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Nina shook her head next to me. “I could tell you were gone over him when you walked in, but now I know I’m never getting you back.”
My lips curved into a smile as Jude approached the microphone. “No, you won’t. I am thoroughly his.”
And he was most definitely mine.
“What’s up, Baltimore?” Jude rumbled into the mic. “I have to admit, it’s been a long damn time since I’ve performed in this city. Too long, right?”
He raised an eyebrow and took a step back from the mic, sending the crowd into cheers and applause.
“Hell yes. Thank you for being here, you gorgeous souls. Tell you what we’re going to do tonight. I’m going to play you a couple Never Again songs, and some of my solo songs. I’ve also got a new song or two up my sleeve.” He pushed up his imaginary sleeves and wiggled his fingers. “You in?”
Once the cheers of the crowd died down, Jude played Never Again’s most popular songs. They had three albums worth of music that were really good, but never quite Jude’s vision. Tonight, he put a different spin on each song, going for more of a folk rock sound. From the way the crowd sang with him and went crazy between songs, they didn’t mind the change.
And I...well, I didn’t mind one little thing about his performance. A couple times, Nina or Jin made a comment about what was going on on-stage, but I could only nod. He mesmerized me. Fingers moving like butterflies over the strings of his guitar, gaze finding mine again and again, the way his mouth formed the lyrics, and the bob of his throat as he pushed them out.
I loved this man. If he never sang again, I’d love him, but seeing him up there, doing the thing that drew me to him in the beginning, it was nearly too much. My heart prepared to burst through my chest, especially when he sang the original version of the song we wrote together instead of the sad, broken version.
A stagehand brought out a stool and switched out Jude’s guitar for an acoustic. He sat, strummed a few chords, looked at me, and smiled.
“Hey,” he breathed. “I’ve got a new song for you. Been workin’ on this one for years and years, but I think I finally got it right. Want to hear?”
His eyes stayed on mine, and although we were far from alone, I knew his words were only for me.
I nodded, and his smile grew wider.
“Well…all right. This one’s called ‘Never Sweeter.’”
I held my breath. He hadn’t played this one in front of me yet. As he sang the first line, I knew I was in for it.
Good morning girl,
It’s been far too long
Never thought we’d be back here again
But then, I’ve been known to be wrong
Gotta give you some sweet
To go along with all the years of bitter
Sun shinin’ on the tops of our heads
After two lifetimes of brutal winters
Our everlasting turned never lasting
But our never again is turnin’ out to be never sweeter
’Cause waking up with you is too right to deny
Breathing your scent on my pillow is a pleasure
Yeah, we’re rockin’ against the nos and nevers
’Cause you’re my treat girl, you’re my treasure
Now, it may seem too soon
