Page 101 of Hittin' the Right Note
“You’re forgiven. And you know, I’m sorry, too. I know I talk a lot, but I also know I’m not always great at expressing my true feelings. I’m gonna work on that, believe me.”
Mikey paused, then rushed on, desperate to get the words out. “I really do think we have what it takes, though. ” He gave Luke a look of such longing and naked vulnerability it almost broke his heart. “What do you think?”
There was really only one response Luke could think of, only one thing he could say that could hope to capture the full extent of his feelings.
“Well, first, you’re forgiven, too. And second, you’re the only one for me,” he said. “You always have been.”
It was hopelessly cheesy, but somehow it fit.
If anything, Mikey’s smile got even bigger.
“I was hoping you’d say that,” he said, and then they both leaned in at the same time and kissed.
When their lips met this time, it was just like hitting the right note.
EPILOGUE
MIKEY—2017
Mikey had just finished up with a tour, and he was ready for a break, ready to spend a heavenly couple of months with Luke at the cabin. This was the moment he’d been waiting for, and he was going to savor it. He loved being on tour, of course, and he loved it even more when he was touring for an album he really believed in and when he got to do some shows with Mindy (who he was still trying to convince to visit West Virginia). However, there were also times when he just wanted to kick back and relax with the man of his dreams.
Before he did, though, he had a very important stop to make.
He needed to stop at NACA.
In the two years since the benefit concert the Northern Appalachia Center for the Arts had experienced a renaissance. More donations had poured in, Brenda had been amply rewarded for her skills in shepherding the Center to a new period of growth, and it had even been reported on in various national outlets.
Mikey didn’t like to be too conceited, but he did like it that he and Luke had played a key role in saving it from being demolished. Now it could continue being a major arts institutionfor the area, providing necessary resources for a new generation of young artists.
Brenda, of course, was in her office, and she gave him a big hug the minute he walked in.
“It’s always so nice to see you,” she said. “Truly. And you look terrific. Touring and chart success clearly agree with you.” She beamed at him. “Your song with Luke, ‘Anything Goes’ was number one on Spotify the last time I checked. You’re doing NACA proud, Mikey.”
Mikey preened under the praise, even as he took the chance to really examine the many improvements they’d made to the Center over the last couple of years. The signs of neglect were completely gone. The entire building had been given a thorough renovation, but care had been taken to make sure its classic character was maintained. Every studio was now equipped with state-of-the art recording equipment, and every instrument had been replaced. Even the theater department had been given a refresh, which included brand new costumes and props and an ample budget for sets.
I’m proud of us,he thought about his and Luke’s efforts.We did this.
“How are things with you?” he asked. “Are things here okay?”
He made it a point to check in as often as possible, and to his delight Brenda smiled.
“Oh yes, we’re fine,” she said. “More than fine, actually. We’ve never been better. Some of the most troublesome members of the board have conveniently taken other positions, and the donations continue to pour in. The endowment is flourishing, and we have enough money in our accounts to see us through several years.”
“That’s good,” he began, but before he could say anything else she interrupted him.
“Enough business,” she said. “You’ve got a boyfriend waiting for you, don’t you?”
Mikey did, and to be honest he couldn’t wait to get back to Luke, but he didn’t want Brenda to feel like she didn’t matter to him. Nothing could be further from the truth, and it wasn’t an exaggeration to say his relationship with Luke would never have happened if it weren’t for her.
When he tried to express his gratitude, however, his tongue got all twisted up. In any case, she just waved her hand.
“Don’t waste time being grateful to me,” she said. “I’m the one who’s never going to be able to repay the two of you for all you did. Without you, there wouldn’t be a NACA today.”
To his surprise, Mikey actually felt himself getting a little overwhelmed.
“Okay, that’s enough of the mushy stuff,” Brenda said, no-nonsense as usual. “Stop loitering her and get up there to your cabin. He’s missed you.”
“Would you mind if I give you a hug, first?” he asked.
