Page 65 of Vinny

“Can this be the Annalissa that I know?” Todd nearly screamed into the phone. “Fabulous, girl. I’ll get right on it.”

“Um, can you call Sharon and Parker? I want to go in full costume for the event.”

“Oh, my God, I’ve died and gone to heaven. Now maybe you’ll decide to take more of the performances I’ve found for you.”

“Let’s take things one at a time,” she cautioned. “So, have Parker and Sharon call me and I’ll have them come to the apartment an hour before the gala begins.”

Gaining his approval, she then called Gordon.

“Well, if it’s not the difficult diva,” he said, sounding as condescending as ever.

Ignoring his attitude, she told him of her plans, gaining his surprise and approval as well. “It’s my understanding that there will be quite a few dignitaries there, so that should make Todd happy.”

“If you’d stop the ridiculous aversion to flying, then perhaps you’d meet a great many more dignitaries,” he quipped.

“I was going to tell you that I do plan on flying again soon. Nothing set in stone, but I agree that I need to travel more.”

“Well, it's about time you came to your senses. What happened? You have a tiff with that big oaf boyfriend of yours?”

Gritting her teeth, she replied, “No, not at all. He’s just encouraging me, that’s all. I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you Saturday night at the gala.”

Tossing the phone down on the sofa, she leaned over putting her head in her hands. The pounding in her forehead was relentless.Who knew being stealthy and sly was such hard work?

Vinny walked over, saying nothing, but holding out two Advil and a glass of water. Accepting her smile of gratitude he pulled her forward so that he could maneuver her into his lap. Rubbing her shoulders and back, he felt her slowly begin to relax.

“You don’t have to do any of this.”

She sat for a moment letting the feel of his fingers moving on her muscles send her to a place of peace.

“You know that, don’t you?” he continued.

She turned to him, cupping his strong, stubble covered jaw in her hand. Kissing him softly she leanedback and said, “I know. But this feels like the right thing to do, Vinny. We need to flush out this person before they do it again to me or someone else. And also…” she hesitated. “It feels good.”

He looked at her in confusion. “Good?”

She twisted so that she was straddling him. “You get to rescue people all the time. Your job is difficult but, in the end, you get the good feeling of helping someone. Me? I just play music. So this feels like I’m helping.”

He reached up to cup her delicate cheeks, pulling her in close. “Listen up, babe, and listen well. What you do is bring joy and emotion to so many. You heal others through your playing. Don’t ever think you’ve got to be a part of this mission to help someone.”

She looked at him, questions in her expression. “Heal? You said I heal others?”

He held her on his lap, cupping her face and rubbing his thumb over her cheek. Tentatively, he said, “Yeah, healed. You healed me.”

She sat quietly, knowing that whatever he wanted to share would have to be in his way. In his time.

Bravely holding her gaze, he said, “When I was in Afghanistan, we were on patrol and I heard a woman singing and playing some kind of lyre. She and some other women were alone. Or at least they thought they were alone.” He heaved a sigh, then shook his head slightly. “Women weren’t allowed to play music or sing, but I guess they thought they were safe.”

“The desire to make music is universal,” she said softly.

“Yeah. Her music wasn’t like yours, but it still feltgood to hear. Made me think of mom and the songs she used to sing to us. And I felt peace…crouched on the hard ground behind boulders in the middle of a warzone…and I felt peace.”

Annalissa stayed still, knowing there was more to the story.

“But the soldiers following us came through and silenced the music.” He lifted his gaze back to hers. “Permanently.”

“Oh, Vinny, I’m so sorry,” she sympathized.

“Anyway, after that I only listened to my loud, hard, heavy music. Until you. And from the first time I heard you play, I felt…peace. Healed.”

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