“Here is her prescription for her new meds, and her appointment schedule.” The nurse stuck the papers in my hand, but my eyes were on Ainsley. She shifted from one foot to another, not meeting my gaze. I couldn’t blame her. I didn’t know how to act, either.
“You got everything?” I reached out to take the bag she clutched to her middle, but she didn’t release it.
“All set.” She gave a fake smile and walked out of the joint. I followed after signing us out.
“Thanks for picking me up,” she started, walking over to my Mustang as I caught up to her.
“No problem.” I didn’t have a better reply.
After unlocking the car with a press on my key, I held out the door for her. “Thanks,” she answered automatically before sliding into the passenger’s seat.
“Sure.” I closed the door behind her and inhaled a deep breath. What the hell did I just get into?
***
“You can just drop me off here.” She stared in front of her, not glancing over as she spoke. Her hand was on the handle, ready to bolt. I pulled into my drive, and confusion drew her eyebrows together. Her eyes risked a peek but pulled back when she met my full stare.
“Thanks again for all your help,” she breathed out, clutching her bag to her middle as if it were her lifeline. Her knuckles were white as she twisted the handles even tighter. Her hand made another move for the door. On instinct, I shot out to stop her. She pulled back, startled. My hand grazed hers, skin meeting skin. The contact sent electricity coursing down my fingers, all the way to my toes. I looked over at her and gulped.
“Wait.” I cleared my throat and started again. “I promised I wouldn’t let you out of my sight.” I ran a hand through my hair, struggling with what to say next.
“I know.” She twisted sideways, setting those icy blues on me. My stomach tightened, surprising me. I knew she had a physical effect on me. Heck, I’d known for the six months I’d lived next to her. Being this close to her, though, a whole new level.
“I can’t let you go home.” I pulled my hand back, noticing it was still too close in her personal space. Her eyes narrowed, and she took a deep breath. Seconds ticked by before she answered, and I felt my heart rate speed up.
“You did more than enough,” she replied in an even voice, but her eyes were chilled.
“No.” I fought back the memory of finding her barely breathing, her lips turning blue. My eyes closed, and I swallowed the pain rising. “I did what anyone would do.” I kept my voice even, warm. Trying to let her know I did care. Didn’t she need to feel that now? That someone cared?
“No, you didn’t.” She laughed bitterly. Her eyes, they told a different story. She blinked, but I saw the unshed tears, the pain that she tried to hide.
“I can’t leave you.” I barely heard my own words.
“Yes.” Anger took over. “You can. And you will. You don’t owe me anything.” Her voice rose with each word, packed with more emotion.
“Maybe I don’t,” I conceded. “But I’m not letting you go.” She stared at me, speechless. “You are coming with me, no arguing.”
I got out of the car, but she remained seated, the bag still plastered to her. I walked over to her side and opened the door.
“Please, let me do this for you.” I hated the desperation in my voice.
“What’s in it for you?” She took on that challenging stance, one I’d seen so often in her in the time I’d known her. One that told me she didn’t let people get close.
“The opportunity to right a wrong,” I admitted. Why the hell did I let that slip?
“Okay.” She took my outstretched hand and slid out of the car.
Prologue: “Tears in Heaven” – Eric Clapton
The pain conveyed in this song is so typical for how Jane feels.
C1: “Lay Me Down”– Sam Smith
Sam Smith has a way with words. This song is a perfect description of how Jane struggles to get through the motions of everyday life when the pain comes creeping in.
C2 : “It’s a Beautiful Day” – U2
This song reminds me of the amazing feeling when events turn and make the day great.
C3: “Hello” -Martin Solveig
I love the beat and sassy message. I imagine Jane telling Graham no, but still keeping her shoulders squared.
C4: “Hanging by a Moment” -Lifehouse
Poor Jackson. He is so in love, he doesn’t know how to deal with all the emotions being flung at him.
C5: “This Girl” -Kungs
The beat is a fun interlude for where the story is at. There is so much uncertainty. They are bombarded by thoughts of the other, feeling those unsure feelings again.
C6: “Disappointment” -The Cranberries
How disappointed Jane was after Jackson didn’t kiss her. Worst feeling ever for her.
C7: “Everybody Hurts” -R.E.M.
Jane is still hurting, hurting in not such an acute way, but the pain is still there. And Jackson’s pain is very real, just not visible.
C8: “My Father’s Eyes” - Eric Clapton
Jane’s relationship with her dad is one of the best parts of this book. It needed a special section.
C9: “It’s Time” – Imagine Dragons
Jane and Jackson both realize it’s time to move forward, to address these feelings.
C10: “Could This be Love?” - The Wanted
Jackson is so unsure, it really is adorable how he struggles to get it out.
C11: “Hold Back the River” - James Bay
James Bay wrote this song about spending time with his family and friends. I love how Sarah opens Jane’s eyes to Jackson’s pain. Sometimes our own pain and problems cloud us from seeing someone else’s heartache. But when she does, what a difference she makes.
C12: “September Song” – J.B. Cooper
J.B. Cooper hit it perfectly. This song has the complete feel of what this story is about.
