Page 29 of Melody

“You’ll have record executives begging to sign you up.” As their laughter died down, she asked, “Do they even do that anymore—show up at concerts like yours and sign bands?”

“I don’t think so. But I know a few people have been discovered because of shit like YouTube and TikTok.”

Scarlett said, “You guys should do that.”

“We’re working on it. Adrian’s sister takes care of our social media shit.”

They grew quiet again and, even though the cold remained and a slight breeze chilled her cheeks, her heart felt warm. There was something about this man beside her that made her feel as if everything would be all right.

Everything.

Why did she feel that way?

She struggled to make sure he could hear her, because she felt like what she was going to say next should be quiet, solemn…reverent. “I can see how this could feel like therapy. I take a lotof walks for the same reason, but here…you’re removed from the noise and the stress. There’s an extra layer of peace.”

He didn’t say anything for a long time, and she was certain she’d crossed a line she shouldn’t have. She’d assumed too much, gone too far, and she’d made a grave error.

Just when things had finally been going so well.

But she was wrong.

He finally spoke. “I lost my brother over a year ago. He’d been one of our band members and, um…it’s been pretty fucking hard without him. I lost my way for a while. I started seeing a therapist, and she’s given me a lot of good advice. Coming up here has helped me in a lot of ways.”

Scarlett waited, because it felt like he was going to say more, but his words faded in the breeze that was picking up just a bit.

Instead of saying anything, she removed her left hand from the semi-warmth of the coat pocket and touched his hand. He’d been resting it on his thigh, but, as he turned his head toward her, he shifted his hand and wrapped it around hers. Although his hand was cool, the strength she could feel in his fingers was undeniable. Still, he said nothing, but it was then, in the ambient light of the streetlamp, that she could perceive that he was far more than met the eye.

And she wanted to get to know everything about him that she couldn’t see.

Then he took a deep breath and smiled as if the last few breathtaking moments hadn’t happened. “I need to get you back inside before you freeze.” Squeezing her hand, he stood, walking her to the passenger side of the car.

And it turned out he was right. By the time she sat down, she realized she was starting to shiver. The cold had seeped through her boots to her toes so that they felt like little icicles attached to her feet.

Kyle got in the car and started it back up, revving the engine, and then he turned the heater on full blast. The air blowing was loud, but Scarlett could feel the warm air circulating and welcomed it.

“I’ll have to come back in the summer when I can stay longer.”

“And come during the day too. The view is just as spectacular, only in a different way.”

“I will.” As Kyle began to slowly reverse the car back onto the road, she asked, “Do you know if people walk here?”

“You mean from town? I’ve heard there are trails around here, but I’m not sure.”

“Oh, yeah. I keep forgetting you don’t live in Silver City. You live in Charlotte, right?.” The only reason she’d remembered the name of the town was because it rhymed withScarlett. Otherwise, she might have been just as likely to call itCharlene.

As Kyle began driving down the road again, she noticed a sign posted at the end of the small parking area. It gave the elevation and, underneath, it mentioned that Razor Ridge Drive was 900 feet higher than Silver City. Below that was a lot of text, what looked like, perhaps, a history of the drive or maybe interesting facts. She’d have to check them out sometime.

“Wow.”

Kyle nodded, eyes on the road as it began to slope. Then the road slanted even more and the descent was drastic. Fortunately, Kyle wasn’t driving too fast, or she would have gotten nervous again. It wasn’t far before he had to turn the car sharply one more time with another hairpin turn. By that point, Scarlett looked out to the side, the view beginning to be obscured by small hills on the side of the road. Not long after, descending even further, treetops and homes announced that they were almost off the hill. Kyle turned the car once more, and it wasn’t long before they passed another pull-off area witha sign that announced the “Razor Ridge Open Space Recreation Area” parking lot.

“I think this is where those trails are.”

“Yeah,” Kyle said. “I bet you’re right.”

“I’ll definitely check them out sometime.”

Just a little farther and they were driving between houses again as if they hadn’t had that magical view just minutes earlier.

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