Chapter Twenty-Nine
The party was in full swing an hour later. We’d snuck off about twenty minutes before for a photograph with the press. Posing for a picture was different knowing it would be in the paper the next day. Garrick had chosen the one where his hand lay possessively around my waist. There was no mistake in that picture that we were an item.
I took another sip of champagne and let the cool bubbles trickle down my throat. Garrick had disappeared with Joe about ten minutes before. I wondered what it was about, but I knew I would find out later. Kurt stood beside me, and I was thankful for his company—someone I knew and trusted amidst this sea of strangers.
Another person approached from the left, and security stopped them when they were within a few feet. I was sure most of the people wanted to talk to Kurt. There had been a low buzz about his presence all evening.
So far, security had not been overly obvious and blended well with the atmosphere. I still felt like I had my freedom. Kurt’s attendance also made a great cover for the need to have security. I wondered if Garrick had asked him to attend for that reason.
The band played soft music as people mingled. Kurt had been introspective for the last couple of minutes. He turned to me. “Do you remember when we would go to karaoke night and sing together?”
I smiled. “Those were good times.”
Dylan hadn’t been a fan. But he’d been a good sport because Kurt and I loved it. No one cared what you sounded like at karaoke, and everyone cheered for everyone. I enjoyed the comradery.
Kurt took a swig of his bourbon. “Man, they were. You and I could really carry a tune together.”
“We could. I only sing in the shower now.”
“Great acoustics in the shower. I bet you can still carry a tune.”
I shrugged and sipped my drink. “Maybe we’ll have to see some time.”
Kurt was about to speak when someone from behind us said, “I’ll donate twenty thousand dollars if you two sing onstage.”
Our heads whipped around to the man standing five feet away—short dark hair, clean-shaven, expensive tux. Security instinctively drew closer.
“What?” I asked.
Casually, he took a sip of his drink and watched us. He had a dangerous feel about him. Louder, he said, “I’ll donate twenty thousand dollars if you two sing onstage.”
Kurt stepped in front of me. “I’ll donate twenty grand for the gesture. Have a good evening.”
A few of the officers in attendance turned our way, and the attention was completely on us. Twenty thousand dollars. Wow. The large sum was being thrown around as if it were five dollars.
The stranger appeared to be sizing up Kurt. “Well that would make forty grand. I’ll throw in an extra twenty for the hell of it. Sixty grand for the men in blue. Seems the least we could do for the men who protect our community.”
Those who heard clapped. Great. This was a no-win situation.
I stood there, shocked. If Kurt matched it, this man would raise it again. Kurt began to say something, but the last thing Garrick needed was to have some headline hit the newspapers about his girlfriend unwilling to help raise money. And Kurt’s band didn’t need the bad press, either. “It’s okay, Kurt. It’s for a good cause. One song.”
He leaned in to speak quietly. “Knoah, this could make the headlines.”
“It’s fine. We’ll deal with it.” With the mob potentially after me, how could this make my life any worse? I already had security out the yin-yang. I teased Kurt, “It’s for a good cause. And you better pay up when it’s over.”
Ignoring the challenger, Kurt and I walked toward the stage. “You sure you’re okay with this, Knoah? We don’t have to do this. I can handle it.”
That man would cause a scene—I could feel it. And before it was handled, it would be news. Ugh, whoever he was, I hoped Garrick would set him straight later.
“I promise.”
Kurt watched me to make sure there wasn’t any hesitation on my part. “What do you want to sing?”
I thought for a second, but my mind came up blank. “Something not romantic so they can’t try to tie us together. I don’t want that battle again now that Garrick and I are involved.”
He gave me a nod and a grin. “I’ve got just the thing. Hold tight.”
When the song ended, Kurt signaled to the lead singer. The band kept playing a slow melodic tune to avoid dead air. The lead singer was dressed nicely in slacks and a dress shirt but had an edge to his look. Kurt extended his hand. “Kurt Hendrix.”
“Jimmy Mason.” Of course, he tried to play it cool, but Jimmy was a little awestruck.
He nodded to me as Kurt continued, “Hey, Jimmy. Someone has offered a substantial donation if we sing a song. Do you mind if the band backs us up?”
“Nah, man, it would be an honor. I’m a huge fan. What song do you want to sing?”
“Do you guys know ‘Hallelujah’? I know it’s probably not what you typically play, but the melody is easy enough to improvise.” Kurt loosened his tie a little. He hated tuxedos with a passion. He’d even refused to wear a tux to prom back in the day.
I don’t think Jimmy expected that song choice from Mr. Rockstar. I had to keep a straight face and not laugh. The public only knew one side of Kurt, but he could sing the hell out of any genre. “Yeah, we sing it at weddings and shit. Our version is a little faster, to give it a different spin, if that’s okay.”
“That’ll work. Knoah and I can improvise on the speed.” I nodded when he glanced my way. Kurt and I had sung it a million different ways over the years. Kurt asked, “Wanna sing with us?”
The singer’s eyes widened. “Yeah… wow. Holy fucking shit.”