C13: “Count on Me” - Bruno Mars
Through it all, these two have always been great friends. It’s nice that although they are insanely attracted to each other, they can prioritize their friendship when they need to.
C14: “The Other” – Stripped/Lauv
This song has the perfect mood and lyrics for their good-bye. Such a painful part.
C15: “Breathing” – Oscar and the Wolf
Once you get Jackson’s full story, you can understand his pain. Then this song makes sense.
C16: “Love Love” - Amy Macdonald
I love Amy Macdonald. This song is really upbeat for such a sad message. Jane is suffering bad, missing Jackson. This song is the perfect accompaniment for her emotions in this chapter.
C17: “Push the Button” -Sugababes
This is a fun, flirty song. Great for Jane’s appearance in her garden when Jackson comes over.
C18: “Animal” – Neon Trees
Ainsley is a real force to be reckoned with. This song hits that perfectly.
C19: “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
Who wouldn’t want a perfectly perfect song like this for their first kiss?
C20: “Someday” – Sugar Ray
This is a great song to convey the way Jane feels. She is trying to close off this chapter and move on but still hold on to the great memories.
C21:” What Lovers Do” (feat. SZA) – Maroon 5, SZA
They’ve kissed, they want to know where this is all heading.
C22: “Gotta Get Thru This” – Daniel Bedingfield
Jackson wants to make a move, but he needs to get through this hurdle.
C23: “It’s Gotta Be You” – Isaiah
Jackson isn’t going to let her go. It’s Jane, and has always been her.
C24: “Welcome To New York” – Taylor Swift
This song has a teasing, pleasant tone to it. It gives that vibe of Jane in a new setting, trying new things, moving on, and meeting David. He’s there, waiting for her.
C25: “Best Day of
My Life” – American Authors
They are finally dating, the best day.
C26: “Over My Head” - The Fray
Jackson got his heart crushed. Such a sad moment.
C27: “Water under the Bridge” – Adele
This is all about Jane’s worries. Is Jackson the one for her?
C28: “The Middle” – Jimmy Eat World
Poor Sarah, always stuck in the middle.
C29: “ Silence” – Marshmellow ft. Khalid
Jackson has been silent for so long. It’s time to break the silence and let it all out.
C30: “Demons” – Imagine Dragons
Jackson’s demons are released, and they are painful.
C31: “Walking The Wire” – Imagine Dragons
Finally, there is nothing to hold them back.
C32: “Home” – Dotan
Home, Jane. It gives Jackson hope at a very dark time in his life.
C33: “No Sound but the Wind”– Editors
The pain in this song is equal to Jackson’s despair as he almost begs Jane not to give up on them.
C34: “Who Knew” – Pink
This is all about Jane losing her love.
C35: “Stargazing” – Kygo
“Stargazing” is all about not giving up on love. Jackson isn’t willing to let go yet.
C36: “Love” – Jana Kramer
Jane hasn’t given up on love. She always had a perfect example with David. She is coming to understand that if she lets go of her grip on him, she can have love again.
C37: “Quicksand” – Tom Chaplin
I saw Tom Chaplin perform this song live, and all I saw was Jackson having this conversation with Emma. He would do all that for Emma, and more.
Epilogue: “False Alarm” – Matoma, Becky Hill
They both never imagined they’d make it this far, but they made it, and they don’t want to leave the fire they’re in.
So many people made this book possible. The hard part about thanking everyone is I might forget someone.
First off, I’m grateful to my Heavenly Father for helping me discover the world of writing. It’s a wonderful place I love to escape in to forget about my worries.
A huge thanks goes out to Taylor Dean, who read my very first rough draft, and encouraged me to continue writing the story in my head. She believed in me, and I can never express how much her love and support means to me. She is the best of the best.
My very first fan. Rooting for me to finish this book, she deserves a very special thanks. Aubrey De Wilde-Robbins fell in love with my story and read each version of it. She was the voice in my head telling me I could do this. Thanks, Aubrey, I love you!
A special thanks to Charissa Stastny for her keen eye and upfront feedback. Your input was invaluable. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Thanks to my sister, who missed her train stop reading one of the many drafts. Your support and faith in me was a driving force.
A huge shout out to my editors, Crystal Liechty and Jennifer Henkes for their keen observations that made this book shine.
Thanks to Dale G. Brophy, Chief of Police at the University of Utah, for answering my questions on traffic accidents and potential crime scene investigation.
Thanks to Jen Begazo for answering my constant questions on everything New York related.
Thanks to the many author friends who cheered me on and gave me pointers on how to get my book published.
A special thanks to my husband, Dagmar, and kids, who have supported me on this journey from the very start. You are my everything!
Thank you for reading The Songs of You and Me. If you enjoyed this story, please leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads or other review sites and spread the word. Reviews are the most important thing you can do to help spread the word.
Watch out for book two, Ainsley’s story, coming in December 2018.
Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn’t working, she’s writing, running, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast.
The Songs of You and Me is her debut novel, with a sequel already in the works.
Connect with Mylissa Demeyere online:
http://www.mylissademeyere.com
https://www.facebook.com/MylissaDemeyereAuthor/
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The Songs of You and Me Page 24
