Story 3
THE SINGER AND THE LADY IN RED
It is a Monday night and you're kicked back on the sofa, recovering from a long day at work, listening to your favorite Journey CD, drinking your favorite beverage when the phone rings. You want to ignore it but it might be something important and you haul yourself off of the sofa and you glance at the caller ID before you answer. The number is not one you recognize and you decide not to answer, it is just probably one of those pesky telemarketers, and you turn to walk away but something tells you to answer it.
"Hello?"
"Hello, this is Steve Perry, and I am calling on behalf of the charity Rock Stars For Children. This year we are having a dinner and dance to benefit needy children in the area. Tickets are ten dollars apiece. Would you like to add your name to the list to help this worthy organization?"
You are stunned! You recognize that voice! It's the same voice that is playing on your stereo at this very moment. You stand there, like a dumbstruck fool, the phone stuck to your ear and your mouth open, too much in shock to speak.
"Hello?..........Miss?"
"Oh, yes! Hello! I'm sorry," you stammer. You feel like a COMPLETE idiot now, thinking that he will probably hang up on you! You take a deep breath and keep the phone pressed against your ear. Your eyes are closed in abject misery at your reaction.
"I'm sorry, I must have caught you at a bad time?" Steve ventures, finally breaking the silence. You cannot help but feel like you are in the Twilight Zone, with this unique voice talking just to YOU!! You shake your head to help clear it and realize that you have to say SOMETHING.
"No, it's not that," you reply. "I am just so surprised to hear YOUR voice on the other end of my telephone!" There - you said it. You wonder now if he will hang up for sure. You hold your breath in anticipation. You hear a deep chuckle instead of the dial tone!
"Yeah, I get that a lot," Steve laughs. You let your pent-up breath out with relief; maybe he actually doesn't believe that you are a TOTAL basket case!
"So - you are selling tickets for a charity?" you ask.
"Yes, it's the Rock Stars for Children charity. We are holding a dinner and dance to raise money for the charity," Steve explains. "Would you like to buy a ticket?"
"When is the dinner dance?" you ask, thinking that wild horses couldn't' keep you from attending!! You do not, however, want to give him the impression that you will be an easy sell.
"It's next month, on the evening of the second Saturday. I'm not sure what band will be playing for the dance, but we have several good ones that we are waiting to hear back from," Steve replies. "Are you familiar with the charity itself?"
You actually are familiar with the charity, but you would do practically ANYTHING to keep this man on the phone and that voice in your ear. You would just love to listen to him talk for hours about ANYTHING, but you feel a twinge of guilt; his time is valuable and he probably has a lot of other calls to make. You decide that honesty is the best policy.
"Yes, Steve, I am familiar with the charity," you say. "I have heard a lot of good things about it and about the rock stars that help with it. I must say that I admire you for working with it."
"Well, it's a cause that I strongly believe in," Steve says.
"I have in fact attended several of their benefit functions and have also contributed for a few years now," you say. "I also strongly believe in it."
"I guess that's why your name is on my call list," Steve explains. "I was asked to contact people who have been good supporters of the charity."
"I will be glad to support them this time, too," you offer.
"Great!" Steve replies. "Let's see, I have your name right here. How many tickets would you like?"
"Well, I only need one," you admit. "I will also contribute when I go to the dinner dance, I think that there is usually someone taking donations at the functions."
"Yes, you are right," Steve says slowly. Another long silence...you wonder what else he might have to say.
"Will you be performing at the dinner dance?" you ask, trying to fill the silence.
"Ah...no, I hadn't planned on it," Steve answers. "Why do you ask?"
"Don't you think that it might generate more interest in the function?" you challenge. "It could be a different way for you to contribute."
"I haven't performed in a long time," Steve says, somewhat in defense.
"I'm sure you haven't forgotten how!" you laugh. "I've seen you; you're an awesome performer!"
You hear Steve laugh self-consciously in reply. You wonder if maybe you haven't overstepped the boundaries of courtesy here...after all, the man has voluntarily been out of show business for a while.
"Look," you say, "I'm really sorry if I have embarrassed you or put you on the spot. I have a bad habit of speaking before my brain actually gets in gear." With tremendous relief, you hear Steve laugh out loud - in a GOOD way this time!
"No problem," he says. "I think that I really needed someone to give me a reality check. Truthfully, I have been asked by the charity board of directors to perform at the function but I have been putting them off about it. I think that I will call them and tell them I will do it - for the charity."
"Great!!" you exclaim. "It will be so cool to hear you sing and see you perform again!"
