Page 154 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

I glanced at Robyn and squeezed her hand before I stood.

She smiled back at me, and I tried to ignore the guardedness in her eyes.

Backstage, after her lighthearted jokes landed flat, Emma left me alone and watched from the wings. Butterflies danced in my stomach when I heard the applause from the crowd, knowing the act before us would soon exit the stage.

When Emma and I walked onstage, our table erupted with enthusiasm while the rest of the crowd clapped. Emma went to her seat at the piano while I joined Vera center stage.

Vera smiled and said, “Looks like you two have quite a fan club.”

I shook my head. “Nah, just really loud villa mates.”

More hoots came from the group.

“You two are our final act. No pressure,” Vera said.

“Gee, thanks.”

Vera patted my back before she moved offstage.

I glanced out at the crowd and paused an extra beat when I met Robyn’s eyes before my gaze swept across the room.

“Before we show off our hidden talent, I need to explain something.” I adjusted my suit coat, thankful for the undershirt absorbing my sweat.

“When Emma brought me here, I jokingly said I’d be driving a pickup truck, sharing my feelings, and singing country music. Prophetic? Maybe. Hell, since I’ve done two out of three, I decided to go for the trifecta.”

I waited for the crowd to stop laughing and cheering.

“You might be surprised that Emma and I used to perform together when we were younger.” I motioned toward Emma. “She’s a prodigy on the piano and can play just about anything, so she’s the real star of the show.”

“Don’t let her fool you,” Emma called. “Blake has a set of pipes on her.”

“Whatever,” I waved her comment off. “We’d planned on singingCandle in the Winduntil yesterday. But I doubt if we can call Elton John country, so we’ve worked hard to get this song ready for you. Please understand, it’ll be a little raw.”

I glanced at Robyn when I delivered the line. Her expression had softened, which gave me the courage I needed.

“And, um, I’ve taken the liberty to change a word in the song. I think most of you will notice the change.” I pointed at our table. “Some of you will understand why I did it.”

I took a deep breath. “One last thing. Recently, someone introduced me to a song about dancing, and I listened to it several times, but I like this song a whole lot better.”

I looked at Robyn again. As soon as I met her gaze, I knew she understood my meaning.

“Okay, I’m gonna stop rambling now, but I need to say a big thank you to everyone who’s been on this journey with us this past month. You’ve changed my life.”

I nodded to Emma, who put her hands on the keyboard. She played the first notes ofI Hope You Danceas I closed my eyes and let the music wash over me. I wasn’t certain if it was a relief the intro was nearly thirty seconds or anxiety producing.

Finally, my cue came, and I sang my first words. I hoped my voice didn’t come out as shaky as I felt inside. When I got to the part about giving faith a fighting chance, I replaced it with serendipity. My table erupted, breaking the tension inside me, so I could settle into my vocals.

When I got to the next verse about love, I sang to Robyn, who held my gaze. Her eyes glimmered with unshed tears, so I had to look away. I put my entire heart into the song, as I reached deep to hit the notes that were just inside my range.

As Emma played the bridge to the final chorus, something inside me swelled when I glanced at Robyn. Though I hadn’tplanned it, I hurried down the stage steps, smart enough not to jump off the stage again.

When I approached Robyn, I held out my hand. She took it and rose to her feet. I sangI hope you danceonly to her as I gazed deep in her eyes. As I finished the last line, I pulled her into my arms. Emma continued to play the outro. This time, I was happy it lasted almost a minute as I danced with Robyn.

It took me several beats to realize that Emma had stopped playing, and the crowd was on their feet cheering. I backed out of Robyn’s embrace but still held her hand. Before I went back to the stage, I leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Please, promise you’ll let me explain what you’re about to hear and why I didn’t tell you.”

She pulled back and looked into my eyes. Her puzzled expression made me doubt my choice, but it was too late now.

“Please, promise,” I said again with more desperation.