Page 95 of Fame & Rhythm

My eyes drift closed as I let the sound carry me. The notes swirl in my mind, colors and movement blending into something perfect—something that feels like us.

Like this moment.

Like this connection.

I could stay here forever.

His humming fades, and I feel the slight vibration of his chuckle against my back.

“You still with me, Lennox?” he murmurs near my ear.

I blink, coming back to reality a little too quickly. “Yep,” I say, my voice coming out higher than expected. I clear my throat. “Yep,” I repeat, more normal this time.

He laughs softly, tightening his arms around my waist. “Okay,” he says, “I’ve actually been working on some lyrics that might fit this. And, by the way… this tune is amazing.”

“Do you have them?” I ask, glancing around.

He taps his chest. “Right here.”

I smile at that.

Music in the heart.

I get it.

“Okay… so what’s it called?”

He exhales, suddenly a little nervous. “What do you think about “You Were Always Mine.” ”

My eyes widen slightly.

That feels like it means something.

“Nice,” I say softly.

“Want me to try it with your melody?”

“Yes. Please.”

He tightens his arms around me, like he’s grounding himself. “If you don’t like it, that’s fine. I don’t want you to feel pressured to use—”

“Just sing it, Ast,” I cut in, smiling.

He chuckles, pulling me back into him, holding me a little closer, and I rest my head against his shoulder, letting myself relax completely.

“Okay… here goes.”

I close my eyes… waiting.

She’s the greatest girl I’ve ever known,

She lights up my life, in my heart, she is my home.

I’ve never known the way someone can make you feel,

The way she does it’s like a spinning wheel.

She’s been with me all my life, and I guess you could say,