Blue Twilight

by King, Sarah

  Debra’s eyes shone with tears. “How are you doing, sugar? You feeling okay?”

  Lisa blew the hair out of her face. “I guess. A little nauseous still, but it’s getting better.” Shifting her feet, she knew that’s not what Debra was referring to, but chose to ignore it anyway. “I was actually just on my way to get something to eat…you want to join me?”

  Debra smiled. “I’d love that. There’s this great place right next to where I’m staying-The Sandstone, have you heard of it?”

  “Sure, that’s a popular spot with the locals.” Looking down at her less-than-stellar appearance, she added, “Maybe I should change first…”

  “Nonsense. Don’t change a thing,” Debra said as she grabbed Lisa’s jacket and started pulling her toward the exit. They stepped out front, and Debra made a show of patting her pockets. “Shoot, I must have set my cell down inside. I’ll be right back.” Lisa waited as she disappeared inside. Coming back a minute later, she smiled. “All set. Let’s go.”

  Once they were seated in Debra’s SUV, an awkward silence settled over them. Wringing her hands together, she studied her friend. Clearly, Debra wasn’t going to bring him up. Good. She didn’t want to know.

  After a few more minutes of silence, she wasn’t able to take it any longer and turned toward her friend. “How is he?” she asked quietly.

  Keeping her eyes on the road, Debra let out a breath. “The truth?” She glanced quickly at Lisa and at her nod, continued. “He’s miserable, sugar.”

  Lisa’s eyes filled, and she turned to stare out the window. A small part of her expected to feel relief at Debra’s words, but all she felt was bone wrenching grief. Sniffling quietly, she watched the familiar beach scenery pass her window.

  “He’s an ass,” Debra said suddenly. Lisa turned to her in shock. Debra patted her hand softly. “I can say it because I love him, but it’s true, you know.” When Lisa didn’t say anything, Debra continued. “There’s no excuse for what he did, Lisa. I tried to warn him from the very beginning when I saw what was happening between you two. But he fell so hard, so fast…” At a stoplight, she glanced over and met Lisa’s gaze in the darkness. “I’m not saying it’s an excuse,” she continued quickly, “But that man loves you more than life itself, Lisa.”

  Lisa’s throat felt thick, and she had to force the words past the knot. “How can I believe that? He’s married…”

  “Lisa, his marriage was over before it even began. He married Alex five years ago—”

  “Please,” Lisa interrupted, throwing her hands in the air “I don’t want to hear the details.”

  Debra grabbed one of Lisa’s hands as they began driving again. “But you need to.” When they reached The Sandstone, Debra pulled into a spot and cut the engine before turning to face Lisa fully. “Jake was just starting to get noticed on the music scene, and there was talk that he might land a recording contract. On a trip to Nashville, he met Alex. Everyone could see she was nothing but trouble…everyone, but Jake. He refused to listen to our warnings. He signed the contract and shortly after, she talked him into proposing. Alex insisted on living in Nashville, so Jake left the only home he’d ever known to make her happy. But it still wasn’t enough. When the paparazzi first started sniffing around, Alex ate up the attention. She welcomed it. And Jake…well, you know how he felt. When he started making arrangements to keep his identity quiet, Alex threw a fit. Jake finally started to see what we’d been trying to tell him all along. But by then, it was too late. He told her he wanted a divorce and made arrangements to move back home.”

  Debra paused to let the information sink in. Trying to process everything, Lisa could easily recognize Alex as nothing more than a gold-digging, fame whore.

  But something still didn’t add up. “But if he filed for divorce, why are they still married?”

  Debra sighed. “They are because Alex refused to sign the papers. She always wanted more—more money, more things. She threatened Jake with going to the press with a story that would prove Jake abused her.” Debra pressed her hands to her eyes. “Jake worked so hard to get to where he was. To have it all destroyed by Alex was too much. She agreed to a confidentiality contract that would keep her from contacting the press as long as Jake continued to pay her. He’s done it for years and figured it was just easier than fighting with her…until you came along. He realized he couldn’t keep living half a life. When he left you that first time, it was to try and get her to sign the papers once and for all. They fought, but then a few weeks ago, she finally agreed. He offered her an absurd amount of money to go away once and for all, and we thought she’d finally agreed and it was over. Apparently we were all wrong. The only way she’d agree was for him to sign everything over to her. She wanted his house, all the profits from his first album…she wanted it all.”

  Lisa glanced up in shock. There was no way Jake would agree to that. That house had belonged to his parents. He’d grown up there. It meant too much to him. Pressing a hand to her heart, she realized even if they could get past this, there was just no way for them to be together. Alex would always be lurking in the shadows.

  Debra looked at Lisa and sighed again. “Yeah, it looks like I’ll have a permanent fixture bunking on my couch…unless you know of anyone who wants to take in a lovesick country singer?”

  Lisa’s wide gaze shot to Debra.

