Fourteen
I’ll Be Your Man Through and Through
I stood back to get a better view in the full length mirror. After much internal debate I had decided to wear the sleeveless pink top that tied around the neck. The top half of my back and shoulders were exposed but the lower half was completely covered. I went with a pair of cute fitted jeans and a pair of brown leather boots that stopped below the knee. I left my hair down, deciding to give it a few loose, bouncy curls. I meticulously gave my eyes a smoky look that made the natural honey color stand out more. And not wanting my lips to compete with my eyes, I gave them a soft pink gloss. I stood back to appraise my reflection and decided I looked okay.
At that moment, the doorbell rang. I looked at the clock to see what time it was – a few minutes past six. And like clockwork my nerves started rattling around. By the time I grabbed the doorknob my nerves felt like twisted knots. I exhaled a breath of air in a futile attempt at slowing the pace of my ever increasing heart rate. Inhaling slowly, I opened the door.
“Hello, Cooper,” I said, hoping he couldn’t see how nervous I was. The thought of being on stage, even a small one, was enough to make me hyperventilate.
Cooper stood on the other side of the door wearing jeans that fit his body in all the right places and a dark gray fitted t-shirt that accentuated his toned chest and arms. He was leaning against one of the porch columns, both hands in his front pockets, and was looking very relaxed and very handsome.
Cooper immediately shifted his body and stood up straight, his eyes doing a full body scan of me, taking inventory, before resting on my mouth and then a gradual climb to my eyes.
“Wow, Lil,” he said, running his hand through his hair, “you’re so…” He paused. “You’re stunning.”
“Thank you. Mind if I repay the compliment, kind sir?” He was beautiful to me in every way and I was having a hard time trying to control my own impulses.
“You think I’m stunning?” Cooper asked playfully.
“I don’t think it. You are.”
“Mmmm…I have half a mind to call the bar and tell ‘em something’s come up and we can’t make it,” he said, a grin threatening to tickle the corner of his mouth.
“I think I could live with disappointing Joe and your friends if you’d rather stay here,” I said lightheartedly.
“Oh no you don’t. You’re not getting out of this so don’t even think about it,” he quipped, cocked his head to the side, and gave me a look that nearly stopped my heart. “But it is tempting, I have to admit.”
I reached for Cooper’s hand and threaded my fingers with his. “Let’s do this,” I said, with way more conviction than I actually felt. I think I was trying to convince myself more than I was Cooper that I was ready to pull this off.
Cooper looked down when I laced my fingers with his and a genuine expression of affection flickered across his face. He gradually trailed his eyes back up to meet mine and our gazes locked. I felt myself moving toward him, closing the gap between us. His wonderfully masculine scent enveloped my senses sending electricity zinging through my body. I felt Cooper’s fingers lightly graze across my bare shoulder and his unexpected touch made me shiver. When his fingers moved to brush my hair away I felt Cooper’s mouth on my skin, edging along the line of my shoulder and then my collar bone. My body hummed and a wave of warmth ricocheted through me. His lips slowly traveled up my neck, making a path to the sensitive patch behind my ear, and that simple touch made me feel weightless. I was floating on a cloud because I was certain I was no longer standing on solid ground.
“God, Lily, you have no idea…”
“No idea what?”
“How much I…” He groaned and rested his forehead on mine. He brought our hands up and held them there between us as his breathing became faster. He laid my palms on his beating heart and then cupped my face with his. He kissed the tip of my nose and then my cheek and then finally he touched his lips to mine sending sparks straight to my core. Slow, tender kisses that seemed to last hours, not minutes. When he finally pulled back he said, “We need to get going before I lose all the self-control I have.” With that, he took me by the hand and led me to his car.
The abrupt end to our physical contact left me feeling flustered and dizzy. Okay, a lot flustered and dizzy.
