Page 19 of Locked Down In Watch Hill
I sucked in a long breath, curled my toes, and played the first few chords of “After the Fall,” a folk-rock song I’d written after college. People who heard it often said it was my best one, and while I wouldn’t have wanted to hear my voice on the radio, I didn’t hate the way my alto handled the medley. Three verses, a chorus, and a coda. Not much at all.
When I finished, Kyle burst into applause.
“Open your eyes,” he insisted.
I complied with his request, not realizing I’d closed them while I was singing. “So, you didn’t hate it?”
“Not at all. It was beautiful.”
Heat coursed through my cheeks. I hated this part of playing an instrument. As much as I loved being the center of attention other ways, there was something about music that made me feel as if I was baring my soul. And that did little to make me feel comfortable.
“I mean, you don’t have to—”
“I mean it, Ashley. You’re talented.”
My breath hitched at the sound of my name on his lips. It might have even been the first time he said it to me.
“Thank you,” I managed. “Thank you very much.”
“You’re welcome.”
His gaze held mine for longer than it should. Even though the screen door, as the crisp late winter air blew around us, I could tell something had changed, something had transformed. This might have just been a dinner between friends at the start, but things weren’t going to end that way. I knew it. He was already moving to get up, and I followed him, stashing the guitar next to the sofa.
“What’s going on?” I added.
“It’s nothing.” Kyle pushed his chair against the bistro table and swept the remaining trash from the table into his arms. “I’ve just got to get back. I left the store in the hands of Tyler and Seth, and while I think they are great help, I need to close the restaurant.”
“Okay,” I said, disappointed that our time was ending, but glad that he’d come over, even just for a little while. “That makes sense.”
“I’ll... I’ll text you later.” His eyes met mine again. “How about that?”
“I’d like that.”
Another smile crossed his face and it reminded me of the first time that I saw him, under the dark lights near the wide bar at The Frosted Heart a DJ blasting a remix and overpriced cocktails in our hands. But soon enough, he covered his smile with his mask, strode through my apartment with the remains of our dinner, and left.
I was alone.
And yet, I didn’t feel alone.Happy birthday to me. I got to sing to a cute guy whomadeit possible to stay with me,if only for thirty minutes. And that had taken away the sting of disappointment about the unexpected circumstances surrounding my birthday.
Yes, it confirmed what I felt about life.Two are better than one.
Friendship would never be taken for granted again.