"Ah, if you are only needing one ticket for the dinner dance," Steve says, "I wonder if you will be going alone?"
"Well, yes," you admit, wondering where all this is leading and knowing just where you WANT it to lead.
"Would you like to join me and some friends at our reserved table?" Steve asks. "If I am going to be up onstage singing, I would love to have a devoted fan like you cheering me on!"
Your head suddenly feels so light, like it's filled with helium. You wonder idly if you are just going to drop the phone and faint, right there in the floor, with Steve Perry on the other end of the line!! Get a grip, you tell yourself harshly. The man of your dreams is actually asking you to sit at his table!!
"I would love to join you and your friends and to cheer you on," you finally say, hoping that you don't sound like Minnie Mouse or some other cartoon character. "Shall I meet you all at your table at the dinner dance?"
"Tell you what," Steve says, "I will make sure you get your ticket for the dinner dance mailed to you in a couple of days. Just check at the front when you arrive and I will leave your name with the hostess. She will bring you to my table. Can you be there...say, around six-thirty?"
"All right," you reply, rubbing your arm where you have been pinching yourself to make REALLY sure that you are indeed awake!! Your mind is in a whirl, can this ACTUALLY be happening? It must be, because your arm is in a LOT of pain!!
"Thanks so much for supporting the charity," Steve says, "And thank you for talking me into getting up onstage and singing!"
You laugh with Steve, then say, "You are welcome about the charity, but don't thank me yet for talking you into performing...let's just see how it goes first!"
"Okay," Steve answers with a chuckle. "Fair enough. I will see you at the dinner dance. Have a great evening, and thank you, again."
"Thank you, Steve, and you have a good evening, too. Good luck with the rest of your calling list."
"Thanks, I may need it! Good night."
"Good night," you reply, and you hear the sound of the dial tone in your ear. "Wow!!" you exclaim. "Did that REALLY just happen?!?" You keep the phone to your ear for a few more minutes, just savoring the heady feeling of actually having had a conversation with Steve Perry, not to mention having a kind of date with him!!
"Oh, wow!!" you shout as you hang up the phone. "I have a MILLION plans to make!! I will need a new dress, I will need appointments for my hair and nails, I need new shoes…I'd better get busy!" You grab a pen and a notepad and begin to make notes. After all, the dance is a mere three weeks away!
ONE WEEK LATER
Your ticket for the dinner dance arrives in the mail, and inside the envelope are the ticket and a hand-written note. The note says, "Looking forward to meeting you and singing for you" and it is signed, "Steve Perry". You almost faint again!! You hold the note carefully in your hands and read it over and over. His signature has that little nose cartoon on it that he sometimes would draw in an autograph. That strikes you as cute and funny and makes you laugh in pure pleasure. You are getting so anxious for the date of the dinner dance to arrive!
You have picked out and bought a stunning dress to wear, along with matching shoes and an evening bag. You have made appointments to get your hair and nails done the afternoon of the dinner dance. You only hope that you have thought of everything.
Suddenly, you sit down hard on the sofa with the envelope, ticket and note in your hands as a sobering thought strikes you. Maybe he just invited you to sit at his table to round out an odd number of people...after all, he didn't actually say, "I want you to be my date." Maybe he is dating someone else and just wanted to impress THEM with the number of people that he could get to come to the function. Maybe you are just building this up WAY out of proportion!
You look at the note again. Something inside you tells you that Steve Perry would not be so cruel as to do something like that. Even if he didn't ask you to be his date for the function, you are determined to go and have a great time, no matter who else you will have to share him with. It will all be worth it just to get to meet him and to see and hear him perform again. At least, you think, you are not going into this with any illusions. Eyes wide open and remember what the function is for, you tell yourself. You hope that Steve will have a good time performing and that the charity will raise a lot of money.
THE DAY OF THE DINNER DANCE
It is FINALLY here!! The day of the dinner dance!! The day that you will meet Steve Perry in person, sit with him at his reserved table and see and hear him performing!!
You take much care with your preparations. Your hair and nails have been expertly and wonderfully done. Your makeup is flawless. Your dress is a long, sweeping, strapless affair that sets off your figure to perfection, and its color is a flaming, eye-catching red. You feel like Cinderella going to the ball; magic is in the very air!
It is time to leave. You know how to get to the hotel that is hosting the function; you have been there before for similar events. You get into your car and drive carefully, taking your time and making sure that you arrive at the hotel at six-fifteen, in plenty of time to freshen up and then to see the hostess.
