Page 53 of Heart Strings
As I head upstairs to meet Callum, I replay the interaction in my head. My time with Cielo is so limited that I want to soak in every moment of her company, but this could also be the opportunity to start healing the rift between her and her father. It seems like he’s genuinely trying, but Lo refuses to recognize his effort. Too little too late, perhaps.
When I reach Callum’s suite, he greets me from under a layer of shaving cream and ushers me inside.
“Thought you could use a bit of liquid courage. How are you feeling about the vows?”
Relief blooms on his face when he gets a look at the bottle in my hand. “B-b-better already.”
I lean against the doorframe of the bathroom as he goes back to the sink.
His eyes meet mine in the mirror and he pauses. “I just want this to be perfect for Lark. What if I go mute? It happens sometimes when I’m emotional.”
“No one here will judge you. Lark wants you just as you are.”
“I can’t understand how you manage it.” Callum watches his reflection as he carefully guides the razor across his jaw. “Performing in front of a crowd.”
A memory flashes of watching Cielo in the audience as I played onstage. Covers and trad staples came naturally, but performing new original songs for the first time always sent me into a bout of nerves. Locking eyes with Lo as I sang brought out the best in me. Her unabashed enthusiasm for my music, the way she’d mouth the lyrics, whistling and clapping after every tune. I know Lark’s presence offers Callum the same comfort.
“You can’t think about it that way,” I say. “Your vows aren’ta performance. They’re a promise. Just focus on Lark. Let the rest of it fade away.”
Maybe that’s how I need to reframe my songwriting process: follow the message within each lyric, rather than concern myself with the judgment of the audience. That worked for the first album, but since then, I’ve been wrapped up in the pressure of the business. It keeps me in my head and stops me from writing with my whole heart.
Callum drags a towel across his face and reveals a smile.
“What’s that look about?” I ask.
“When Lo is in the room, you can’t take your eyes off her.”
“Am I that obvious?” I pull his freshly pressed shirt from the hanger and hand it over. “I’ve really missed her. Tomorrow morning this bubble we’re in with the wedding is going to pop. Tonight might be my last chance.”
“Remember the time Lark and I split up?” He reaches for his waistcoat. “I was so worried about holding on to her, I proposed to her before she was ready and nearly lost her over it.”
“You think I need to wait?”
“You need to listen. Cielo has probably already told you what she needs.”
Although he says it simply, it feels anything but. My music career hinges on being away, and Lo refused to abide by that. She needs a reason to trust that we wouldn’t grow apart when separated by distance, but I’m still not sure how I can prove that to her if she won’t give me a chance.
“You’ve got the ring?” Callum asks.
“Of course I’ve got it.”
Thanks to Lo, that is. She never gave up and because of thattenacity, something beautiful was saved that would have been lost forever.
A series of knocks interrupts our conversation.
I answer the door, and Saoirse and Deirdre peek their heads in. A burgundy bridesmaid gown swishes around Saoirse’s legs and a sprig of baby’s breath contrasts against her dark bun, while Deirdre is in a more conservative dress. “Hey, it’s almost time.”
“Come in. We were just about to toast.”
“Callum!” Deirdre beams at him. “You’re looking extra dapper.”
“I’m so thrilled for you two,” Saoirse adds.
“Are you ready?” I ask as I pour three measures.
He gives his spectacles one final polish. “I’ve been ready to marry Lark since we met.”
I raise a tiny glass and they follow suit. “To the ones worth waiting for, then.”