  Chuckling, she placed her hand over Lisa’s. “But enough talk, let’s go get a drink…well, I’ll get a drink, you get some juice or something.”

  Dumbfounded, Lisa sat in the SUV for another minute before realizing Debra was waiting on her. Her mind was whirling. If Jake got the divorce finalized, then they could be together. The question was whether or not she could forgive him. Could she ever trust him again?

  “It’s busy in here,” Debra remarked as she signaled a hostess. They were led up toward the front of the restaurant where a makeshift stage had been set up. “They must have a band getting ready to play.” A waitress appeared and took their drink orders.

  Debra was still looking over the rest of the menu when Lisa suddenly pulled it out of her hands. “Why did you tell me all of that?”

  Debra shrugged. “I thought you deserved to know. You wouldn’t speak to Jake.”

  Pressing her palms to her eyes, she groaned. “Deb…”

  Debra pulled her hands away. “Listen, you don’t have to decide anything right now. Take some time to think about things. You’ll know when you have your answer.” She patted Lisa’s hand and went back to looking over the menu.

  Lisa didn’t think she’d ever figure out an answer that easily. Blowing the hair out of her face, she picked up her menu. As she was narrowing her choices down, a gentleman walked out onto the stage to address the crowd.

  “Folks, thank you all for coming out tonight on such short notice. It is an honor and a privilege to introduce our featured act for the evening. And with that, I turn the microphone over to his manager.”

  Applause broke out all around their table as another man emerged from the shadows and shook hands with the restaurant owner.

  As he stepped into the light, Lisa’s eyes widened as she recognized Hank. “Oh hell,” she whispered.

  Debra reached across the table and grabbed one of Lisa’s hands. “Steady now,” she said loud enough to be heard over the noise of the crowd.

  Hank grabbed the microphone. “Well, I don’t know how much of an introduction this man needs.” He paused as the crowd erupted into whistles and cat calls. Hank chuckled. “That’s what I thought. His debut album went multi-platinum, and we’re pleased to announce that his second album will be releasing in a matter of days.” He paused again as the restaurant exploded with noise. He made a quieting gesture with his hands before continuing. “Alright, without further ado, let me introduce you to the man, the myth, Ryder!” He jumped down off the stage and made his way to Debra. “Hey gorgeous,” he said giving her a quick kiss. “I see you found our girl.”

  “I found her,” Deb mu
rmured. “But I don’t know if she’s staying.”

  Lisa barely heard a word they said as she fixed her eyes on the stage. Someone came out and adjusted the microphone and then set a stool center stage. The crowd around her erupted with chants of “Ryder, Ryder!” and Lisa felt her heart rate kick up a notch. When Jake finally appeared carrying his guitar, Lisa thought the roof would blow off with the amount of noise. Pressing her hands to her ears, she couldn’t help but be proud of him.

  Jake situated himself on the stool and began strumming a few notes of one of his more popular songs. The crowd erupted again, and Jake smiled. “How are y’all doing tonight?” he asked them. The responding roar made him grin harder. He turned and locked his gaze on Lisa. “You know, this new album has been a challenge. But I had a tremendous amount of help from an up and coming song writer. And so, now, I’d like to play the title track to my new album, Blue Twilight.”

  Lisa thought she might pass out. Title track? He’d made her song the title track to his new album? Is he insane? She barely had time to register the thought as Jake began to sing the words she knew so well.

  Standing here, on a night like this

  Knowing things may never be the same

  I give you my heart as I give you a kiss

  And with the breeze, I whisper your name

  Angel, you’re too good to be true

  My heart must be telling lies

  For I see Heaven when I look at you

  And I see the blue twilight in your eyes

  You never see it coming

  Until it’s far too late

  What the future will bring

  Is left up to fate

  Angel, you’re too good to be true

  My heart must be telling lies

  For I see Heaven when I look at you

  And I see the blue twilight in your eyes

  But for now, in this moment

  You are mine for tonight

  And I couldn’t ask for any more

  Than to love you in the blue twilight

  Angel, you’re too good to be true

  My heart must be telling lies

  For I see Heaven when I look at you

  And I see the blue twilight in your eyes

  You never see it coming

  Until it’s far too late

  What the future will bring

  Is left up to fate

  Angel, you’re too good to be true

  My heart must be telling lies

  For I see Heaven when I look at you

  And I see the love reflected in your eyes

  ***

  As the last note faded, the place erupted into applause. Jake smiled before catching the gaze of the only person whose opinion mattered. He saw the tears streaming down Lisa’s cheeks and wanted nothing more than to wipe them away.

