"Best love song of all time?" Hayden asked.
Santino thought about it a second then said, "Trick question. The answer doesn't exist."
"What?"
"It's a four-way tie between Etta Jame'sAt Last,Unchained Melody,Your Song, andI Will Always Love You."
Elliot tilted his head. "By Whitney Houston or Dolly Parton?"
"Either."
"Nah, it's gottabe Dolly for me.Hers is the original."
Hayden shrugged. "I like both."
"Well, we all know your answer," Elliot said with a grin.
"Can't beat The Smiths for weepy love songs," Santino put in.
Hayden shook his head, but a smile played around his lips. "There is a Light That Never Goes Outis Maggie and my song. How could I go with anything else?"
The band made gagging noises, but it was obvious they were all happy for him finding his person.
"What do you say, Felix?"
I paused my playing, pretended to tune my violin, while I waited to hear his answer.
Felix stopped strumming his bass long enough to say, "I'mwith Santino. There's too many songs to choosefrom."
I went back to practicing my violin, then he added…
"ButThinking Out Loudwill always be a favorite."
My pulse stuttered because I knew that song.The melody and lyrics would forever be imprinted on my brain.We danced to it last night while the rest of the world faded away.But that was my take as a hopeless romantic.There was no way it could mean as much to him. Right?
"Why that one?" Elliot asked.
"Good memories," was all Felix said, and I could've sworn I felt his gaze linger on me before moving away.
Or maybe it did mean something.
"I get that. Ed Sheeran's a solid choice," Santino said.
Hayden nodded. "E?"
"Conversations in the Darkby John Legend."
"Good one.Ryker?"
The drummer slanted him a look.
"Favorite love song," Hayden repeated.
Ryker shook his head, his lip curling in apparentdisgust. "Love sucks."
Silence met that statement.
"But if I had to pick, I'd sayLaylaby Eric Clapton." He paused then said, "Or anything by Celine Dion."