“Thank you, Lily, for doing this,” Cooper said as we pulled up to Joe’s. “I know this sort of thing makes you nervous and I get that, but I want you to know…” he stopped to stroke my hair and then tucked a piece behind my ear, “I think you are the most amazing person I’ve ever known.”
All I could do was smile at him, and then managed to squeak out, “Thank you, Cooper. You’re sweet.”
Cooper’s eyes were trying to communicate things his lips weren’t saying. He seemed to be doing a lot of thinking tonight. He was quiet after we got in the car and I wondered what was on his mind. When Cooper opened his door to get out I remembered what it was I was going to be doing tonight, and my whole body tensed up. Cooper opened my door and reached for my hand to help me out, and he quickly noticed the sudden change in my body language. I became stiff and rigid as I fell from that puffy white cloud I was riding earlier.
Cooper pulled me in for a tight hug. He whispered in my ear, “What’s black, white, black, white, black, white?”
I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “What?”
“Just answer the question.”
“I have no idea.”
“A penguin rolling down a hill. What’s black and white and laughing?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know,” I said, making a sad attempt not to laugh.
“The penguin who pushed him.”
I stared at him like he might have lost his mind and he stared back looking like he couldn’t hold it together anymore and then we both started laughing. I could feel some of that tension disappear.
“More of Joe’s corny jokes I presume?”
Cooper flashed me a flirtatious grin. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make you smile.” I guess Cooper could feel my rigid posture relax a bit too. “That’s my girl. Now what do ya say about having some fun tonight and forget about everything else?”
Holding my shoulders back with confidence, I said, “Sounds like a plan.”
“Good.” Cooper took my hand and together we walked into Joe’s.
“Hey, Lily!” Joe shouted from behind the bar, his smile big and bright. The music that funneled from the speakers was kind of loud, but the crowd was still thin. I suspected, though, that this place would be packed and crowded soon enough.
“Hi, Joe,” I replied when we walked up to the bar.
“Are y’all still set to sing together tonight?” he asked Cooper.
Cooper draped his arm over my shoulders and said, “Yep.”
“Awesome. I got the table closest to the stage reserved for you guys. Everyone should be getting here soon,” Joe said, then busied himself behind the bar.
“What is he talking about? Who’s everyone?” I asked Cooper.
“Joe went with me to get your car this afternoon and I told Beth she needed to come tonight. And of course Hayden will be here. And my grandmother is coming.”
“You told Ms. Sophie?”
“I did.”
“And she wants to come? Why?”
“Why wouldn’t she? She’s looking forward to seeing you.”
For whatever reason, the idea of having Ms. Sophie present gave me a sense of calm. “Thanks, Cooper. I’m happy she’s coming.”
He kissed the top of my head. “You’re welcome, precious.”
I wrapped my arms around his waist because I just wanted to hold him. He very warmly reciprocated and wrapped his arms tightly around me. I could totally get used to this.
“Lily, dear, I’m so happy to see you.” I turned to see the sweet familiar face of Cooper’s grandmother.
“Ms. Sophie! I’m so glad you came.” I literally could not stop smiling.
“Of course, dear. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” She hugged me, and then Cooper.
Cooper put his hands in his front pockets and gave the floor a warm smile. Then he looked up at us. “I gotta go set up. It won’t take me long. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Ms. Sophie and I went and sat down at the table Joe set up for us.
“How have you been?” Ms. Sophie asked.
“I’ve been…” I said, thinking back to my first lunch date with Cooper several days ago and all the time I’d spent with him since, “really good.” I found myself studying the scratches on the tabletop, not wanting to look directly at Ms. Sophie for fear she could read me like a book.
Ms. Sophie reached across the table and patted my hands. “That’s wonderful, dear. I see the light in your eyes. I haven’t seen that light before. Oh, you’ve always been a beautiful girl – nothing could ever change that— but you light up the whole room when you walk in now.”
I looked up at Ms. Sophie shyly. “Thanks.”