After giving your car key to the valet for parking and getting your ticket in return, you walk inside the hotel and immediately head for the ladies' room. Inside, you sit on one of the cushioned benches at the lavish vanity table. You carefully check your makeup and hair and make a couple of small adjustments. You look critically at yourself. Your jewelry is simple, yet elegant. You know that you look great, but there are giant butterflies in your stomach. You sit there for a few more minutes, collecting your thoughts and your wits. You glance at your wristwatch and see that it's TIME...time to go and meet Steve Perry!! You take a deep breath, rise from the bench, and give yourself a final inspection in the full-length mirror before walking out.
You see the sign for the dinner dance and follow its directions to the ballroom. The hallway in front of the ballroom is decorated with lots of tables and greenery and lights. It looks very festive. There are already several people milling around. You see the check-in table and go over to it. Seated at the table are three older ladies, dressed formally and with nametags on their dresses.
"Good evening," one of them says to you. You smile and reply, "Good evening," as you hand her your ticket.
"Name, please?" she asks. You tell her your name, and she makes a note on a clipboard list and hands you a magnetic nametag. She notices something written next to your name on the clipboard and looks up at you in surprise.
"You are to be seated at a reserved table," she says. "I will be glad to take you over there, if you will allow me."
"Of course," you smile. She rises from her seat at the table and tells the other ladies that she will be right back. "Please follow me," she says to you. You try one more time to still the butterflies in your mid-section and follow her into the ballroom as you fasten the nametag to the upper corner of your dress. You notice that the ballroom is decorated with many flowers, greenery, tablecloths, candles and beautiful place settings. There are a few people already seated at some of the tables, and they smile at you as you walk by. Smiling back at them, you think, "I really AM at Cinderella's ball"!
The hostess takes you to the front part of the ballroom, to a table that is situated on the front row before the stage and to the right of it. You see that there are several men and women already seated at the table; in fact, the table is full except for one empty chair. As you approach, the men rise from their seats. With a shock, you recognize Steve Perry right away!
The hostess introduces you, and you thank her as she begins to walk away. She smiles at you knowingly and nods. You turn back to the table and watch as Steve makes his way around the table toward you. He is smiling! You smile back at him as he approaches. He is wearing a black tux and it makes your breath catch to see him looking so handsome.
"Hello! And welcome!" Steve greets you, as he takes your hands in his. He looks at you in appreciation, obviously pleased with what he sees. The other men at the table sit down, but not before giving you some admiring glances of their own.
"Hello," you murmur, not completely trusting your voice. You raise your eyes to meet his; his eyes are even more mesmerizing than you thought they ever could be. You are completely lost in them. Steady, now...you tell yourself...but it's almost impossible to THINK with those eyes gazing deeply into yours!!
You listen attentively and respond properly as Steve introduces you to the other people at the table. None of them are people that you recognize as celebrities, but they all welcome you warmly.
Steve still has your hands in his. He releases one of them as he indicates the empty seat next to his own chair. "Please sit down," he invites you, "next to me." He releases your other hand as he pulls the chair out for you.
"Thank you," you smile at him as you sit down. You are thankful to be sitting down; your legs were beginning to become unsteady from all the excitement! It is apparent that you are to be Steve's "date," as there is no one that he is with; the other people at the table are paired up. Steve sits in the chair next to you. He turns to you and puts an arm on the back of your chair. You are ready to start pinching yourself again, to convince yourself that you are NOT dreaming!! Please, please, please, you are thinking to yourself, do NOT let me make a goofball out of myself!!
"You look very nice," Steve says to you. Oh, man, those eyes again!! They are hazel and hypnotizing, making you feel that your soul is completely laid bare before him. They have a sexy little glint in them, which he is using to full advantage. You decide that maybe it's time you give as good as you are getting. You flash your most brilliant smile at Steve and give him a very coquettish look. His eyes widen in surprise and warm response, much to your satisfaction.
"Thank you, Steve," you reply in a sultry voice. "You look very nice, too. I've always thought that you look great in a tux."
Now it's Steve's turn to be a little self-conscious! He lowers his eyes and smiles, and then looks at you again. "Thanks," he says in a low voice. "It's not often that I wear a tux."
