Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Betsy admired the bracelet and then suddenly said, “You’ve known him a long time, Crystal. Damien’s not the flashy rock star people think he is. Deep down, he’s a family man.”
Crystal couldn’t keep the tinge of bitterness out of her laugh. “Is he?”
Betsy’s smile was warm and wise. “I can’t convince you. That will be up to him. But I hope you’ll give him a chance. I can see that you love him. And I think he loves you, too.”
The words struck Crystal to the core. Of course Betsy could see the true feelings between her son and his best friend. But to suggest that he loved her? That was something Crystal had only dreamed about.
But she couldn’t say it, and then Betsy was abruptly pulled away for a dance with Howie. If only her words were true! Crystal turned her back. If she spoke a word to anyone, she would choke up.
And then the digital clock on the wall clicked over to nine o’clock and the door opened. There was Damien, guitar in hand, wearing tight gold trousers, a sequined waistcoat and a sequined headband along with a broad, dazzling smile that grew tender as their gazes met.
And that small, simple, perfect exchange between them changed everything.
All her fears about Damien leaving her stranded with a broken heart melted away. He had kept his word. Of course he had. She let out a little laugh. Ever since they were teenagers, Damien had always arrived in the nick of time. It was just the rock ’n’ roll part of his personality that wasn’t going to change. He was a not a moment too soon, not a moment too late kind of guy. But he always showed.
She went to the fridge and pulled out one of the ginger sodas. As she passed it to him, he kissed her and said, “Thanks, babe. I think we’re on.”
He strode into the living room and Crystal followed, happiness buzzing in her chest. Looking a little stunned and a lot relieved, Mila appeared with a mic stand and mic, which she must have hidden somewhere, and set it up at the back of the room. Nick turned the music off and Damien took his place.
“Folks, as most of you already know, I always sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Crystal on her birthday. But I did that on the phone this morning. Tonight, I have something a bit more special to sing for her.” He focused his gaze on Crystal. “It’s a brand-new song that I wrote for her the night after we first kissed. Crystal’s been my closest friend since we first met in high school, half a lifetime ago. She’s been my friend, my inspiration, my kick in the butt when I need one, and, finally and so happily, my love.”
Tears were already filling Crystal’s eyes as he began to sing.
* * *
I still remember that first day, back in high school halls,
A skinny girl with book in hand, laughing down the walls.
Never thought that time would turn, the way it did for me,
Now I’m standing in the spotlight, but you’re all that I see.
And every song I ever sang, every dream I chased,
Led me right back to this moment, gazing at your face.
* * *
You’re more than a memory, more than a friend,
More than the echoes of nights we won’t get back again.
You’re the brown-eyed girl who knew me as a kid,
How could I have known that you’d turn out the way you did?
Now I’m falling like I never have before.
You’re not just a memory… you’re something so much more.
* * *
Every letter that you wrote me, when I hit the road,
Every whispered late-night call when I felt alone.
You were always my safe place, the voice inside my mind,
But now when I close my eyes, you’re the one I want to find.
And every song I ever sang, every dream I chased,
Led me right here to this moment, standing at your place.
* * *
Did you ever see me that way, ever feel it too?
Did you ever wonder if I was meant for you?
Cause every road I’ve taken, every mile I’ve gone,
It’s always been you, it’s been you all along…
So here I stand before you, my heart sewn on my sleeve,
If I sing you this song, love… will you stay here with me?
* * *
The crowd broke out in mad applause. “Happy birthday, Crystal.”
Half the women were sniffling and Crystal was one of them. She felt as though every time she’d longed for him, dreamed of him, hoped that one day he’d notice her love, had led to this moment.
As he came forward and put his arms around her, he gazed into her eyes. “If the song didn’t make it clear, I’m in love with you.”
She let out her breath. “Oh, Damien. I’ve been in love with you since I was fifteen years old.”