Page 136 of Waiting to Lose
“That’s easy. ‘The Way You Make Me Feel,’” Collin replied.
Jake glanced at her through the tops of his eyes. “I once sang this for your sister, you know.”
“Oh, I know,” Collin laughed. “We heard all about it.”
Jake licked his lips and began to play. Madi scrapped the plates but paused when she heard his voice.
You came into my world like a melody.
My heart believed you were a song.
Then you changed me, with your quiet harmony.
Had you been there all along?
The way you make me feel is like a chorus line…
Playing softly in my mind.
The way you make me feel makes my heart beat out of time…
Flashing signals, flashing signs.
The way you make me feel is the anthem for my soul,
Though I can’t quite find the words to let you know,
The way you make me feel.
Jake made constant eye contact with her as the lyrics flowed from his mouth. For a moment, he forgot all his troubles and all his pain. He was happy.
Everyone clapped. Jake went on to play several more songs, including a Michael Bublé song, to which Collin and Mrs. Ryan sang along. After he finished, he wiped his hands on his legs and Madi’s mother kissed his cheek, thanking him. Kendra sat at the bar, chatting with Madi and drinking a glass of wine. Jake noticed Rob sigh in her direction.
“What’s going on with you two?” Jake murmured, pointing.
“Absolutely nothing. I hope you know I’d never mix business with personal stuff.”
Jake nodded. “I’m not worried. Madi has it set in her mind that you and Kendra would be perfect for each other.”
Rob shook his head. “I can’t say I’ve ever met anyone like her.”
Jake poured himself and Madi each a glass of wine, kissing her forehead when he handed it to her. Madi closed her eyes briefly and Jake smiled, appreciating how he affected her.
“So, Rob?” Michael asked, pointing toward Kendra as he swallowed a large gulp of wine. “You two still hot and heavy?”
Kendra turned and glared at Michael. Madi glanced over their shoulders to make sure her parents weren’t in earshot of the conversation.
“Actually, Michael,” Madi began, “there’s something you should know.”
Rob interjected, looking Michael square in the eye. “Yep, she’s still the girl of my dreams.”
Kendra choked on her wine.
Michael huffed. “I find that hard to believe, Ken and Bobbie. Kinda like Ken and Barbie, except this Ken is a slut who can’t keep her legs closed.”
Kendra winced as she flew out of her seat. Rob stepped between them, whispering in Michael’s ear. “I’m not going to hit you like I want to, because you’re Madi’s brother and you’ve been drinking. But if you ever,ever, say another distasteful, inappropriate comment to Kendra again, I’ll lay you flat on your ass faster than you can swallow your own spit. Now apologize to her, before I lose my temper and ruin Christmas for everyone.”
Michael’s mouth fell open. Jake could tell by his expression that Rob had scared the shit out of him. Rob could be extremely intimidating. Michael turned to Kendra and cleared his throat.