Ms. Sophie stole a glance at her grandson before looking back at me. “I couldn’t be happier, dear. And in case you didn’t notice, Cooper lights up the room now too.”
Just then a waitress came over and brought us drinks. She handed Ms. Sophie a glass of water and set down a bottle of Corona in front of me. I looked at her quizzically and she said, “Cooper ordered it for you.”
“Oh, thank you.”
“Sure. I’ll be back to check on you in a few minutes.”
Looking over Ms. Sophie’s shoulder I saw Hayden walk in and Joe motioned him over to our table. Joe came over and sat down with us, bringing with him a shot of tequila for me. “Here you go, Lily. Just for you,” Joe laughed.
“Ah, you remembered,” I quipped, wasting no time drinking it.
“You don’t want to drink too much of that before getting on stage,” Cooper said chuckling as he sat down next to me. “Take my word for it.”
“Oh? Sounds like there might be a story there.”
Cooper laughed. “Of course there is, but I’ve learned my lesson.” He leaned over and kissed the tip of my nose. If he wasn’t sitting so close to me, in essence keeping me grounded, acting as a buffer between my nerves and our surroundings, I may have been tempted to drink more. I certainly wanted to.
I scanned the bar and was surprised to see how quickly the place filled up. Loud conversations were all about, the clinking sounds of bottles and glasses penetrated through the loud chatter, and the music coming from the speakers seemed to echo off the walls. It was getting harder and harder to hear the people sitting at our table without having to shout. It wasn’t like that when we were there a couple of nights before. Friday nights were definitely a whole different vibe and a whole different scene.
Without warning Joe stood up and walked onto the stage. He motioned for someone in the back to kill the music and he grabbed the microphone. “Ladies and Gentlemen, for your listening enjoyment tonight please welcome Cooper Hudson!”
Clapping, whistles, cheers, and even some shout outs from the crowd that I couldn’t quite make out ensued all around me. These people were here to see Cooper, and I was wishing I was invisible. Sensing my uneasiness, Cooper put his hand on my thigh, squeezed and whispered in my ear, “I’m going to go up by myself, and I’ll call you up when it’s time. You have a few minutes, so relax.” He stood up and walked to the stage.
He took a seat on the stool and pulled the guitar strap over his head, then adjusted the mic stand. “How is everyone doing tonight?” he said in that charming way of his.
The audience got louder.
“I’m sorry, what? I can’t hear you.”
The crowd cheered and applauded and more shout outs came from the back.
“That’s better. Glad to see everyone out tonight and having a good time. Are y’all ready for some music?”
“Hell yeah!” was shouted from somewhere in the back and people applauded at that. Cooper smiled a smile that could melt hearts. “Okay then. Let’s do this.”
Cooper sang a couple of fast songs with a good beat and I was in awe of his stage presence. He made it look so easy. I was sitting there watching Cooper perform when I felt a hand reach behind me and then a hug. Spinning around in my seat I looked up and saw Beth’s face smiling back at me.
“Beth! You made it!”
“Of course I did, silly.” She slid into the seat next to me that Cooper had occupied. “Oh my God, Lily, he is so good! You haven’t sung yet have you?”
“No, not yet.” On cue, my hands started shaking in anticipation.
Beth squealed and did that fast clap thing she did when she got excited. “I can’t wait!”
“Did you come by yourself?”
“Yeah,” was all she said, and then smiled.
Cooper’s song ended and another round of applause ensued. Everyone at our table joined in. He was making this night so much fun.
“Thank you. Thank you. Listen, I’ve been trying to convince this beautiful girl sitting down here,” he pointed to me and everyone looked in my direction, “to sing with me. But it hasn’t been easy, let me tell you.” The audience laughed. “I’ve come to realize that the best things in life don’t come easy, so that’s okay. My persistence paid off because she’s finally agreed to join me tonight and sing a duet for y’all.” The crowd gave a congratulatory clap. “Y’all please welcome Lily Grayson!” The audience whistled and cheered as I stood up to take the stage next to Cooper. Beth, Ms. Sophie, Hayden, and Joe were all clapping. I walked on the stage, and when I got close to him, Cooper said in my ear, “Focus on me, Lil. Just me.” His breath in my ear made chill bumps appear on my skin instantly. Every. Time. I sat down on the stool next to him and adjusted my mic.
