Page 18 of Buddy System

“Oh, absolutely. He writes songs and has a fantastic voice. I’m sorry he’s never tried to pursue it as a career beyond selling a few pieces, but I guess the Army has been a bigger priority until now. His songs are amazing, and his voice is all raspy and emotional.” She chuckles, “He sounds a little like Jelly Roll if I had to compare him to someone. Levi’s voice is deeper, but it has that same kind of quality.”

“Wow. That’s quite a compliment.”

“It’s true. I just hope he feels up to playing again; he’s been such a wreck for months. It might be a good release for him emotionally.” She looks at me closely. “And what about you and your painting? You clearly have some serious talent there.” I start to interrupt, but she keeps going. “I know you’ve lost some fine motor skills with your hand, but that might come back gradually. And even if it doesn’t, it shouldn’t mean you give upon art. Maybe you can’t make intricate drawings the same way you used to, but I bet you still have the eye and an amazing sense for color. Maybe it’s time to develop a new style. Create something more expressive and less detailed. You seem to be managing around the kitchen just fine, so your hand obviously still works—just maybe not the way you’re used to.”

I look at her thoughtfully, and she turns pink.

“I’m sorry, Skyler. I didn’t mean to butt in.”

I smile as warmly as I can. “It’s fine, Brooke. I’m just surprised at how intuitive you are. There’s definitely something to your way of thinking. Painting has always been a stress reliever and a good way to express myself, but I’ve frankly been afraid to try since I was injured.” Just then, Levi wanders in with damp hair, smelling less fishy, so I take the opportunity to duck out before this discussion gets too intense. “I’m going to hit the shower now, so help yourselves to drinks, and I’ll be back in a few minutes.” I look Brooke in the eye and tell her, “Thanks for giving me a lot to think about.”

As I leave the room, I hear Levi asking, “What ideas did you give Skyler to think about, babe? Anything fun?” He must have grabbed her ass because I hear giggling as I head down the hall.

The next coupleof days are kinda weird. Despite our great conversation about my art, I’m uncomfortable around Brooke because I’m afraid to look at her. I’m even more attracted to her now than ever, and I hope she doesn’t think I dislike her because that couldn’t be less true. Levi seems to be watching me like a hawk, and I don’t know if it’s because he wants me to be interested in her or if he’s worried I’ll make a move. I’m not surewhat to do, so I try to play the good host and show them around the town.

So far, we’ve toured the hat factory—which was a lot more interesting than I’d imagined—and I’ve taken them to have the “Best Burger in the World” at Sock Hop. Brooke especially got a kick out of that place with their 1950s decor. Tonight, we’re having dinner at the Honeybee Hollow Inn, and afterward, we’ll hit karaoke night at The Hive.

After settlingourselves at a table in the bar, we try for a while to coax Levi up on stage. He isn’t having any of it, so we shut up instead of making him uncomfortable. I even offer to sing (not that I can), but that doesn’t persuade him. However, his attitude switches somewhere around his third beer or so after some guy sings a terrible rendition of “Sweet Caroline” that gets the audience involved, and Levi can’t help singing along with the rest of us. Levi goes and puts his name on the list after all! Maybe he feels like he warmed up his voice or something. I don’t know.

But then…when it’s Levi’s turn, he makes his way up onto the stage with the help of his cane and belts out “Creep” by Radiohead. My chin drops at the emotion that man packs into the lyrics, and I look over at Brooke to say something. She has tears rolling down her face. Levi seems to be singing the words right to her.

The people sitting at the table behind us get into a noisy conversation about how Levi belongs onThe Voice,and I have to agree. One of them finally shushes the others so they can hear better.

Levi’s talent is remarkable. The rasp in his voice breaks my heart, and the roundness in its quality gives me goosebumps. All I can think is,Why isn’t he famous?

I guess if Levi can get up on stage and sing like that, I can certainly tackle some paints and a canvas. We’re on! I make a mental note to thank him for the inspiration when it’s less noisy and he can hear me.

As he ends his song and takes a bashful bow to the thunderous applause, the guy sitting at the table next to us bellows to his partner over the cheers, “His body looks pretty perfect to me. He can creep all over me any day.”

His partner snickers and says with a pout, “I thought you loved me!”

“Oh honey, I do, but haven’t you ever heard of a hall pass?”

I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from cracking up.

Levi slowly makes his way back to our table amid back slaps and handshakes and probably a few cocktail napkins with phone numbers shoved into his pockets. When he gets to us, an audible “Aww!” and a few whistles and catcalls go through the room as Brooke stands up and throws her arms around him. She kisses him like he’s her oxygen, and she’s out of breath. Not to be outdone, I also stand up, and as soon as they unlock their lips, I grab him in a bearhug. I’m so proud of him!

Levi is all smiles, but he says, “Ready to get out of here?”

Before we can make it outside, an older guy stops us and introduces himself as the owner of The Hive. He asks Levi, “Do you ever do anything besides messing around with karaoke?”

Levi smiles and answers, “Sure. I’ve never actually sung karaoke before, but I do play guitar and write music. I’m just a little rusty right now.”

“Well, practice some and then come see me with your guitar. I’d love to sign you up for a regular gig once a week or so.You have real talent, son. And if that’s what you sound like when you’re rusty, I’m in for a treat! Here’s my card. Name’s Buford Wallace. If you need backup musicians, I know all of them around here. Give me your name and number, if you don’t mind.”

“Oh, well, thank you, sir. I don’t exactly live here…”

Brooke immediately interrupts and interjects, “But we’re seriously thinking about it.”

Laughing, Levi continues, “I guess we’re considering making the move. Thank you for your interest. I’m Sergeant Levi Spencer, and here’s my number.” He grabs a napkin and writes it down for Buford.

“Military, eh?” Buford’s eyes drop to Levi’s cane for a second.

“Yes, sir. Army. Up until a few months ago. Sorry, it’s just a habit to introduce myself that way.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. Thank you for your service. How would you like to sing the national anthem at the Fourth of July celebration coming up? I was tasked with finding the right person because I’m on the town council and know a lot of singers, but the one I had is having a family issue and won’t be in town for the Fourth. We’d love to have a soldier do it.”

“That would be an amazing honor, sir. I’d be delighted. Thank you.”

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