FOUND
    Aly and AJ were beginning to get their stuff together to leave when Henry and Bree approached them.
    â€œWe just want to thank you for the opportunity,” Henry said. “This was a great experience.”
    â€œIt was so nice to meet you both,” Bree said. “But before you go, I’d love to get some advice.”
    Aly and AJ chatted with them about writing songs and finding inspiration.
    â€œI think it always helps to write about things you know about or have experienced,” Aly told them. “People can always tell when a song comes from your heart.”
    Henry glanced at Bree. “I think I know what my next song will be about,” he said, smiling shyly. Bree blushed.
    They talked for a few minutes more, and then Henry and Bree left.
    â€œThey are so cute,” AJ said to Aly as Henry and Bree walked away, holding hands. “It’s nice that even though they didn’t win the competition, they found each other.”
    Aly swung her purse over her shoulder. “You know, before we leave, I’d like to say good-bye to Amber, too.”
    â€œShe might be backstage,” AJ suggested. “Let’s go.”
    They walked onto the stage and headed toward the backstage area. They could hear the contestants talking and AJ spotted a figure walking in the shadows, away from the stage door. The person had a sweatshirt on with the hood pulled up over his or her head.
    â€œHey,” AJ murmured to Aly. “Who is that?”
    â€œI don’t know,” Aly replied. She raised her voice. “Excuse me, can