“He’s only seven and has so much trouble functioning. He’s set the house on fire twice and he ran away once when Maddy’s attention was diverted for only a few minutes. That was terrifying for her.”
“I can imagine. Also dangerous for her and her son. Michael has already been through the application process and fits the eligibility requirements for the retreat. He’ll live there full-time once it’s constructed and certified, though Maddy will have unlimited access to him. It’ll be a much safer environment and Michael will have numerous specialists to work with him and care for him.”
“That could make a huge difference in his quality of life—Maddy’s, too. She’s always struggled with being a single mom to an autistic child. Not just when it comes to making ends meet, but trying to find experienced people to look after Michael while she’s waitressing.”
Tristan said, “Through the center, we’ll also provide financial assistance to families. The physical location will be in Bayfront, but the outreach program will span the entire Bay Area.”
“Wow.” She gazed up at him, a hint of awe creeping in on her. “Look at you being all philanthropic.”
“Nate and I realized that with a huge financial windfall comes a hell of a lot of civic and social responsibility. To be honest . . . it feels really good to have the means to help others.”
“Yeah, it does.”
Tristan took Liv’s hand and tugged gently. “How about a dance?”
The band had started up and several couples were already swaying to the music.
He coaxed her forward and pulled her into his arms. Liv actually had to concentrate on not stepping on Tristan’s toes as exhilaration shot through her. She stayed on the dance floor with him as the band launched into a series of faster-paced songs.
Chloe and John finally made it toward the stage, along with the rest of the bridal party.
Ev Hull, the lead singer of Defiant, announced, “Now that the bride and groom have arrived on the scene, it’s time to crank the festivities into high gear. Is that Liv Tyner I see on my dance floor?”
Liv groaned . . . though of course she secretly loved the attention.
Ev said, “I’m going to need your help up here, honey.”
The crowd cheered and Tristan gave her an encouraging smile. The band started in on the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling.”
Playfully taunting her, the lead singer said, “You know I have to have female vocals for this song, Liv.”
With everyone suddenly chanting her name, Liv had no choice but to climb the three steps to the stage and take the proffered mic—and was beyond thrilled to do so. The music was thumping and the audience was going wild and she jumped right in to give them what they wanted.
It seemed the entire guest list was on their feet and dancing. Even the wait staff were setting aside their trays to clap it up and move to the driving beat.
Liv went full-throttle and she and Ev were effortlessly in sync, despite not having performed together since high school. Following graduation, he and his band had relocated to L.A. and now toured the southwestern nightclub circuit, so she only saw them on rare occasions.
Ev asked her to accompany him on a few more tunes, then when everyone looked in need of a breather from the energetic exertion, he said, “How about a request from our bride or groom?”
Chloe stepped forward and signaled for Liv to kneel down at the edge of the stage so she could whisper in Liv’s ear.
Chloe’s selection instantly brought tears to Liv’s eyes. But she straightened and waved a hand in front of her face to keep them at bay.
She said, “You’re killing me here, Chlo,” and took a moment to collect herself before clueing in the band so they could prepare. Then she told the audience, “You all know Chloe Lockhart—she’s not much for the spotlight the way I am. So she asked me to tee up this song. This one is for Sylvia. And I think I know precisely what Chloe would say if she wasn’t already getting too choked up to speak.”
Liv needed a few seconds more to compose herself. When she was a little less emotional, she said, “Since they were kids, Sylvia has been a best friend, a confidante, and a sister to Chloe—even a protector. They’ve been through hell together . . . and a bit beyond. That’s only served to fortify their bond. And I know Sylvia’s courage and the fact that she opened herself up to love is what gave Chloe the strength to do the same when she met John. A beautiful couple who could not be more perfectly suited for each other. So on behalf of Chloe, Sylvia, thank you for being the wind beneath her wings.”
The keyboardist started in. Liv took a deep breath. And put her heart and soul into doing the song—and the women it was dedicated to and from—justice.
John draped an arm around Chloe’s shoulders and tucked her against him as her tears flowed. Sylvia was flanked by Seth and Noah and fat drops rolled down her cheeks as well. Liv was only halfway through the tune when tissues and cocktail napkins we
re being passed around. Some couples danced, but most of them were riveted as they watched and listened to Liv.
Always her dream come true, to captivate an audience. But this time, it was much more meaningful, because she was one of the few privy to Chloe’s and Sylvia’s tragic upbringings—and their triumphs as they’d risen above the trauma. Together.
When Liv finished, there was nothing but silence. Everyone was still rapt. Until Chloe started clapping, then those who weren’t on their feet got to them. It was Liv’s first full standing ovation—and it was epic. Because these were her people.
She basked in the glory and still tried to combat her own tears.