Without You (20 page)

His killer smile had all the females swooning, including me.

“So let me give you the short version on what we’ll be doing at Sunshine and Lyrics. For the press, if you have further questions, please feel free to stay after this event is over.” He paused, running his fingers through his hair. He was nervous and excited. It was adorable. “At Sunshine and Lyrics, we will be having open mic nights for varying genres from Thursday through Sunday. Guests can enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine, but we won’t serve liquor. I got my start in places like this. I’m hoping some artists will have the same good fortune I’ve had. On Sundays, it will be family day and a dry bar as well. The stage will be opened up to kids seventeen and under. I really want to have a laid-back atmosphere where musicians of all kinds can jam together, try new things, and help each other out. Collaboration is the key in this business.”

Evan stopped while the audience clapped again and hollered.

“Thank you. We didn’t plan on launching this early, but those of you who know me well know that once I have my heart set on something, I don’t give up until I have it.” He looked in my direction again and I shook my head. He was absolutely amazing. “We only have one act today since it’s a soft opening. The big launch won’t be until next month. However...” He paused and we all waited with bated breath. “I do have a treat for you today. I’d like to invite some of my new friends to join me up here on stage. Abbi, Jimmy, Dalton. Come on up.” I watched as my students jumped up next to him. “I had the pleasure of talking to a few junior high classes and I was amazed at the raw talent that I witnessed in jamming with these kiddos. I couldn’t think of a better way to open up Sunshine and Lyrics. I know you’re going to love them as much as I do.” He gave each of the kids a look of pride. “You guys ready?”

They nodded and took their places. Evan went back to the piano, shedding his hoodie along the way and then turning a ball cap backward on his head. Jimmy strapped on an electric guitar, while Dalton sat behind a set of drums and yanked sticks from his back pocket. Abbi stood in front of the mic, beaming from ear to ear.

“Wooo hooo,” I cheered loudly. I couldn’t help it. These were my kids.

Jimmy’s fingers worked an unfamiliar yet amazing intro to their song before Evan and Dalton joined in.

When Abbi started to sing, the waterworks started again. She was just like the song,
Beautiful
. I stole a glance at her parents. Her mother was crying and her dad looked on in awe. I didn’t know who to watch, them or Abbi.

“I am beautiful no matter what they say...”
she sang, flawlessly and emotionally until the very end. She reminded me of Evan. She felt the music deep in her heart and in her bones. When she opened her eyes after she sang the last note, the whole place got to their feet clapping endlessly and cheering Abbi’s name. I was speechless. If this is what Evan planned to do every day, I was all in. No questions asked.

He. Was. Simply. Amazing. Period.

The kids took bows. Then, they turned to hug Evan before they jumped off the stage. My heart couldn’t be fuller.

“What did you think of that?” Evan yelled. “Abbi, you killed it, honey. That was amazing.” More cheers. “And how about the Jimster on the electric and my buddy Dalton on the sticks. Let’s give it up for them.” The crowd continued to go crazy. “As you can see, this place is going to be rocking with talent and I’m so honored to be part of it. I’d also like to point out that right next door, Sunshine and Lyrics will be expanded to include a space for music lessons. Some even taught be yours truly.”

Would the surprises ever end?

“I have one other surprise for you.”
I guess not.
“Well, maybe it’s not for all of you, but it’s for someone very special to me. I wrote a song that brought her back to me. She’s here tonight, and if you don’t mind, I’d like to sing it for her.” According to the audience’s thrilled response, they didn’t mind at all. “Thank you.”

I sat at the edge of my chair, shaking slightly, as Evan moved to the piano and sat on the bench. He adjusted the mic to his liking and then began. I knew that melody anywhere. Hearing him play my song again did something to my heart that couldn’t be explained. It was overflowing with love for him. It was all so overwhelming. The room was silent except for the sound of the music coming from the piano. I inhaled and then held my breath as Evan started to sing...

A second chance was never something

I thought I would have to ask for

But now, I’m so alone

Without you ...

