Gifted Connections 1

I heard a gasp and laughter as I joined my little clan for the night.

Jemmy was doubled over with laughter, and she handed me another drink and winked at me. “I love you!” she howled.

The night began to wind down, and a lot of people seemed to be at their chill or sleep stage. I found myself around the bonfire with a blanket wrapped around my shoulders. Ben (one of the football players), Taylor, and Rick had pulled out their guitars and were taking request from their friends.

Jemmy informed me that they were a band and picked up gigs on the weekends. I could understand why— they were good. I could also see why Jemmy had a thing for Ben. His voice was good; it was velvety.

I was feeling content and mellow as I immersed myself in the music. I was sitting on a cushion on the ground in-between Remy’s legs as he ran his hands through my curly hair. I was a bit sad I forgot about my hair when I had gotten it wet earlier because it was back to its wild disarray. Troy was laying down on my outstretched legs as he watched the dancing flames of the fire. I imagine since he was a fire starter he was fascinated by fire in general.

There was a lull in the music as Taylor and Rick got up to get some pizza and more drinks. Ben was left by himself and he started strumming on the guitar. He was a great football player, but an even better musician. I could see he loved his music.

He began to play the opening chords of “Broken,” the version by Seether. His voice was hypnotizing and drew me in once more.

As he sang the first chorus, I tugged on Jemmy and pointed at Taylor’s guitar, motioning her to hand it to me. When Ben began to sing the chorus, I was ready. I played on the guitar along with him, adding my voice to it.

I saw his eyes widen. He grinned and nodded.

I liked the way we harmonized, even to my own untrained vocal ears. He pointed at me before the next verse and held a thumb up. I took the verse, projecting my voice.

He came back into the chorus, harmonizing with me once more.

I smiled at the applause after the song. I once heard alcohol could give you liquid courage, and I suddenly had courage in spades.

“That was amazing.” Ben came loping over. “You have a great voice…Blake, right?”

We hadn’t been formally introduced yet. I nodded and smiled. “Yes, and thanks.”

“So, what other songs do you know?” he asked with great interest.

I shrugged. “I listen to and know a little bit of everything.”

He sat for a second, thinking about it. “Do you know “Picture” by Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow? Care to do another song?”

I shrugged, “I do, and sure, I’m game.”

We played a few more songs together before my stomach started to growl. I stood up as we took a break.

“I’m famished!” I stated, standing up and stumbling a little.

Troy stood with me as Remy caught me. I giggled. “It’s hot. Anyone else hot? I’m hungry. I want some pizza in my life.”

Some people called out to me as I passed them, my pillars on each side, complimenting me on my singing. I smiled, waved, and told them thank you as I finally reached the pergola with the food under it.

Remy grabbed a plate of food and sat down on one of the loungers. I grabbed mine and took a seat on his lap.

“You have an amazing voice,” he said as he pushed my curls off my face.

“Thanks,” I smiled around a mouthful of pizza.

“How are you feeling?” Troy asked as he sat down in front of us on an ottoman.

“Better than Tamara,” I said snidely as I noticed the other girl desperately trying to get Jax’s attention as she made out with one of the guys at the party.

He seemed oblivious to her as he hung out with his friends and came to sit by us occasionally.

The guys snickered. “The cat has claws,” Troy murmured.

“Some guys like that,” I winked at him with a wicked grin.