I suppressed another giggle at seeing this man awestruck in front of Kurt. Having a third person singing would make it less intimate, which had been my fear. I loved my best friend. He always looked out for me.
Jimmy looked at Kurt and then me, obviously excited. “How do you want to do this?”
Kurt thought for a second. “How about I do the first verse, you the second, Knoah the third, and all the fourth. We’ll harmonize on the Hallelujahs throughout.”
“Perfect,” Jimmy responded. It was sweet that Kurt gave him this moment as opposed to taking over.
Kurt looked at me, and I said, “Got it. No problem.”
This song would be perfect for this function with regard to style.
A band member handed us additional mics. Jimmy said, “Why don’t you introduce it while I catch the other guys up on what we’re doing.”
“Sounds good.” Kurt took the stage, and I followed behind him. Before he spoke, he looked at me, giving me another chance to back out. I nodded to go ahead. Stage Kurt came out—the tightness in his face relaxed and his show facade come out in full force. “Hey, guys. Sorry to interrupt the party.” The room grew silent. “I’m Kurt Hendrix and this is my friend Knoah. A considerable donation was offered if we’d sing. I think it’s a pretty good trade-off, don’t you?”
People clapped. Garrick appeared from one of the side doors and looked at me with concern. I smiled, hoping to keep my expression casual. He wasn’t happy. Uh-oh. We’d talk about it later, and I’d explain everything. I was safe, and security had been around us. The decision we’d made was best for all parties.
I focused back on Kurt to keep the nerves at bay.
Kurt continued, “I thought so, too. We all appreciate what the police force does for this community. Thank you to all the officers.” Another pause for applause. “And thank you to Garrick Shaw for sponsoring this event. It’s an honor to be here.” More claps. “We’re going to sing something Knoah and I have sung since the early days when we became friends. Are you guys ready?”
More cheers.
The room grew silent and Kurt began the song a cappella. His voice reverberated through the room. It was smooth, deep, and absolutely beautiful. I closed my eyes, listening to the sound and getting myself ready.
The first set of Hallelujahs came. I brought the mic to my lips and came in on the back half of the word. At least my voice hadn’t cracked. I had this. Focusing on the song and the tune, I blocked out the crowd.
The band came in and the beat increased.
Jimmy was up next, and he, too, had a good voice. It was soulful like Kurt’s, full of dimension but higher in pitch. He took a step forward until he was parallel to Kurt, leaving me a foot or so behind them. As he sang about beauty in the moonlight, I prepared for my turn.
We harmonized our Hallelujahs, our voices melding better this time as we learned each other’s voices.
The sound gave me peace.
It was my turn, and I took a few steps forward until I stood in front of the men. My voice came out crisp and clear as I sang, pouring my heart and soul into the verse. This particular one had higher notes than the first two. I threw my free hand out to the side as I reached the highest one.
Quickly, the song morphed into the last verse, and we harmonized, our voices blending perfectly now that we had the feel for each other. This was why I loved karaoke; the impromptu feeling was amazing. It was like old times with Kurt blending with my present.
I had needed my friend more than I realized. As the song drew to a close, we moved toward each other until we stood together on the stage, lowering our voices for the final notes.
The song finished and applause filled the room. I searched for Garrick, who stared at me with a blank expression. I wasn’t sure what he thought, so I shifted my gaze to above everyone’s head.
Was I terrible? I blinked a few times to keep the tears from coming. My chest felt heavy. I wanted to cry.
Kurt took the mic. “Thank you to Jimmy and his band for letting Knoah and I sing the song. To the gentleman over there who suggested we sing…” With his finger, Kurt pointed out the man who stood off to the side. A few gasps were heard. Though no one else could probably detect it, I heard the irritation in Kurt’s tone. He didn’t like this man forcing our hand. “I’ll see you at the donation table with your check for forty grand.” A few more gasps. “Another thank you to the police force for all you do. I know everyone here appreciates the sacrifices made.”
The room erupted in applause, and I waved and then followed Kurt off the stage. Out of sight from everyone else, he grabbed me for a hug. “You did fantastic. Man, I missed that.”
“Me, too. I’m glad you’re back in my life.”
We rounded the corner as Garrick came up the steps. He stopped and stared at me. Kurt said, “I’m going to track down that asshole and make sure he fucking pays. Prick.”
Garrick nodded, still not saying a word. Was I awful? Surely, Kurt would have told me or jumped in to save my solo part. “Garrick, I—”
“You take my breath away.” He paused, letting his emotions free for a second. Pure wonder stared back at me. “Seeing you up there, knowing you’re mine… It was the best feeling in the world.”
Relief washed through me. “Really?”
“You were amazing. Unbelievable. I had no idea.” He leaned in and touched his lips to mine. Against them, he murmured, “Now I have to make sure everyone knows you’re taken.”
Teasingly, I bit my lip. “My dance card is open at the moment.”
“Consider it filled.”
With one last kiss, we walked back out to the party. Knowing Garrick felt extremely possessive of me was a heady feeling—one I’d never experienced before.