After work today, I had to rush to the Lime Light Café for rehearsal. It’s a trendy jazz and blues bar. The owner is going to let me do a set, three songs a night, for the holiday season to make extra money. Hopefully, I’ll get discovered. A lot of famous people come down to the café. The owner used to be a singer on Motown Records in the 1960s.
I warmed up with a cappella sets of notes until my voice was strong. I then cued the house band to let them know that I was ready. They were a tremendously talented mix of men who collectively had fifty years of music experience among them. They also knew how grateful I was for this opportunity.
“Let’s start with ‘Good Morning Heartache.’ Billie Holiday in A minor.”
As I belted out the words, I saw a shadowy figure slide to the back of the café. He lingered there, his eyes penetrating mines as I sang.
“ ’I’ve got those Monday blues,’ ” I belted out. “ ’Straight through Sunday blues . . .’ ”
After my set, the elusive stranger clapped enthusiastically. That’s when I realized it was London. I ran to him immediately.
“What are you doing here?” I squealed.
“I wanted to come see my baby-girl.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because you wouldn’t have let me come.”
“You’re right about that,” I agreed. “So, now that you’ve heard me, what do you think?”
“I think you have the most beautiful, compassionate, soulful voice I’ve ever heard. I am so very proud of you.”
“You’ve never heard a voice like mine before?” I asked.
“Never. Your voice is much too unique.”
“Not even in England?”
“England?” he repeated, and within moments his face lit up. “That was you!”
I giggled. “Yup. The one and only.”
“Whatever happened that night? I’m surprised we didn’t hook up then,” he said, trying to put the pieces back together.
“You were much too drunk that night.”
“Yeah. I think I scared you off. Didn’t I? That’s right . . . I kissed you just as the new year came in.”
“I almost caught a panic attack.”
“I was right!” he boasted. “Didn’t I say that whomever you spend New Year’s Eve with is most likely the person you’ll spend the year with. Look at how fate intervened and brought you back into my life.”
“So this is fate?”
“I told you that you were my future.”
“Thanks, London,” I said, and kissed him. It felt wonderful to be in a relationship with someone who cared about me. I didn’t realize I was missing companionship until now. I felt so complete.
“Are you almost done here?” he asked, avoiding eye contact. I got a sense that something was troubling him.
“Yes, I just need to see the owner quickly, and then I’m done. London, are you all right? You seem a little down. As if something is bothering you or on your mind.”
“No, no. I’m fine. We need to celebrate tonight.”
“Whoa, a celebration! I can’t wait. I’ll get my coat and I’m ready.”