“So, Flynn, remember how you played guitar on your boat and we sang a duet with impeccable harmony?” Chloe asked with a saccharine tone to her voice as she snaked an arm around his waist, pulling him in close to her.
“Um, yeah, that was only two nights ago Chloe.”
“Okay, well remember how you joked we should start a band?”
“I’m not sure I like where this is going. I don’t think with everything that’s going on right now either of should be thinking about a music career.” Flynn laughed nervously, his icy blue eyes uncertain about where this conversation was headed.
“It’s nothing like that, but…I saw a flyer for an open mic night at the cafe in town.”
“No, absolutely not.“ Flynn shook his head emphatically. “I told you I don’t sing in front of other people. It was hard enough to do it for you.”
Chloe pressed a soft kiss to Flynn’s lips, tasting the lingering flavor of rich, acidic red wine. “It’s kind of adorable that after everything you’ve been through, you are still so shy. I would have thought you wouldn’t care about what people think.”
“I don’t really care that much. Especially not about the opinions of the people of Birchport.”
“So then there is nothing to be afraid of, right? Your talent is too great to keep all to yourself, plus we could use the distraction. ”
Flynn stepped back and crossed his arms. “Still not interested.”
Chloe’s eyes darted away sheepishly. “Well…I may have already signed us up.”
“What? No, wait a minute. You need to get us off the list.”
“Please, Flynn?” Chloe batted her eyelashes and made a mock pouty face while trying to suppress a smile.“
Flynn shook his head. “Don’t give me that look.”
“What look?” Chloe feigned ignorance. She was starting to learn just how to push all of Flynn O’Malley’s buttons.
Flynn narrowed his eyes and smirked. “I’m onto you, Chloe. You are making that cute face you made when you convinced me to play for you on my houseboat. The face I can’t say no to.”
Chloe clapped her hands together excitedly and then wrapped Flynn in a bear hug. “Does that mean you’ll do it?”
“I will this once, but don’t expect me to do it again. Since this is all your idea, do you have any songs in mind?”
“Hmm. Chloe pursed her lips and paused to think. “I know you like country, but cheesy country love songs aren’t really my thing…”
“So Islands in the Stream is out?” Flynn teased.
“What are we 70 or something? Plus, I’m no Dolly Parton.”
Flynn Chuckled. “I impressed you even know the song. So, what do you suggest then?.”
Chloe thought a moment longer before an idea came to her. “I know! How about FourFiveSeconds?”
“I don’t know if I know that one.”
“Have you been living under a rock, Flynn?…Oh, sorry that was a dumb question.”
“We weren’t totally cut off in prison, but yeah, I wasn’t kept up to speed with all current pop culture.”
“Well I think this will be perfect for us. Here take a listen.” Chloe pulled the song up on her phone:
I think I’ve had enough
I might get a little drunk
I say what’s on my mind
I might do a little time
Flynn paused the music. “You really want to hit them over the head with my ex-convict status, huh?”
“Hey, if Chief Walsh has any say, I’ll be the one doing time. We have to be able to laugh at ourselves. It’s my part anyway unless you think you can pull off Rhianna.
Flynn nodded in agreement. “This is all true.” The music played on:
’Cause all of my kindness
Is taken for weakness
Now I’m FourFiveSeconds from wildin’
And we got three more days ‘til Friday
I’m just tryna make it back home by Monday mornin’
I swear I wish somebody would tell me
Ooh, that’s all I want
“Alright the chorus sounds legit,” Flynn admitted. “I think our voices will blend well together.” He pushed play again:
Woke up an optimist
Sun was shinin’, I’m positive
Then I heard you was talkin’ trash
Hold me back, I’m ’bout to spaz
Flynn tapped pause once more. “If you are Rhianna, that makes me Kanye, doesn’t it?”
“I’d consider you more of a Paul McCartney than a Kanye, but yes this is your vocal part. The guitar is your McCartney side.”
“You don’t think I can pull off being a Kanye?” Flynn pretended to look hurt.
Chloe giggled. “Flynn, nobody aspires to be a Kanye. Take it as a compliment that I think of you more like a Paul McCartney.”
“Point taken. Shall we continue?”
The listened to the song the rest of the way through, and got to work practicing. Chloe was impressed how fast Flynn picked up the guitar part without any sheet music. After about an hour of practice, they had the song down.
“Wow, I’m relieved that went so well. Did I mention open mic night is tonight?” Chloe asked nonchalantly. “Our time-slot starts in two hours.”
“You…once again…are lucky I find you so adorable, Chloe.”
“Sorry, I didn’t think there was a chance in hell you’d say yes if I told you it was tonight, but look how amazing our rehearsal went. We’ll knock it out of the park. I’m going to the hotel to get ready and I’ll meet you there.”
Chloe kept it simple in her favorite little black dress. She wore her hair down in loose waves. As she walked up to the cafe, she saw Flynn standing there, guitar case in hand. He wore a pale blue dress shirt that made his light blue eyes even more vivid if that were possible.
“Looking sharp, O’Malley.”
“You know, just trying to be more McCartney than Kanye.” He dropped the guitar case to wrap her in his embrace. He smelled of crisp, clean cologne with a hint of salty see air. “You ready for this?”
“Absolutely.” Chloe replied with a gleaming smile and twinkling eyes. Flynn picked up his guitar, offered his arm to her, and they walked inside.
The place was packed and Chloe grew nervous, not for herself, but for Flynn. She hadn’t thought it would be this big of deal, but half the town seemed to be there. Despite her concern, he appeared calm and collected. The went on as scheduled and it was a huge success, with the crowd offering a standing ovation. They stayed and had a couple drinks while watching the other acts perform before leaving the cafe together.
“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Chloe asked, already knowing the answer.
“It actually felt pretty damn good. I’ve never had so many people in this town cheering for me.”
“Does that mean you’ll do it again?”
“Don’t push your luck Chloe. I’m not making any promises, but we’ll see. Now that I did something you wanted to do, how about we do something I want to do?” Flynn asked expectantly.
Chloe grinned knowingly. “And just what would you like to do?”
“I could go for some stargazing on the boat again.”
Chloe chuckled. “Stargazing, huh? Is that what we are calling it?”
“Hey, all I’m talking about is laying back looking at the stars. I’m not sure what that dirty mind of yours is thinking.”
Chloe punched his shoulder playfully. “Whatever, Flynn. Now let’s go before I change my mind.”
“You don’t have to ask me twice.” Flynn took Chloe’s hand in his and they strolled blissfully into the night.