Page 34 of Sensing Selma
Yes, you’ll see me fly away
No matter what you might say
You can’t make me stay
I leaned into the keys, playing harder as the song grew in intensity in the second verse. Then I lightened my touch for the final, gentle chorus.
No matter what you might say
You can’t make me stay
“I don’t know about you, but I certainly want to stay...and hear more.”
Startled, I slammed my fingers over the keys, causing a clash of musical notes. “Oh. I didn’t know anyone was there.”
I stood, for some reason, embarrassed to have been caught playing and singing.
“You have a very lovely voice.”
“And you have a very light footstep.”
He laughed. “Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to startle you. I just heard the music and was drawn in.”
“I’m Holly,” I said, losing my temporary bout of inhibition. “I’m working on this movie. Who might you be?”
“Major Cooper,” he said as he came forward, his hand outstretched in a very formal, almost military type of way. “At your service.”
I chuckled. “Major? Is that your name or your title?”
He laughed. “Ah, yes. The all-important titles that are based on rank. Is that important to you?”
“Oh. No,” I said, surprised by the question.
He was older, perhaps in his early thirties. Tall and strong, he gave the impression of a man in control. His gaze was intense but not intimidating. His smile was warm, but not flirtatious. His approach was bold but not rude.
Yes, I thought as I looked up at him. He seemed like a very nice man indeed.
“How do you come to be at this little get together? Are you a part of the crew? A member of the cast? You certainly have the looks to be on the big screen.”
“Do I now?”he said with a charming laugh. “No. No. I have no part in this movie. Actually, I’m a friend of Jai’s. We go way back and...well, since I was going to be in the area for a while, he invited me to come around and hang out.”
“Well, I do hope you enjoy your stay.”
“That’s already taken care of,” he said, his smile saying so much. “I had no idea my stay here would include live music...and by a beautiful musician, no less.”
I wasn’t given to blushing very easily, but I could have sworn my cheeks heated up rather rapidly.
And I was enjoying every second of it.
