Audra adjusted the microphone. “Happy birthday, Trinity Falls.”
Her voice trembled a bit, probably from nerves. Jack was nervous for her. But the cheers and applause that followed her greeting let him know she’d already won over her audience.
With a nod from Audra, the band started the first song. She accompanied it with her guitar, as easy with the instrument as though it were a fifth limb.
There was dancing in and on the seats. Several members of the audience—young and old—left their chairs, giving themselves over to the music. All too soon, the song ended. People jumped up and down, roaring their approval. Jack was filled with pride at their reaction to Audra’s performance.
She laughed into the microphone. “Thank you! Thank you so much, Trinity Falls. You’re a great audience. This next song is an original piece, inspired by your lovely town. I hope you enjoy it.”
Another opening chord played. It was reminiscent of the rushing waters of the Trinity Falls. The music was even more compelling than the previous song. After half a minute, Audra’s smoky voice joined the band. She weaved the story of a sheltered woman, determined to convince a thick-skulled man that she loved him. This time, even more people left their seats to dance.
“‘It’s not a fairy tale. It’s my love.’” Audra’s voice gained strength as she sang, seeming to feed off her audience’s enthusiasm. “‘This pain is as real as it gets. It can’t be healed by a magic rose, glass slipper, or talking pets.’”
Jack closed his eyes as her lyrics drew him back to their time together. “‘It’s like a fairy tale. Happily ever after.’” She’d said that to him on more than one occasion. Was she singing to him? His heart pounded faster and harder. Her words were tearing him apart. He prayed for her to stop.
Audra kept up her song of seduction. “‘Prince Charming, you cast a spell on me. Wake me up! Wake me up! We don’t need three wishes, honey. I know the words to say for our happily ever after. It’s not so far, far away.’”
Jack couldn’t catch his breath. His body heated as her words called him back to their most intimate moments. His pulse raced with the memory of her limbs entwined with his. He tasted need.
Mercifully, Audra’s song came to an end. The audience thanked her with more deafening applause. Jack breathed a slow sigh of relief, but his muscles were still strained.
Ramona returned to the podium. “Wasn’t that a great concert? The band really outdid themselves. And, Audra Lane, Trinity Falls can’t thank you enough for your great performance. We hope you consider this your second home.”
Audra blew a kiss toward Ramona, then waved at the cheering crowd.
Ramona continued. “Thank you all again for coming. We hope you enjoyed the celebration. Please join us in Freedom Park for a sesquicentennial barbecue with all our local favorites, including Doreen Fever’s Trinity Falls Fudge Walnut Brownies.”
Audra left the area with Vaughn and the concert band. Jack tracked her every move. The pleated skirt of her red minidress swung with each step that carried her away from him. His throat burned as he bade her a silent good-bye.
Two weeks later, Jack returned from his morning run to find Darius on his porch. What had brought his friend here so early on a Saturday morning? He slowed to a walk and stretched his shoulders to ease the tension stirring at the base of his neck.
The newspaper reporter stood from his perch on the porch railing. “I’ve been meaning to ask you. Were you referring to me when you mentioned ‘annoying siblings’ during your Founders Day speech?”
“Yes.” Jack used the back of his wrist to wipe the sweat from his forehead. He mounted the stairs and entered his cabin.
Darius followed him. “It’s been two weeks. I thought for sure you’d have made at least one trip to L.A. by now.”
Jack’s stride faltered on his way to the kitchen. Darius bounced off his back.
Jack glanced at him over his shoulder. “Why?”
He crossed into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water from the faucet.
“Come on, Jack. You’ve been regressing ever since Audra left.”
Jack drained his first glass. He gestured toward Darius. “Water?”
“You see? You’re back to your cryptic conversations. You’ve literally said three words to me since I’ve been here.”
Jack refilled his glass. “Considering the reason you’re here, that’s three words more than you deserve.”
Darius took a seat at the kitchen table. “I’ll have that glass of water, please.”
Jack took another glass from the cupboard and filled it with ice and water. He gave the glass to Darius before settling onto the seat opposite his friend. “Are you staying long?”
“Thanks.” Darius accepted the glass. “That depends. How long will it take you to explain why you haven’t visited Audra?”
“Why should I?”