Lace (Just This Once 4)

“You need to remember who you are doing this for.” I gesture at the large black curtain that separates the stage from the audience. “You’re doing this for your mom.”

“Is Skylar here yet?”

I smile as I move toward the curtain. “I’ll check.”

I peek out at the growing crowd. Many members of the orchestra promised they’d show. Some of Alvin’s friends from school and their parents told me they’d be here for support.

I spot Phoebe front and center with Monte next to her.

His family is right behind them.

My eyes scan every row of seats looking for the familiar face of Skylar.

I see her. “She’s here, Alvin.”

Before I turn back, my eyes catch on another sight.

It can’t be. I open the curtain wider and step out. Applause greets me. I shake it off with a wave of my hand.

“Alex,” Phoebe calls to me as she darts to her feet. “Is it time?”

When I turn back to the beautiful woman in the red dress, she’s gone.

Did I imagine that?

Did I just imagine Olivia standing in my theater?

I step back behind the curtain to find Alvin pacing back and forth. “I can’t do it.”

I get down on one knee and call him over. He towers over me. “You can. You need to remember that you’re doing this for your mom, Alvin. This is her favorite song. It’s her birthday. This is a gift she’ll remember for the rest of her life.”

His hand lands on my shoulder. “Are you ever scared, Uncle?”

I nod.

I’m scared I’ll never see Olivia again. I’m scared that I’ve let my past steal my future.

“Do you promise it will be alright?” He scans my eyes for reassurance.

“I promise it will all be okay.”

He bites his bottom lip. “Thank you for helping me with this. I love you.”

Tears fall from my eyes as I pull him into me. “I love you too, Alvin. Go show them how it’s done.”

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***

I’ve played “Imagine” thousands of times. I’ve listened to Alvin play it just as many, but I’ve never heard it the way I did tonight.

As my nephew took his time working through his mom’s favorite song, I kept my eyes on him.

He was calm and confident.

He nailed each note and when he took a bow, every person in the theatre cheered.

“I’ll be here for practice tomorrow, “ Alvin promises. “When are we going to cut the cake?”