Chapter 40
Chapter
Forty
Levi
I’ve taken my guitar out to the creek several times in the past few days so I can sing and play by myself. The acoustics aren’t great, but it’s nice and private. Brooke and Sky have been too busy to notice, and that’s just fine with me. Brooke has been engrossed in catching up on a new project for her job that she let slide a little during the trial, and Skyler is wrapped up in putting finishing touches on his paintings.
He finally had a discussion with Jack and agreed he’s ready to do a one-man show at Imagine. I’m so proud of Sky. The painting he did of me is going to be used for the publicity for the event—even though he stressed to Jack that it wasn’t for sale like all of the other paintings. Jack was so moved by it he didn’t care. He said he would display it in the gallery for everyone to enjoy, but it will have a red “sold” dot by the title.
Tonight, we’re all heading over to The Hive, and for once, I’m not too proud to say I’m a little nervous. All of our friends and Skyler’s parents will be there because Brooke bugged everyone until they promised to show up. She even told Deputy Blake to bring a date, and he gave her the stink eye.
“I’ll be there if I can, but I’m not dating anyone,” he grumbled at her.
“That needs to change, you old curmudgeon!” she said as she poked him gently in the chest. You should have seen his face. I don’t think he’s used to women like my…our…Brooke. Right after that, she called Juni, and the two of them decided to put their heads together and find that man a woman. I’m staying out of that project—as far away as I can get.
After a light dinner, we head over to the bar. Brooke proudly declares she is our designated driver for the next several months and plans to drink nada coladas because “Fruit is good for you!” We both kiss her. I swear she’s already starting to glow.
The Hive fills up to bursting, and I’m delighted to see so many familiar faces in the crowd. The first set goes extremely well as we play some covers of popular songs interspersed with originals. Our drummer Banger is also a songwriter, and he’s not only awesome, he’s terribly popular with the ladies—especially when he rips off his shirt mid-set when he gets too hot. He always flings it out into the crowd, causing a minor ruckus each time. The crowd loves our originals, so we’re on fire tonight.
Before we end the set, however, the other guys leave the dais, and I stay there by myself. I move a stool front and center, and I’m spotlighted on an otherwise darkened stage—just me, the mic, and my guitar.
“Thanks, everyone, for coming out tonight. I have a special new song I want to sing for you that the guys in the band haven’t even heard yet.” I pause as I smile and shrug a little bit. “I didn’t want to bug ’em with it.” There is some polite laughter around the room. I’m sure people are starting to think I might be a little nuts. “Seriously, this is a very personal song. It’s about the past year of my life and how I almost didn’t make it this far. But I did, and I’m here because of the love of two very special people. I call this song ‘My Water and Air,’ and it’s my way of saying thank you.” I quickly doublecheck the tuning of my guitar and then open with a riff.
I take a deep breath and start to sing…
You call me your hero.
I don’t know—maybe it’s so.
There was never a doubt.
I would not last without
My beautiful, golden Sky.
Our world exploded that day
When plans went astray.
The heavens were tattered
Our bodies were shattered.
But oh, how you mattered,
My hero, my golden Sky.
Because of your love
When hate crashed from above,
We’re here, while friends fell.
Home to love, but not well,
I’m sorry to tell,
To a fresh glimpse of hell.
Demons plague us still.
Maybe always will.
My brilliant, talented Sky.
You’ve saved me twice over
I’m not the hero here.
We both owe so much to
Our sparkling lady who
When times were black
Loved us through hell and back.
Dazzling Brooke and glorious Sky,
I’ll need you and love you till the day that I die.
Why do I deserve you?
Do I even deserve two?
Was it always God’s plan
When I was a broken man?
Others sadly died,
But our love magnified.
You’re how I survive,
My sparkling Brooke and golden Sky.
My perfect pair.
My water and air.
By the time I’m done—with my voice cracking—I swear the entire audience is in tears along with me. The final note fades to a moment of complete silence…and then the crowd is on their feet, cheering and stomping. Wiping my eyes with the back of my hand, I take a few polite bows and then exit the darkened stage. I barely make it off the steps before I collide with Brooke and Skyler, who swamp me with hugs and kisses. Apparently, our relationship is public knowledge now.
Fine by me.