Chapter 14 - The Party #2
At Billy’s request, who said he needed caffeine to keep up with Robby, they had eclairs and coffee.
Even Grace could see Robby was in a class by himself as a guitar player.
Robby squeezed his legs under the end of the picnic table to sit next to Grace, and with a mouthful of eclair, complimented both Billy and Kirsten and said he didn’t know when he’d had such fun playing acoustic.
He asked Kirsten what vocal training she’d had.
“I’ve always sung in choirs, church and school, and with friends’ bands once I got to high school.”
“Have you considered singing professionally?”
“Not seriously. I’m a biology major. Interested in ecology and the environment, though lately I’ve been thinking about genetics.”
Robby smiled and finished his coffee. Then he looked at Kirsten and said, “We need to talk songs, one you like, and I’d like us to come up with another that’s got good harmony parts. Let’s go over there,” he nodded toward the end of the porch by the hammock. “Okay?”
“I guess.” She stood. Robby stood. No one said anything.
Robby walked around the table, and as he came even with Kirsten, he motioned for her to lead the way.
As they walked, he said, “Tell me a song you know . . .” Kirsten didn’t answer immediately.
They got to the hammock, her face was turned so Grace couldn’t see it, but she could see most of Robby’s.
Kirsten said something and Robby tilted his head and smiled.
“Okay. Wasn’t expecting that but name a song.
” It was a few moments before Kirsten replied, and the only word Grace heard was clown.
Robby smiled again. He nodded, and said, “Yeah, I can play that. Now, how about one you like, solo.” Kirsten looked away, then back, and said something short.
Robby responded quickly, “I was thinking that too. Let’s get Billy and run through those.
” Kirsten turned, and as she walked away, Robby looked at Grace and gave her a thumbs up.
“Billy, break’s over. Kirsten’s thrown down the gauntlet.
” He picked up his guitar and began playing bits and pieces, and in minutes he was playing a song.
Billy smiled. “Oh yeah. My dad and Grandpa Olin love the Everly Brothers. I remember that one. I can play along. You guys pick your parts.”
Robby looked at Kirsten. “Your song. Your choice.”
“I want the low part. It’s more fun.”
What followed was a stunning display of harmonies.
Billy played along but didn’t sing, but he was smiling and shaking his head in wonder.
Kirsten’s voice shone, and she knew every word, but she was surprised Robby not only played along but also sang all the harmony parts spot on.
He smiled through the whole song, obviously enjoying himself.
When they finished, the clapping was enthusiastic.
Robby looked at Kirsten. “That was fun. Good choice.”
“It was fun. I didn’t expect you to know it, let alone that well.”
“You’d be surprised at what I know. We have more in common than you think.”
Everyone wanted Robby to play something from the band.
He said there was one he liked to do acoustically, that Kirsten and Billy would know, but he had a couple new songs he’d like feedback on.
They did a favorite Gulls’ tune, “Bare Souls,” with Kirsten and Billy laughingly joining in on backup.
Then, Robby played through the two new songs, “She’s on a Mission” and “Tough as Nails, Soft as a Kiss.” Billy even managed some accompaniment.
Everyone clapped, including Kirsten, and then it was her solo turn.
Billy and Robby played Adele’s hit, “Hello,” and Kirsten sang it soulfully and well.
There was hearty applause. It was chilly, but Robby asked them to sit through one more.
No complaints. Jim put his arm around Nan to keep her warm.
Robby looked at Grace and said, “This one’s for you, another Walter Hyatt song. ” He played “I’ll Come Knocking.”
Grace was reminded of their conversation a couple days before .
. . the one where Robby wanted her to say she cared for him.
He’d never shied from telling her that. She realized his openness with his feelings was something new for her.
The guys she’d grown up with didn’t express their feelings.
It wasn’t manly. It would be viewed as weak.
Was that a Southern thing? Why was he more comfortable with his feelings than the men back home?
Or, for that matter, than Grace herself . . .
The evening was a thorough hit. Saying goodnight, everyone wanted more. Grace thought about Robby — the show and rehearsals. “Yes, but in the meantime,” she looked at Nan and Jim, “is it okay if Billy and Kirsten visit sometimes when Robby’s around?”
“Sure, but no guarantee Nan and I won’t wander down too.”
The good-byes took place on the porch because the mosquitoes had arrived.
There were hugs all around — even a brief one between Kirsten and Robby.
As the screened door closed, Grace turned to congratulate Robby on his success with Kirsten, but he pulled her into a kiss which he only broke to say, “I’m staying. ”