I could’ve held you tight

And never let go

But I walked away

Without you ...

I’m sorry I took you for granted

Assumed you’d always be there

I don’t know how to go on

Without you ...

Without you, I’m half the man I’m meant to be

Without you, I know I’ll never thrive

Together, we make the perfect song

And more than anything, oh-oh

I need you for my forever

I could’ve held your hand

Showered you with flowers

But those little things are gone

Without you ...

I want to sway with you

In the moonlight

Dance on our wedding night, but I can’t

Without you ...

You’re my sunshine

My breath of fresh air

But now my world is dark

Without you ...

Without you, I’m half the man I’m meant to be

Without you, I know I’ll never thrive

Together, we make the perfect song

And more than anything, oh-oh

I need you for my forever

But now I’m willing to fight

Do all the things that are right

I need you to be my light

Because I don’t want to ever be ...

Without you.

Because I love you.

Without you, I’m half the man I’m meant to be

Without you, I know I’ll never thrive

Together, we make the perfect song

And more than anything, oh-oh

I need you for my forever

Just when I thought the song was over, he continued.

Another chance was all we needed

To know our love was true

I’m yours

You’re mine

There will never be

Another day for me...

Without you.

Crowd or not, reporters or not, I couldn’t stop myself from going to him. I needed to hold Evan and I didn’t care who watched. Evan finished tapping the last note just as I weaved through the tables and made it to him. He looked back over his shoulder and saw me. He winked with tears in his eyes. Then, he stood up, came over to me, and held out his hand.

Without even thinking about where we were, I took it. He yanked me up on stage and flush against his body.

“This is your three-year deal, Evan? You never cease to amaze me,” I said, looking up at him.

“Yeah, it’s more of a three-year lease with an option to buy. Sam and I always talk in our industry terms. Sorry, it got muffled up.”

It didn’t matter. “I love you,” I told him.

“Good,” he said, getting down on one knee. “Since I didn’t do it right the first time, let’s pretend like it was practice for the real thing.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue satin box. “Marry me, Sunshine, so there will never be another day for me without you.”

Faintly, I could hear the hooting and hollering of our best friends. I glanced toward the voice and saw that Genna and Luke were there along with my parents and Evan’s. Each of the women had tears in their eyes. Genna yelled, “Say yes, dummy!”

Dazed with happiness, I looked down at Evan and smiled. He gave me that sexy grin of his and he winked. “Yes, Evan. Yes. I want to be with you, always.”

He slid the ring on my finger and jumped up, circling his arms around me before planting a kiss on my lips that would have my students talking for days.

But I didn’t care.

Evan James was mine. Again. Only now, it was a deal that would last a lifetime.

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S
ix Months Later

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E
VAN

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“D
id you get some Cheerios?” I called out to Maddy when she walked in the front door. I was in the kitchen harboring a huge craving for cereal. “Someone left an empty box in the cupboard.”

“It’s not empty,” she said as I made my way to her to take the few groceries from her arms. “There was a bowl left.”

“Maybe a spoonful, if I’m lucky.” I set the two bags on the counter, and leaned into it, raising my brow at her.

She arched a brow right back. “You’re lucky I got you anything.” The confused expression on my face caused her to laugh. “What did I tell you?” She dug inside one of the reusable bags and pulled out a magazine. “Didn’t I say I wanted to be able to get a carton of milk without having to see a woman draped across you like a scarf on the cover of a some rag?”

I took it from her, knowing exactly what it was. A cheesy smile spread across my face. We had been expecting it. We’d seen the cover, and the article, but being able to buy it at the grocery store was another thing.

“Actually, you said you didn’t want to see a sleazy underwear model draped across me like a scarf.” I pointed to the picture and said, “This woman right here. This is my wife and she is no sleaze. She is by far hotter, and way more beautiful than any model I’ve ever seen.” I reached my hand out to her. “Now, where are my Cheerios?”