You laugh with him and realize that you are slowly becoming more relaxed. Being with him is really fun; he is actually a normal guy! The two of you talk about many things, including his work for the charity and some of the projects he has been working on recently. You tell him that his many fans miss him very much; he replies that he knows that and appreciates it. He is, he says, writing new songs and thinking of releasing another solo album in the near future. You don't want to push this point of the conversation; it is enough, you determine, that he knows he is missed and that he may be back in the public eye soon. You believe that he must find his own way in his own time. The others at the table draw you both into conversation. You are having a marvelous time - the other people at the table are very animated and interesting. They ask you about your job and home, and you even manage to make everyone laugh with a couple of funny stories from work. All the while, you are conscious of Steve's eyes on you and the fact that his arm is still resting on the back of your chair. You notice that many more people are arriving in the ballroom; it is filled to capacity. There are several celebrities that you recognize, most of them rock stars that also promote the charity.
Presently, the dinner is served. Each course is artfully presented and absolutely delicious. You find that you can only eat tiny bites of each course. You are curious as to what Steve likes; he seems to be enjoying all of it. Wine and champagne are offered, but the two of you decline and settle for sparkling water instead. You don't want ANYTHING to dull your senses; you want to remember EVERY detail of this magical evening. You want to remember that Steve's hair is getting longer again; it just brushes the top of his collar in back and shows some gray at the temples. You want to remember that he is still lean and fit and that his skin has a healthy tan. You want to remember the way his voice sounds when he laughs and the way his eyes sparkle when they look at you. You want to remember the lines of his face, his famous nose, his dimples and the crinkles around his eyes. You want to remember the warmth of his hands and the comfort of his arm on the back of your chair. Steve sees you gazing at him and leans close to you.
"Penny for your thoughts," he whispers in your ear. You are tingling right down to your toes!! How is it even POSSIBLE that this man can elicit such responses in you? It's like your body has a will of its own!
"I am thinking that I want to remember every detail of tonight," you whisper back, not daring to look at him for fear that he will see what your eyes are betraying. "In case I forget to tell you later, I had an AWESOME time."
"I am having an awesome time, too," Steve says, "but the best is yet to come." You lose your resolve and look into his eyes. What you read there is unfathomable; you don't dare to even THINK that he could be falling for you. You hope that the naked feelings that must be showing in your eyes and face are not too overwhelming or embarrassing. Steve seems to be enjoying the interplay and does not seem embarrassed at all. You suddenly realize what he had just said.
"That's right!" you gasp. "You're going to sing for us!"
Steve gives a low laugh, then whispers, "That's not exactly what I was talking about."
"Oh?" you ask softly, searching his eyes. He is smiling and looking at you in a most provocative way. Your gaze moves to linger on his mouth; he has the sexiest mouth you have ever seen, with lips shaped invitingly like a cupid's bow. You wonder what it would be like to be kissed by those lips...you wonder if you could survive the pure ecstasy of such a moment without passing out.
"There will be dancing after dinner," Steve says. "You WILL dance with me, won't you?"
"I would love to dance with you," you reply. There goes that tingling again...just the mere thought of being in his arms makes you feel giddy.
As if on cue, the plates are cleared away from the tables and an orchestra files onstage and begins to play. The music is a pleasing blend of soft classic rock songs, low and sensual. Steve smiles at you and pushes his chair back as he rises to stand.
"Shall we?" he asks, holding a hand out to you. You put your hand in his and rise as he pulls your chair out for you. The two of you make your way to the dance floor to join several other couples. You realize that the song is a slow one; you feel Steve's arm slip around your waist and hold you close while his other hand holds yours. You slip your other arm around his shoulder.
The feel of him so close to you is indescribable. It's almost as if God made him to fit perfectly to you and you to him. The two of you move slowly in time to the music. You realize that Steve is not quite as tall as you thought he would be; onstage, he just always seemed larger than life. He is about an inch taller than you are, but you think that it's just perfect. One of Journey's songs comes to mind: "Why Can't This Night Go On Forever?" You are in a world apart from the normal one, like you have taken a quantum leap through the stratospheres of time and space. Just let it be real, you think in quiet desperation. If it isn't real, if it's just a dream, you don't ever want to wake up.
Neither of you wants to talk. Just dancing slowly to the music and feeling the closeness of each other is enough for now. You find that you are just moving with him, not even hearing the music. You close your eyes to explore what your other senses are experiencing. Steve's cheek is pressed against your own; you can feel his breath close to your ear. Your nose catches a faint whiff of masculine aftershave. You feel the warmth of Steve's hands, arm and body. The fabric of his tuxedo feels smooth against your skin.
The music stops as the song ends. You both stop moving, although you remain in each other's arms. Steve moves his head so that he can look at your face. You raise your eyes to meet his. No words are necessary; you are both speaking volumes with your eyes alone.