“We’re going to do a duet,” Cooper said, speaking to the audience again, “‘To Whom It May Concern’ by the Civil Wars.” He looked over at me. “You ready, Lil?”
I nodded tentatively. His eyes stayed focused on mine and he counted off…1…2…3….and just like that music was playing.
I’m not really sure at what point the bar patrons got quiet or when they started their applause because all the time in between the only thing I could focus on was Cooper. For me, it felt like we were the only two people in the room. The only thing I could see was Cooper’s face, the only thing I could hear was his soulful voice, and the only thing I could feel were his eyes. They were on me, in me, and looking right through me.
The words to the song encompassed all the things I wanted to tell Cooper so I made sure I sang to him – straight to his heart with all the feeling I had. Music for me had always been a sweet release of feelings and thoughts. The lyrics, the strum of his guitar, and the energy that emanated from his body, speaking a language my body responded to and understood – was all made perfect as our voices danced together in perfect harmony. The richness of Cooper’s voice and the softness of mine was a perfect combination that illuminated the intent behind the words. It really was perfect.
The look on Cooper’s face when he removed his guitar strap over his head made me almost lose it. He was seductive and sexy, yet sweet and protective. He kept his eyes locked on mine, and my blood turned to molten lava. The song had ended, yet we were still the only two people in the room.
I felt someone touch my arm and all the sounds of the room came back to me like someone had turned up the volume. The cheers and applause were palpable and for a moment I wondered who they were clapping for, until I felt Cooper’s arms hug me at the waist, lifting me off the ground.
“You were wonderful, baby!”
I looked around the room and saw people on their feet, whistling and shouting for another song. I turned back toward Cooper and he leaned in so I could hear him. “They want another song. Whadaya say?”
I shrugged my shoulders shyly and looked at Cooper, telling him I’d rather not, and he seemed to understand. He took me by the hand and gestured for me to sit back on the stool beside him. He took the mic and said, “Thank you, thank you. She’s wonderful isn’t she?” The audience cheered. “Thank you, that’s what I’ve been telling her.” He turned to look at me and smiled that heart stopping smile. “I feel like doing a little serenading, so Lily, your job is to sit there and listen.” The whole place erupted with thunderous applause and whoops and hollers from all directions. He gave me a wink and then got comfortable on his stool. Speaking into the microphone he said, “Lily, this song is for you.”
‘David Livingstone’ by Jon Bryant was the song Cooper sang to me. I felt like someone hit the mute button because you could hear a pin drop when Cooper opened his mouth and the first words left him with fluid eloquence. Again we connected to each other in a way that was almost indescribable. I was breathing in the words and finding it hard to keep the tears that threatened to escape from falling. Cooper looked very controlled, but I could also tell he was using that self-restraint of his when I saw the muscles in his jaw tighten. The expression on his face was sincere and contemplative. I did as he asked me to do, I listened. I could feel all eyes on me, but I only had eyes for the man sitting right here in front of me. If he wanted me to fall in love with him… he succeeded.
And then, like the evanescence of the morning mist, the beautiful song faded and what was left was the sound my heart made as it beat hard against the wall of my chest.
Cooper set down his guitar, stood up and reached to pull me up so that we were standing face to face. He moved in and wrapped his arms around me for a warm embrace. It wasn’t like we weren’t standing on a stage in a bar filled with lots of people all looking at us. Then I heard the words I was afraid to hear and the words I was afraid I would never hear.
“I love you, Lily. I absolutely love you.”