  Taking the microphone once more, he addressed the crowd. “That song was co-written by the amazingly talented Lisa James. Lisa, I hope I did your song justice.” He saw Lisa’s nod of approval and quickly glanced at Debra. Debra’s eyes shone in the darkness as she gave him a thumbs-up to continue. “I’d like to play another song for y’all tonight. I wrote this next song in a few hours.” Adjusting his guitar, he said, “See, I never thought I’d get a second chance. I’d loved and been hurt. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to open my heart to anyone again.” He paused as an over-ambitious fan shouted, “I’ll love you, Ryder!” Jake chuckled. “Well, thank you, darling, but I’m afraid my heart’s spoken for. There’s only one woman I want to spend the rest of my life with…if she’ll have me.” Jake’s gaze locked onto Lisa’s. “Angel, this one’s for you, and it’s called Unconditional.”

  With a temper as hot as a Tennessee summer

  She blew into my life with a force that overtook me

  With eyes as blue as the deepest sea, I felt myself go under

  And drowning was the sweetest agony

  Even when the storm rages

  Even when I feel I may be lost

  I hold on for dear life

  Because I know my lifeline will be tossed

  And when the winds swept in and carried her away

  I had to let her go

  My troubled current was too rough for her to stay

  But the tide will come in, I know

  Even when the storm rages

  Even when I feel she may be lost

  I hold on for dear life

  Because I know my lifeline will be tossed

  Yes, even when the storm rages

  Even when I feel I may be lost

  I hold on for dear life

  Because I know my lifeline will be tossed

  Looking out to the horizon

  The moon will rise, bright and full

  And I will wait for her to come back again

  Because the tide, like my love for her, is unconditional

  ***

  A small crowd had gathered around Lisa, shouting questions at her. She ignored it all as Jake sang to her. When he finished, he jumped off the stage and started in her direction. He brushed aside anyone who stood in his way. Finally reaching her, she felt her heart stutter. They might as well be the only two people in the room.

  “You listened to me,” Lisa finally said. “At my mom’s reception…”

  “Of course,” he interrupted. “I always listen to you…I always will.”

  “You gave up everything…” Lisa began as more tears threatened.

  “Nothing that truly mattered,” he insisted as he took her hand.

  Lisa took a stuttering breath. “Jake, I just…”

  He held up a hand to stop her. “However much time you need, take it. Wherever you have to go, whatever you need to do. I’ll always be here waiting for you…for both of you. I’m not giving up on us.”

  Lisa stared at this man who had turned her entire life upside down. She thought of the pain he’d caused her, the love he’d shown her, the miracle he’d given her, and now, the ultimate sacrifice he’d made just to be with her.

  “You hurt me,” she said on a shaky breath. “More than anyone ever could.”

  Releasing her hand, he started to turn away. “I understand.”

  Lisa blew the hair out of her face. “Where are you going?”

  With a frown, he stumbled over his words. “I just…I thought…”

  Lisa stuck her hands on her hips. “Are you always so stubborn?” She fought to keep the smile off her face. Deep down, she supposed she’d always known she’d forgive him. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t make him suffer a bit first.

  Jake grinned. “I learned it all from you, angel.” Turning serious once more, he pulled her close. “I’ll never hurt you again.”

  Lisa stared up into the eyes of her future. “No,” she agreed. “You won’t.” Pulling his lips to hers, she registered the noise that broke out around them. “I think you better get back up there and sing for these people,” she murmured against his mouth.

  “The only person I care about singing for is you,” Jake said. But he kissed her once more before turning to jump back onstage.

  Grabbing his arm, she pulled him back quickly. “I just have to ask…one more time. Why me?”

  Jake grabbed her left hand and slid her engagement ring back into place. “I already told you, angel. There is only you.” And with a wink, he got back onstage and rocked her world.

  Epilogue

  Lisa’s eyes slowly opened as she registered the screeching noise that had woke her. She smiled as she recognized her son’s cries. Sliding out of bed, she padded down the hall to his nursery. She stood silent in the doorway as she watched Jake gently lift their son out of his crib.

  “What’s the matter, big man? You hungry?” Jake rocked Mason as he continued to talk to him. “You don’t want to wake your momma up. She needs her beauty sleep. But just between you and me, I don’t think she needs it. She’s already beautiful.” Glancing up, he caught Lisa’s gaze with a wink.

  “Sweet talker,” Lisa s
aid as she moved into the room. She grabbed one of Mason’s tiny fingers. The baby immediately started to fuss louder. “Here, let me,” she said reaching for the infant.

  “I got him,” Jake insisted. He began quietly singing to his son. Mason immediately stopped crying and simply stared up at Jake. Lisa’s heart still skipped a beat whenever she heard her husband sing, and it would appear her son was just as enamored.

  Sighing, she watched her men sway around the room. She caught sight of Jake’s latest platinum record lining Mason’s nursery wall and smiled to herself. Life, she thought, just didn’t get any better than this.

  About the Author

  Sarah is wife to her high school sweetheart and currently works part-time outside of the home and full-time inside the house as mom to two adorable minions…who may or may not be making her hair turn prematurely gray. When not typing out another idea that has popped into her head, she can be found reading, knitting, or listening to her ever-expanding music collection.