Page 29 of Love is a Harmony
As one, they looked up.
“Noah was going to sing me a song.” Stella didn’t smile. “He promised. Just like Papa.”
Every time she mentioned her dad, Melanie’s heart broke all over again, but if there was one thing she knew, it was that Noah’s music could heal even the most shattered glass.
She skirted the couch and sat on the floor facing them. Noah wasn’t one to walk around singing like Drew or Ben. He didn’t let just anyone in on the music in his head. Which was why Melanie had only seen him on stage with the ripped jeans and leather jacket, the spiked hair and practiced grin.
Now, here he sat in faded sweatpants and a t-shirt she imagined he stole from Drew because of the NHL logo on the front. Noah wasn’t a sports guy.
He ran a hand through his mussed hair. “Wanna play a game, Stell Bell?”
She nodded.
“I’m going to start playing a tune I’m making up in my head. I’ll sing the first verse, and then it goes to you to make up the next one.”
“I don’t know how to write music.”
“Anyone can write their own music, Stell. Just say what’s on your mind. Okay, I’ll go.”
He started playing, and Melanie watched his hands fly over the strings. He didn’t strum them, no, that would be too easy for Noah. He plucked out the notes, his fingers moving in a mesmerizing dance.
But when he sang… oh, when he sang, it woke something in Melanie she’d thought was long dead.
Her heart.
I found a girl in Europe
Oh what a girl
She has this smile
Oh that smile
That lights up the shadows
We live in
He stopped singing but continued to play as he nudged Stella with his knee. Stella giggled before picking up the song.
I’m sitting here on a couch.
Not exactly the next hit, but she was six.
Thinking how I’m gonna leave
Everything behind me
And I’m glad
Noah’s smile widened. He’d told Stella to say what was on her mind, and she’d followed through. He looked to Melanie. “Your turn.”
Melanie shook her head. “I don’t sing, Noah.”
“You do tonight. Come on. No one is judging here.”
“Come on, Melanie.” Stella’s plea is what did it.
Melanie closed her eyes, her voice coming out hoarse.
