Page 39 of Never Till Now

“Slow pop songs on a piano?” As a closet piano player, I am very much intrigued.

How come I’ve never thought to do that myself? For one, I hate Top 20 pop hits, even if the lyrics are decent. I just can’t connect with songs that have a busy production. My favorites are jazz and the classics. I feel my fingers stretch out with the need to hit the piano keys. I have no idea what song I’d start with, but it’s all my mind can focus on now.

“I know, it’s not a generic first answer.” She shrugs and stops in front of the carousel. “I’ve never been on one of these.”

“I don’t believe that.”

“It’s true. By the time I could, it was too childish and embarrassing to ride one.” Her laugh seems forced.

“Well, you should go anyway.”

“Let’s bring Mallory and James next time. I’ll feel less foolish.” My heart warms and aches at her words.

What has her life consisted of?

“I enjoy piano music myself.” I watch her bite her cheek to hide a smirk. “Jazz mostly. Do you play?” Does she know I do?

“I’ve never played and don’t think I will. I appreciate the talent it takes though.”

“You saw me the other day, didn’t you?” My heart rate picks up with nerves, but if I’m being honest with myself, why would it matter if she saw me?

“Max said to pretend I didn’t.” She shrugs, looking toward the ocean. “Your talented fingers have many skills.”

“Thanks.” I feel myself become more at ease. “What pop songs do you listen to covers of?”

“I listen to ‘Bad Habits’ by Ed Sheeran and ‘Blinding Lights’ by The Weeknd a lot.”

“I would never have thought of those as slow piano covers.”

“You’re missing out, Charmer.” We make it to the end of the pier. “That’s Alcatraz, right?”

“Yep. People also swim from the island to the shore. The city organizes races for those who want to compete.”

She shakes her head in horror. “Count me out.” The seals start their loud chorus and her head turns following the sound.

“Back this way.” I lead us up the steps and turn down a small alleyway with swinging doors.

Two dozen floating docks serve as suntan beds to at least fifty seals. Lauren leans forward with her nose scrunched up. The smell of rotten fish takes some time adjusting to. One I’m not sure anyone is able to.

“They’re so cute!” Lauren smiles and mimics their sound.

“You did not just do that.” I laugh, watching her shameless, carefree side break through.

“Come on, you think it’s totally sexy.” She does it again and I feel my soul free up and join her.

A few people give us an odd stare, but the children a ways down the dock start to join us. Lauren’s spirit is infectious. The stress of life, work and relationships melt away and I want this moment to last. I observe the sun's rays shining on her golden hair, the giggle escaping her belly, the smell of carnival treats and a soundtrack of seals. I commit it all to memory, burning it into my brain as a moment to replay during any spout of stress.

We have lunch at my favorite restaurant on the water and spend the rest of the afternoon lying on the grass looking at the Golden Gate Bridge in Crissy Field. I sit as her head rests in my lap. Dogs run back and forth among a few people playing frisbee. Our conversations haven’t stopped until now. The quiet feels just as natural. A shiver courses through her as goose bumps paint her skin. The weather has dropped as rush hour dies down. My hand rubs her arm.

“I need to change if we plan on climbing that tube to watch the sunset.”

“Let’s head back then. I made lasagna yesterday if you want leftovers,” I suggest.

“I’m going to take a shower before we head back out. As delicious as that sounds, I might just make scrambled eggs and meet you at your place after.” She stands, offering me both hands.

“Make sure you dress warm. It gets windy.” We walk to the end of the road and I flag down a cab.

Chapter 12