A discreet cough nearby shakes you both back to reality. Steve turns to look behind him. A young man is standing there, obviously waiting to speak with Steve.
"Yes?" Steve asks him. The young man moves closer. He is clearly an employee of the hotel.
"Please excuse me, Mr. Perry," he says. "I was asked to confer with you on the singing number you will be doing shortly. My apologies, ma'am," he adds, looking at you. To Steve, he asks, "Will you please come with me backstage?"
"One moment," Steve answers. He slowly guides you back to your seat and makes sure you are comfortable before moving to leave. Suddenly, he bends down over you and kisses you lightly on the cheek. "I'll be singing this one just for you," he whispers, and then he's gone. Your eyes follow him as he walks through a rear door next to the stage. You wonder what song he is going to sing. Your hand moves up to your cheek where he kissed it - you could almost swear that your skin is on fire. You see the other people at the table looking at you and smiling. You feel your face blushing; they must surely know that you are hopelessly captivated with Steve Perry. One of the women leaves her seat and sits down next to you in Steve's chair.
"We can't thank you enough for coming here tonight," she says. You remember that Steve had introduced her earlier as an old friend of his. You look at her wonderingly.
"Steve has been somewhat down these last few months," she explains. "He had pretty much given up on ever finding someone to share his heart with. Since he saw you come through that ballroom door, he has been more alive than I have seen him in years. He seems to be quite taken with you."
You don't know what to say!! You finally decide to be completely honest. The woman seems to be genuine; her concern for Steve is apparent in her voice and eyes.
"I suppose that it's no secret how I feel about him," you admit. "I don't think that I could hide it if I wanted to."
"Oh, no," the woman protests. "We're all glad that you are both having such a good time and that you are showing it. It does our hearts good to see Steve taking such an interest in you." She smiles warmly at you and you smile back at her. "By the way," she adds, "Steve told us that he is singing a special song that he wrote just for tonight. It's one that none of us has ever heard before."
"I can't wait to hear it," you answer. "I have loved his music for a very long time. I think that he sings from deep within his soul."
"He does indeed," she agrees. She puts a hand on your arm. "Enjoy the rest of your evening. I have a feeling that it will be a very special one for you and Steve both."
You reach your hand up to squeeze the one she has placed on your arm. "Thank you," you say. She nods at you and rises to return to her chair. As she moves away, the lights in the room begin to dim, and then they go out completely. The room is left in darkness except for the lit candles on the tables.
Suddenly, a lone spotlight appears onstage. In its glow stands Steve Perry. He is still, standing with his head tilted back and his eyes closed. In his left hand is a microphone, but it hangs loosely by his side. The sight of him takes your breath away...you never imagined that you would see him live onstage again. What an incredible moment! You cannot tear your eyes away from him; he has commanded the attention of the entire room just by being up there! A low murmur fills the room as the people there realize who is standing up onstage. From offstage, a voice comes over the sound system, "Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Steve Perry." The crowd hushes in anticipation.
The orchestra behind him begins to play a slow, soft melody that is unfamiliar to you. Steve remains still, unmoving as the music swirls around him. As the lights in the room grow brighter, he slowly brings the microphone to his lips as his eyes open and his head moves to survey the room. His eyes search for and find yours as he begins to sing. The song is about a man who has despaired of finding his true love, and how he finds her and wants to tell her how much he loves her. You cannot help but feel enormously touched by the song, not only because HE is singing it but because of the WAY he is singing it, low and throaty and incredibly soulfully. He has definitely NOT forgotten how to perform, you think. God, how we have all missed seeing him like this! His eyes remain locked onto yours as the song continues; he makes you feel like the two of you are alone in the room. What an awesome talent he has, you reflect. Suddenly, you realize that the beauty and raw emotion of the song have brought tears to your eyes. If you were to die right at this very moment, it would not be in vain...you already feel like a piece of heaven has reached down and touched your soul.
The song ends, and the room erupts in an explosion of applause and cheers. All over the room, people leap to their feet in a standing ovation. Steve stands still, smiling at you as you join the others in appreciation. He gives a small bow to the audience, and then he brings the microphone to his lips again.
"Thank you all so much! Thank you!" he says. You notice with amazement that he appears to be a little embarrassed by the attention. The people in the room want more, and they make it known loudly!! Steve shakes his head and grins at the audience.
"Another one?" he asks teasingly. The sound from the audience is deafening! Steve turns to the orchestra leader and says something to him. The orchestra leader smiles and nods, then raises his hands as he speaks to the orchestra players. He counts down, and the opening strains of "Open Arms" begin to swell throughout the room. The audience remains standing as Steve launches into the song; many of them sing along with him. All you can do is just stand there and marvel at how good Steve sounds and at how much he seems to be enjoying himself. His gaze returns to you often; his eyes seem to be using yours as an anchor.