She swatted my hand away, but she wasn’t fast enough. “Come here, Mrs. James. I want to wrap myself around
you
like a scarf and make love to you.” I scooped her up into my arms and darted down the hall to our bedroom. The cereal could wait. Suddenly, I craved something, or should I say someone, so much more. My sunshine. My bride. My best friend, the woman I plan on loving for forever.

* * * * *

G
RAMMY AWARD WINNING SINGER-SONGWRITER HANGS UP HIS MIC TO START A NEW VENTURE

Evan James Opens Listening Room

Pasadena, CA

Three years ago, Evan James took the music scene by storm with his tender vocals and meaningful lyrics. After recording two albums and two solo tours, it appears that James has taken on a new venture opening up a listening room of sorts called Sunshine & Lyrics in Pasadena, California, inspired by Nashville’s iconic The Bluebird Cafe.

“The location was important to me. I wanted to find a city with character and nightlife, but without the craze of downtown Los Angeles or Hollywood,” James said.

At the grand opening of Sunshine & Lyrics two weeks ago, the doors opened to people of all ages and walks of life. The establishment prides itself on inviting anyone who has a love of music. Light snacks are on the menu, along with beer and wine. Sundays are dry days when all ages are welcome. James says, “There’s something for everyone.”

Thursday: Songwriter’s Showcase

Friday: Genre night (a different one each week)

Saturday: Open Mic Night

Sunday: Family Day

Right next door, music lovers can get lessons on just about any instrument. James will be teaching some of the classes himself. It appears that the new establishment is drawing in several A-listers. Chris Daughtry popped in to help with guitar lessons for a small group of teenagers, while Jennifer Nettles stopped in to listen to the first Songwriter’s Showcase. It is clear that Sunshine & Lyrics has a vibe that draws people in and where talent is grown.

The idea came to James when he decided to hang up his touring shoes and put his business degree to use.

“As soon as I left, I knew it didn’t feel right. Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful for all the success I’ve had and I love my fans, but sometimes you gotta look past the fast life, money, and celebrity to go after what really makes you happy. For me, it was love. It was Maddy. It was us being together. Sunshine & Lyrics is a symbol of us, our love for each other, our love for music, and for teaching.”

Just two months ago, James married his high school sweetheart, Madison Grey, at her parents’ home in Big Bear, California. Their parents, best friends, and James’ manager and assistant were the only guests in attendance. They successfully avoided media presence and word of their nuptials were not released until after the ceremony took place.

“Maddy’s not used to all this attention. I’ve been in love with this woman since I was sixteen, I wanted our wedding day to be special and private.” It’s understandable that James and his new bride wouldn’t want their wedding day to be taken over by hovering helicopters and paparazzi hiding in the bushes. They did promise they would release a photo of their big day on the Sunshine & Lyrics official website.

The new Mrs. James is just as thrilled with the new opening as James. “Since the day I met Evan, music has been part of his life. I’d sit back and just watch him create, always in awe that he had such talent. It was incomprehensible to me that he could be so sweet, and so good at the same time. The fact that he wants to share all that with anyone who wants to stop by is inspiring. And he’s so great with the kids. They really look up to him. It’s a good thing. He’s definitely someone that can guide them in the right direction.” Madison James has been a middle school teacher for three years, and as such, having healthy role models for teenagers is something she understands quite well. She will continue to teach during the week, but lend her talents to Sunshine & Lyrics on the weekends.

Sunshine & Lyrics has been buzzing since its soft opening a few months ago. Wanting to surprise his then fiancée, James opened the place early for a small show. He invited a few talented teenagers to play a song with him. Thirteen-year-old, Abigail Graham, melted the hearts of all in attendance with her sweet rendition of Christina Aguilera’s
Beautiful
. Two other youngsters joined in on the guitar and drums, while James himself played the piano. The kids first met James when he came to an impromptu career day at the middle school where Madison James teaches.

The finale came when James took to the upright playing a new song called
Without You
for her. When he finished singing, he went to her and dropped to his knee and proposed right there in front of the crowd. And the rest is, as they say, history.