The Choke
The rest of Kelly's performance passes quickly. Her hair glows under the lights. Her voice is stunning. But it isn't enough. Nothing like as much as she gives me and Tommy on the deck at home. And I hate that these stuffed suits don't get to see how amazing she is.
Then the lights come up and I step out, beaming. The crowd claps, Kelly tracks me from the wings to the second mic. I wink at her. "Isn't she great, folks?" Bob won't be happy. But she didn't embarrass herself either.
Kelly leans into her mic. ". . . this song is called Forever You."
The crowd settles quickly because they're big music types who pride themselves on not getting excited about anything.
"You never knew the truth," Kelly soars.
"The ends, the means, they broke me," I gravel back.
"You never heard my heart."
"I'll never forgive myself for you."