"This man has lost NOTHING with time," you hear someone remark loudly. You are happy to see that the entire audience seems to reinforce what you had told Steve before about how much his fans were missing him and his music.
Steve sings the last words to the song, and again applause and cheers fill the room. He again makes a small bow to the audience.
"Thank you, everyone!" he grins. "I want you to know that I have enjoyed being up here singing for you again. I have missed all of you, too." More cheers and applause follow. You are laughing out loud for the pure joy of the moment. Steve looks at you and the look on his face mirrors the joy you feel in your heart. Graciously, Steve turns to indicate the orchestra and the audience responds loudly.
"Thank you all for coming to support the Rock Stars for Children charity," Steve continues. "We have a lot more of good dancing music for you, and we all hope that you will further support the charity by giving generously at the donations table. Please enjoy yourselves. Thank you!" Steve puts the microphone on its stand and waves as he leaves the stage amid many cheers and whistles. You are like everyone else, you want to hear him sing more, but you realize that he was not prepared for a full-length concert. And you would like to spend a little more time dancing with him!
The audience returns to their seats, but the murmurs of animated conversation still fill the room. You keep hearing favorable comments about Steve's performance, and more than one person is looking at you in open curiosity. You sit quietly and wait for Steve to join you at the table. In the meantime, the orchestra resumes playing and people get up to dance. The people still seated at your table are expressing their reviews of Steve's performance...all of them are impressed and delighted. After a few more minutes, Steve approaches the table and sits down in the chair next to you. You can see how much being up onstage has exhilarated him. All of the people at your table and at nearby tables are telling Steve how much they enjoyed his singing. Steve accepts their compliments with much grace and appreciation. As things quiet down, he turns to look at you with a big, happy grin on his face.
"Well, now, Mr. Perry," you say slowly, with a teasing grin, "that was just AWESOME!! I would definitely have to say that you have NOT forgotten how to sing!"
"Oh, wow - that was such a blast!" Steve exclaims. "Did you like the first song? I wrote it especially for tonight."
"I loved it," you reply. "In fact, it was so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes." Steve looks closely at you; he seems to be very moved by your comment. On impulse, you reach a hand up to his face and touch his cheek.
"How about another dance?" he asks after a moment of silence.
"I'd love to," you say, and you both rise as Steve takes your hand and guides you to the dance floor. He takes you in his arms again and you hear the familiar strains of the Roberta Flack song "Killing Me Softly" as you hold each other close.
As you move slowly to the music, you can hear Steve humming softly next to your ear. You lean back and look at him.
"Would you like to sing this one, too?" you tease him. He tilts his head back and laughs.
"Actually, I would," he replies. "It's one of my favorites. How about if I just sing it to you?"
"All right," you say, as Steve holds you close again. He is singing softly in your ear, and you are wondering just how long it will be before your knees give way and you end up in a heap on the floor! Those tingles are shooting up and down your body like fireworks!! His voice next to your ear is low and sultry..it is like experiencing torture by ecstasy. You never want the song to end, but you don't know how long you can take such sweet agony.
The song ends but you both remain on the dance floor, waiting for the next one. The two of you continue dancing throughout the night, sometimes talking, but mostly just holding each other and moving to the music. You reflect that it is getting late, but you are just not ready to let this night end!
Finally, the orchestra leader announces the last song. "Oh, no!" you think. "It's almost time to go home. I guess that even Cinderella's ball had to end."
"I can't tell you what a great time I've had here with you tonight," Steve says. He is not looking at you; he is keeping his cheek pressed against yours as you dance and you can hear his voice in your ear.
"I've had such a wonderful time, Steve," you reply. "It's been magical for me. Thank you so much."
"I hope that -," Steve begins to say, but he is interrupted by several people who are on their way out but want to speak to him before they leave. You stand quietly by Steve's side for a few minutes, and then you realize that you still have to visit the donations table to give them your contribution. You turn to Steve and get his attention for a moment.
"Please excuse me," you say, "I'll be over at the donations table."
"I'll meet you over there in a few minutes," Steve says, giving your hand a final squeeze before you move off.
You go to the table to retrieve your evening bag. As you turn to walk to the donations table, you pause to look at Steve in the middle of a growing crowd of admiring people. You watch him for a few minutes, knowing just how those other people feel about having heard him sing again after so long. Perhaps, you hope, their enthusiasm about it, along with Steve's obvious enjoyment of the performance, will help convince him that he should think about a return to the spotlight. You smile and continue over to the donations table.
