Page 80 of Perfect Order

As the days go by.

You never let go of

Holding my hand.

I want the stars, but I know

I’ll be all right

So long as I have the earth

And your hand

One, two. Years pass.

Your heart still beats with mine

Together we fly towards the sky

And there’s peace as you hold my hand.

Always our inner peace.

I stop singing to find a small entourage gathered around the side of the stage. It’s no longer just Kris but Beckett Miller, Mick Ceron, Carly Stolliday, and a security team spread out around them. One man stands apart slightly from the others, his hands typing on a phone.

I don’t find it surprising there’s a buzzing at my hip when he raises his head and my eyes meet his intense ocean-blue eyes I’ve never forgotten despite the many years since I’ve seen them in person.

Finally, after all this time, he’s standing in front of me. The arc of electricity that happened that first moment we met each other starts sparking. And from the intensity on his face, he’s feeling it too.

Soon, my mind whispers. Just a few moments more and…

Before I can make a move in his direction, Beckett steps out onto the stage with an unusually demure outfit on. I joke, “Going for a new look?”

He rolls his eyes before demanding, “Is that what you’re singing tomorrow night?”

I rapidly shake my head. “I can’t. I wrote it for my sister. It’s just the first time I’ve been able…” I look past him and catch Kane’s eye. His lips curve in understanding. One night during our many conversations, I told him I hadn’t yet been able to successfully perform Kylie's music.The paparazzi is going to have a field day, I remember saying.

Then let them. This isn’t your life, Leanne.

A landslide of emotions cascades over me as I stare at him. “I can’t let them dictate what I do.” Even though I’m saying the words to Beckett, they’re for Kane, and he knows it, judging by the smile that breaks out across his face.

But it’s Beckett who responds. “I agree. You handle what you can, Ky. And know we’re all here for you.” He waves Mick and Carly over. Soon, I’m engulfed in the caring concern of people my sister hobnobbed with regularly, and I understand why she kept them as close as she did.

“So what are you singing?” Beckett pushes.

“What are you singing?” I counter with Lee’s sass.

“You’ll just have to see at rehearsal.” He thrusts his chin up in the air. I narrow my eyes as I glimpse something poking out under his collar. Just as quickly, it’s hidden when he looks down his nose at me. “Now, spill it.”

“I know it’s not a word you’re used to, Becks, but no.” He looks so crestfallen, I can’t help but genuinely laugh.

Kris chooses then to step in.“Come on, Erzulie. You’re due in Costume.Then Sound needs you.”

Beckett is still pouting. I back away, wiggling my fingers, and back into a warm body. “Umph.” Strong arms slip arms around me to stabilize me. My head snaps up, and there he is. His arms tighten slightly.

Kane.

He whispers, “Check your phone when you have a moment, my Leanne,” before setting me away from his warm body. His eyes spear through me, suspending my heartbeat as his hands side up my side enough to stabilize me.