Finally, Brandon starts the mid-tempo, R&B tinged, reggae jam, “How High,” by Damnboy. This breaks my trance, and I play my guitar. I watch Aidan and Bailey, the newly crowned Prom King and Queen, slow dance. As Brandon sings about taking a chance and testing the limits of love, I lock eyes with Julian again. Our energies meld from across the room, as if we’re standing in front of each other.
When the music ends, Brandon sneaks a glance at me and arches his brow. I give him a quick nod to confirm that I’m ready. He turns to the mic and addresses the crowd. “Ok, boys and girls, can we give it up to our queen, Jojo Ligaya!”
Amidst the cheers,I wipe my clammy hands on my thighs and wipe the sweat off my upper lip as I grip the mic.
“I made this song last year for my angel.” He pauses and the crowd somber. “It’s called, ‘Let Love Shine.’ I know she’s looking down on us, and I hope you guys like it.” He stops and points upwards. “This is for you, Lex.”
My heart beats erratically, and my bravery dissipates. Brandon leans over and whispers in my ear. “You’ll do great. They’ll love you.” Then, he takes his spot, leaving me to return my attention to the whole senior class. Shit. I take a deep breath and imagine that there’s no one else in the room but me and my guitar.
In the back, I hear Kekoa hitting his drumsticks and counting. On the last beat, Mark plays on the keyboard a familiar melody. Seven seconds into the intro, Daniel beats the bass drums providing the basic pulse patterns. Finally, he hits the snare drum, giving us all the signal to combine all of our instruments to play the song that I first heard in that music room, many months ago.
This version is mid-tempo, but it has the same impact. Brandon closes his eyes and croons. As I watch him, I’m reminded that this performance is bigger than me. He asked me to sing this as a duet, and it’s an honor to be tasked with such a meaningful act.
When he signals for the next stanza, I nod. Mouth inches to the mic, I sing with my usual style—warm, thick and weighty tone, spanning four octaves. I’ve practiced many times over the past month, so I’m pleased with myself that I’m hitting the pitch. The crowd roars, surprised at my singing. In the meantime, Julian beams at me, but I give him a wink and pull through the rest of the song.
When we finish, there are no dry eyes in the crowd. But Brandon continues to the next song, an upbeat dance number to elevate the mood. I motion for Brandon with my head, giving him a signal that I’m taking a break. He acknowledges me and refocuses on his audience.
Julian pushes himself off the wall and walks over to the dance floor. With Brandon as a soundtrack, we meet in the middle.
“Hey, Rockstar,” he said.
“I’ll sign autographs later.” I chuckle.
He gives me his Cheshire grin as he wraps his arms around my waist. He lowers his head to mine as he flushes me against his chest. His delicious scents of sandalwood and Cool Water weakens me, but I strengthen my resolve. I have a mission to accomplish. “So there was this incredibly stubborn blond swimmer who had the hots for me. He told me once that he loved me. You know the guy?”
He takes my arms, one by one, and wraps them around his neck. “Hmmm…I might. What do you want from him? He sounds like a complicated guy.”
I smile. “He is, but then again, I’m a complicated gal, so I think he’s perfect for me.”
He arches his brow. “Is he?”
I nod. “And there’s something that I’ve been meaning to tell him, but I never had the chance until now. Can you deliver a message for me?”
His blue eyes darken and smolder. “Tell me.”
I take a deep breath. “Tell him I love him, too.”
Julian lets our foreheads touch. “Tell me one more time,” he whispers.
I close my eyes and let the ballroom slip away. “I love you, Julian Anthony Taylor. Always have. Always will.”
He wastes no more time and plants his lips on mine, sealing my declaration of love with a kiss. As Julian and I stand in the middle of the ballroom, bodies touching, lips intertwined, nothing else matters but this strange magic between us that transcends romantic love; this spiritual union that combines friendship and psychic connection. It’s scary and exciting, and I can’t wait to see where this crazy world of ours will take us.
But for now, I’ll just enjoy my time with my best friend and own this perfect moment.
Until the next adventure…
The Night Orchid Page 49