There is a short line at the table, so you wait patiently while continuing to watch Steve as the crowd around him begins to thin as people take their leave. At least, you think, the crowd is being orderly and polite about congratulating him. You turn around as you reach the front of the line and begin to write out a check for your contribution.
As you are completing your task and accepting your receipt, you feel an arm slip around your waist. You turn to face Steve, who is all smiles with his eyes shining. You can't help but smile at his happiness.
"Enjoyed that a little, did you?" you ask, somewhat teasingly. Steve leans his head back and releases a big sigh of pleasure.
"Ohhhh, yes!" he breathes. In his excitement, he suddenly wraps his arms around you in a big hug. You are surprised and delighted. You are reminded of the hug that you saw him give to Sherrie in the video of "Oh Sherrie" and how he just hugs with his entire body, as he is doing right now. There go those tingles again!!
"May I walk you to your car?" Steve asks, bringing both of you back down to earth. You realize that the ballroom is almost empty. It is time to go.
"Yes, please," you reply. The two of you just stand there, however, not making a move as you gaze into each other's eyes. Steve's arms are still around you and yours are around him. In the next timeless moment, Steve's head bends down and his lips touch yours in a breathless kiss. You close your eyes in absolute bliss as he kisses you and holds you close. You were right!! Those lips are HEAVEN to kiss!! Your knees feel weak...you are glad that Steve is holding you so closely.
As Steve moves his head back, your eyes open to look at his face. His eyes are closed and his lips are still slightly open. Slowly, he opens his eyes to look at you. The expression on his face and the look in his eyes are so stricken that it frightens you. You take in a big breath and hold it.
"Wow," he says slowly, then holds your face in his hands. "Can I do that again?" You release your pent-up breath in relief and incredulity.
"No, Steve," you reply as your hands grip his shoulders. His eyes are reflecting a look of surprise and misery. You put one hand on the back of his head. "It's my turn." You pull Steve's head to you as you reach for that warm, mobile mouth with your lips. This kiss is gentle, yet searing in its delicacy. It's as though the entire world has stopped for you.
The sounds of tables and chairs being put away close by makes you both aware that you must be leaving the ballroom. The two of you hold hands as you walk out the ballroom door. Before you reach the front of the hotel and the valet parking stand, Steve gently pulls you back to sit with him on a small sofa in the hotel lobby.
"I know it's late, but I don't want this night to end," Steve says as he touches your cheek with one hand. "I don't usually bare my feelings like this, but I want you to know that I feel something very strongly for you. I want to see you again."
You are breathless!! This is all happening so fast, you think...or IS it? You reflect back on how you have loved this man's music for more years than you care to count, that your heart has always been touched by photos or videos of him, that the very sound of his voice sends thrills through you, that it seemed to be fate itself working overtime when he called you to sell you a ticket to the charity function. You remember the look in his eyes when the two of you met for the first time and how good being with him makes you feel. You remember the kiss you shared and how the feelings generated by it seemed to sear your very soul.
"Steve, I will be honest with you," you say, locking his gaze with your eyes. "I want to see you again, too. But first, I want to clear up something. I have admired you for a very long time but I don't want you to think that I want to be with you because of your music or your talent or anything like that. What makes me want to be with you is the way you hold me close, the way you laugh, the funny things you say, your humility and grace, and your very soul shining through your eyes."
Steve's hands grip both of yours as you speak, and he bows his head as he listens. When you are done, Steve raises both of your hands to his lips. You are completely amazed to see that his eyes are misty.
"What I see in your eyes, what I feel when I am with you, the way you smile and laugh, the touch of your hand, and the very DIRECT way you have with words - these are all things that I am enjoying about you," Steve replies. "I like the way you challenge me and the way you tease me. And not least of all, I think that you are one gorgeous woman!"
Now it's YOUR turn to feel modest...you don't know quite what to say. You hope that the smile on your face and the joy in your eyes convey all that you feel. The expression in Steve's eyes mirrors the depth of your emotions. The two of you smile at each other as Steve tenderly kisses your hands, which he still holds firmly between his own. Slowly, you sigh.
"Steve, I would love to see you again," you finally say. His smile is brilliant in response.
"I will call you and we will make plans," he says, standing up and pulling you up with him. "I do have your phone number!" Both of you laugh as you remember that it was Steve's phone call that started this whole thing! In a sobering tone, he adds, "But right now, it is VERY late and I think it's time for us both to go home."
