Page 6 of The Singer and the Silent Type

As I finished the song, the applause almost made my ears ring. Iris gave me a little wave and shrug, but I wasn’t sure what she meant.

“Is it fixed?” I asked.

“Yes, but you can keep going if you like.”

I shook my head quickly, and she nodded, putting the sound system back on. I actually heard a few people in the back call out, “Aww,” as if they were disappointed that I was finished. But my hands were starting to seriously shake, and I didn’t want to push my luck.

Sliding off the stool, Cody took my arm. “Wow. I had no idea.”

I felt myself blushing furiously. “Yeah, well…surprise! I’m a singer.”

“You have the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard,” he said quietly. “Honestly, Lorena, I’m stunned.” His hand flashed out to give mine a squeeze.

We just stood together for a moment in our own imaginary bubble. “I have to put the guitar away and get back to work,” I said quickly.

“Of course,” he smiled, as I rushed away.

Chapter Four

~ Cody ~

I was already shaken to the core just at the thought of asking such a sweet girl out someday. Now I was actually nervous about being alone with her.

I’d never felt comfortable with women. They seemed to want so many detailed things, and I just didn’t have a clue. I didn’t go out dancing, or know a damn thing about pop culture nonsense. The thou

ght that I’d never find a woman had crossed my mind quite often.

Then I met Lorena. There was something peaceful about her – an elegant stillness. She might actually be content with a quiet man, who stood back to let her shine. A man who didn’t want anything fancy, just her.

Lorena’s talent was as remarkable as her beauty, but her sweet demeanor was the thing that made me need her the most. My gaze followed her around the tavern as she checked in with customers, always taking a moment for a friendly comment or a joke. She complimented women on their earrings and men on their whiskey choices. She always found something nice to say to everyone. Quite frankly, she was a little sweetie pie.

As she sashayed back to the kitchen, my eyes locked onto those full, round hips. God, how I needed to take her in my arms, caress that soft skin, make her mine. It was an urge so intense that it was a bit unsettling.

The evening passed quickly, as I had another beer, then another coffee. It was always awkward for me to watch men have so many rounds of hard liquor. My dad was a whiskey man, and he was usually fuzzy-headed at night when my mom wanted his attention. He was never good enough for her, and I don’t think he took care of her properly.

I always swore that if I found a good woman, I would do everything in my power to care for her in every way I could. Since by some miracle Lorena was apparently interested, I would be getting to work immediately.

As I openly stared at her flitting around the room, I caught the eye of one of my regular clients, Max, who waved me over. “Cody, I’d like you to meet my son, John.”

I shook his hand, smiling at the eager, firm grip of a man in his early twenties with something to prove. “John has been learning carpentry, construction, and everything right up your alley,” Max said.

“Dad said that you’re absolutely the best,” John said. “I would love to apprentice with you, if you ever need an extra pair of hands.”

“You never know,” I said agreeably, entering his number into my phone.

“I’m really looking forward to some hands-on experience with larger projects,” John said. “Call me anytime, day or night.”

“Will do. Thanks.”

“Interesting night,” Max said, looking around the room. “That new little barmaid certainly has a voice, doesn’t she?”

I nodded. “That she does.”

“Do you know if she’s single?” John asked cautiously.

There was no proper answer to that question. It was far too early to make any assumptions.

Max saw my hesitation and shook his head. “Son, I think there’s someone who has his eye on her, so best not to get in his way if you’re looking for work.”

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