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Franky walked to the front and put his name on the list. He gave Skylar a thumbs up and went to the bar to get them drinks.
“Thanks for bringing me out tonight,” Skylar said when he returned to the table. “I needed this more than I knew.”
“I know you did. I know you.”
“Do you now?”
“I like to think so. But I have a feeling there’s a lot more to learn about you, Skylar Schultz.”
Even in the low light of the restaurant, he could see the blush on her cheeks.
They watched the other performers, and then Franky’s name was called, and he headed to the stage. He had no idea what he was going to play, but he’d always been good at improv when it came to music, so he sat down behind the piano and adjusted the microphone toward his mouth.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. You are about to witness the very impromptu writing of a song, here and now, on this stage. No preparation, no music arranged. Heck, I don’t even have lyrics yet.”
The audience laughed.
“I am about to write a very special song for my beautiful best friend, Skylar, sitting right over there.” He pointed to her, and she smiled at him before giving a little wave to the crowd as they all clapped and whistled.
Franky took a deep breath and thought about Skylar as he touched the piano keys and pieced notes and chords together. He stumbled around a bit until he found a tune he thought sounded like her. It was light and melodic, with a hint of wistfulness. And now that he had found the song, the lyrics began to pour out of him.
He knew he wasn’t the most talented singer in the world, but he could carry a tune. And the lyrics weren’t worthy of a Grammy or anything. He simply pictured things he and Skylar had done together and did his best to find words that at least sort of rhymed. It was all for fun anyway.
Sunshine and summer breeze
Long walks and fall leaves
No matter the season
You are the reason
I’m smiling
His fingers danced over the keys as he continued on.
Fireworks and ice cream
Road trips and … wineries
He smirked at the horrible attempt at a rhyme and got a few laughs.
Wherever we go
Together, I know
I’ll be laughing
He kept going, coming up with a chorus and another verse, trying not to slaughter the rhymes and keep the music flowing along. It wasn’t half bad.
When he reached the chorus for the final time, he glanced out into the audience and locked eyes with Skylar as he sang.
All I have to do
Is look at you
And life is better
Life is brighter