Page 22 of The Night the Stars Went Dark

“I like what you’re thinking, but instead of saying love here, why don’t you say lust? I think it fits your message better,” I offered.

“See? I knew you could help. You’re so good at this. Why are you not writing for people now?” He grinned and reality crashed back into my head.

“Because I can’t. It hurts to do this stuff.” I crossed my arms over my chest.

“I think you’re afraid of loving it again. I’ve been watching you for the last hour. You’ve been happy, laughing, smiling…You’ve loved this. Why can’t you see that?” He set the guitar to the side and stood up. “I watched you turn back into who you used to be with a simple task of helping me. I know this version of you is still in there somewhere.”

“You’re wrong.” I stood, arms still crossed and lifted my chin.

“I don’t think I am.” He stepped closer. “I think I’m righter than you want to admit.”

“Nope.” I pursed my lips and shook my head. I would not let the walls down. I couldn’t let my heart splinter any more than it already had.

“Why are you so afraid to love it again? Do you think it means you don’t love him if you’re happy?” He stepped closer, our chests touching now. “Don’t you think happiness and success are what he wants for you?”

“I… I can’t.” My lip quivered and all the things I’d pushed away for years started bubbling up. My head was spinning with thoughts of playing again and the success that it may bring. Tears filled my eyes and began leaking down my cheeks.

“You were made for this.” His voice lowered to a whisper, “Let me show you.” He leaned down and pressed a kiss to my tear-stained lips. I stiffened at first. It was all too much. Too many feelings. Too many possibilities of things going wrong. Too many regrets from the years I shoved my dreams into hiding. “You were made for this.” His lips moved over mine. “You know I’m right.” His hands came up and cupped my face as he slanted his mouth, deepening the kiss. I rose to my tiptoes, leaning into him before wrapping my arms around his waist. When he finally pulled back, he smiled down at me. “You know I’m right.” He said it again with a soft smile on his lips.

I blinked a few times to clear the tears away before I attempted to say anything. “Okay.” I sighed. “Can you help me?”

“I’d do anything for you.” He pulled me into a hug. “I’m going to show you what your father and I have known you could do since we met you.”

Chapter 14

Bryson

I knew if I pushed just the right amount, I could make her see. The look on her face as we worked to finish the song said so. The concentration she possessed, the drive, it was all there. Making her see it was the hardest part. I know that walking away almost killed her, but I knew if she let it back in, music could heal her.

“I have an audition in the morning, but we’re starting when I get finished.” I slowly back away from her. “Thank you for this.” I waved the notebook in the air. She nodded and sat back down on the crate she’d used as a seat.

“I think I’m going to stay for a while.” She smiled softly.

“I’ll call you when I’m finished tomorrow.” I waved as I opened the door that led to the stairs. I paused and glanced back to see her closing her eyes and turning her face toward the sky. I didn’t know what she was feeling at that moment, but the sadness seemed to have melted away. I only hoped that she meant it when she asked for help.

Aspen

Could I do this? Let the music back in? I watched as Bryson slipped behind the door and disappeared. It was a quiet night, and other than the horns honking below, there wasn’t much sound.

I lowered myself to the rooftop and leaned against the edge. I closed my eyes and listened. I hadn’t done this in years. The faint sound of crickets played in the distance. Some car radioswere faint, and then there was the bar. Every time the door would open, music spilled out into the street. Car horns held down the beat. The longer I sat there, the more I could make out. The music of the city.

I stayed there for at least an hour just listening. Dad and I used to go in the back yard at home. There were more sounds of nature there. Here was the city, but I still appreciated it.

When I made my way down to my apartment, I looked at the baby grand with sad eyes. I wasn’t ready for that yet. It was too much. I shuffled over to my keyboard and sighed. I needed to rip the bandage off and just do it. I sat down on the bench and turned on the power. There were so many pieces that I knew by heart, I didn’t even bother opening any sheet music. “Here goes nothing,” I whispered as I positioned my hands over the keys. I closed my eyes and let go. It was slow at first, and just like the other night, I stumbled over a few spots, but I played. I played for an hour, simple pieces I’d learned as a child. I was out of shape, and I knew if I wanted to get back to where I was, it would involve a lot of practice.

When I finished, I smiled. I thought of Bryson, and how happy he’d be when I told him I’d done this. I turned off the power and just stared at the instrument. “I’ll be better.” I glanced up. “I’m going to prove I can be as good as you.” A twinge pulled at my heart as the words left my lips. I’d always told him I’d never be better than him, but he knew. He knew I had the talent, and he’d pushed me to make sure I knew it too.

I turned off the lights and made my way to bed. I was tired both physically and emotionally. Tomorrow would be a long day, and I wasn’t sure if I was up for it.

I laid down, closed my eyes, and let my thoughts drift back. Back to a time when music was my life, a time I never thought I’d revisit, a time that was going to invade my present whether I was ready or not. Bryon was driving music back into my life no matter how hard I fought it, and I think I secretly loved him for it.

It was the middle of the afternoon before he called, and when he did, he was so cryptic that I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. He showed up in the late afternoon with his guitar case in hand. “Hey.” He grinned when I opened the door.

“Hey yourself. Where are we going?” I was hoping I’d catch him off guard and he’d spill his plans, but nope. He was locked tighter than Fort Knox.

“I’ve got big plans. Just come with me and keep an open mind.” He stepped back so I could lock up.

“That makes me even more unsure of coming,” I grumbled. “Is this, ok?” I motioned to the shorts I was wearing. It was summer, and hot out today.

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