"Yes, it has been a long day and an even longer night," you agree, "but such an enjoyable one."
"The best!" Steve grins at you as he walks you to the valet parking stand. You hand the attendant your parking ticket and he moves off to retrieve your car. After a few minutes, he arrives with your car and Steve looks at it admiringly as the valet attendant gets out.
"A Mustang Saleen!" he exclaims. "You drive a muscle car!"
You laugh at his excitement. You are used to getting this response from males about your car; after all, it is indeed hard to miss, as it is fire engine red with a black convertible top. Laughing, Steve teases you, "I may want to see you again just for this car!" You shake your head in mock exasperation.
"Just stand in line for this car, bud," you say as you shake a finger at him. You move to give the valet attendant a tip but he shakes his head at your offering. "It was a treat just to drive this one, ma'am!" he says as he opens the car door for you. He leaves as Steve moves to stand next to you.
"It's just so...RED!!" Steve says, still admiring the car's lines.
"Well, red IS my signature color," you say, laughing. Steve's gaze returns to you as his gaze sweeps the length of your red dress.
"You bet it is!" Steve agrees. He once again gathers you into his arms in a warm hug.
"Please be very careful driving home. I will call you." You promise him that you will be careful. It is time to go, but it's just so hard to leave him!
"Good-bye for now, my lady in red," Steve whispers. His lips caress yours in a mere brush, but it's enough to make your knees go weak again. You slide slowly into the driver's seat. Steve smiles at you as he closes the door for you, and he watches as you drive away.
The powerful rumble of the car's engine keeps you focused on your drive, but your mind can't forget your incredible evening, just as your heart can't forget the overwhelming emotions. Your lips can still feel your last kiss from Steve. You wonder just what the future might bring for the two of you.
As you arrive home, you feel like you are walking on air as you open your door and turn on the lights. You move into your bedroom and carefully remove your dress and shoes and put them away. You are humming a tune, which you suddenly realize is the new song that you heard Steve singing earlier tonight. You shake your head in disbelief...SURELY all of this has been a dream!! It is just TOO INCREDIBLE to be real!!
You go back into the other rooms as you turn the lights off. Completing your preparations for bed, you fall tiredly but happily on your bed, realizing just how exhausted you are. You drift off to sleep with a big smile on your face.
THE NEXT MORNING - SUNRISE
You are still in a deep sleep, snuggled way down into your covers, when the morning sun coming through your window reaches your face and slowly wakes you. You stretch luxuriously, and then groan in protest, wanting more sleep. Suddenly, you sit up with a gasp!!
"It was all a dream!! It didn't really happen!!" you cry out, in double agony now that you have woken from the absolute BEST dream about Steve Perry that you have ever had! Your mind is telling you, in no uncertain terms, that you did not ACTUALLY do all the things last night that you thought you did - come on and just GET REAL, it says. You almost want to sob; the misery is so complete. You decide that it won't do you any good to try and go back to sleep. Any attempt to re-capture such sweet memories right now would just be too painful.
You rise from the bed and pull on a robe. Slowly, you drag yourself to the front door to get your newspaper. You open the door and freeze in fascination and wonder!
There, on your front porch, are no less than six dozen VERY RED roses, arranged in three different vases!! You are completely STUNNED!! They are absolutely beautiful!! And they are undoubtedly the REDDEST roses you have ever seen!!
"What in the WORLD?" you ask in amazement. You notice that one of the arrangements has a card attached to it. You pull the card out and look at it. It says, "For the promise of a bright beginning. Thank you for a truly memorable evening. I will treasure it always, as I do you, my lady in red." It is signed simply, "Steve."
"Oh, my God," you breathe, feeling like the entire front porch has just dropped out from under your feet. "It WAS real...it DID happen!!" One hand flutters to your face as your fingers press against your lips. With a great rush of emotion, you realize the enormity of the moment as you remember what it felt like to kiss Steve. You shakingly move the flowers into your living room. They are just too huge to put onto your coffee table all at once, so you put them in different spots around the room. You stand back to admire their beauty. Your heart is racing and your face is flushed. You pick up the card again and re-read it.
"How in the world did he manage this with so little time between then and now?" you wonder. "And by sunrise, no less!" You are still shaking your head in disbelief.
"I wonder," you muse, "when he will call?" At just that moment, the phone rings. As you move to answer it, the rays of the rising sun burst through your front window, bathing you in bright light and making you realize that this is, indeed, just the very beginning.
THE END
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