Page 55 of Unlocking Melodies

The casual confirmation nearly made me trip over absolutely nothing. Mr. Quackers, sensing a pivotal moment that clearly required his input, chose this time to make another bid for attention. His tactical maneuver almost sent Jimmy's laptop into the pond, saved only by surprisingly quick reflexes.

“Your duck,” I told him, “has questionable timing.”

“My duck has excellent timing. He just has unusual methods of expressing it.”

Jimmy stood to leave, then paused. In the fading light, he looked exactly like the boy I'd first met in the practice room, but also entirely new.

“I might not remember our history, but...” He gestured at Mr. Quackers, at the bench, at the simple perfection of the evening. “I think I'd like to make some new memories.”

The sincerity in his voice made my carefully reconstructed world tilt on its axis. Before I could respond, Mr. Quackers delivered what was clearly meant to be a final verdict on the situation, splashing both of us with an impressively accurate wing flick.

“I think,” Jimmy said, fighting back a laugh, “that's duck for 'get going before Mrs. Henderson requisitions satellite surveillance.'”

Through the gathering dusk, I could see our audience starting to disperse, probably heading straight to The Watering Hole to update various betting pools. Riley was already on his phone, likely calling in the scoop of the century to his editor.

“Tomorrow then,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “No helicopters. No private chefs. Just...”

“Just us,” he finished. “And probably half the town hiding behind various shrubbery.”

“At least they care.”

His smile then was worth every missed call, every board meeting I'd have to explain, every moment I'd spent thinking I had to be someone else to be worth anything.

“Yeah,” he said softly. “They really do.”

I watched Jimmy walk away, Mr. Quackers providing a surprisingly dignified escort service. The grin on my face probably looked ridiculous – definitely not appropriate for someone who regularly negotiated billion-dollar deals – but for once, I didn't care about maintaining appearances.

My phone erupted with messages, apparently the town's preferred method of immediate interference:

Nina

Don't screw it up this time, moneybags. Also, if you show up to your date in a three-piece suit, we're going to have words.

Jake

The whole town's watching. No pressure.

Mrs. Henderson

Winston and I are SO HAPPY for you both!! Do you need restaurant recommendations? I have a spreadsheet!

Wait. How did these people even get my number?

Before I could process that mystery, more messages flooded in.

Riley

Any comment on the developing duck pond situation? For the record, of course. Also, my mother wants to know if you have any food allergies for the welcome basket she's planning.

Sarah

The Jimmy Special comes with extra pickles. Just FYI. And don't let him convince you he can handle the spicy sauce. He cannot.

Officer Dawn

Remember our chat about intentions? Still have my taser.

Sky

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