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But then Dev and Haru walked on stage and sat on the tall stools behind a pair of mics and he tabled that thought for later.
He stepped forward and parted the willow fronds so his view was unobstructed. Since the tree was off to stage left, they didn’t have a full frontal view, but they were closer than they’d have been if they stood at the back of the crowd. From here, he could see Dev’s face in three-quarter profile and the back of Haru’s head, since he was sitting facing Dev rather than the audience.
“Haru needs to cheat out,” Owen muttered. “Nash always insisted that he and Eli stand facing him at center stage.”
“Nash is a dickhead,” Ty said.
Owen turned to him, blinking like he’d just awoken from a nap. “Hunh. You know, I guess he is. We just got so used to thinking of him as The Talent—”
Ty scoffed. “Probably because that’s the way he thinks of himself.”
“No argument there. Ah.” Owen nodded in satisfaction as Dev murmured something to Haru and he changed position to be more open to the audience. “That’s better.”
“Afternoon, folks,” Dev said, and his voice, amplified by the sound system, sent a definite feedback loop through Casey’s nerves. “I’m thrilled you’ve joined us here for Home Grown Tastes and Tunes.” He grinned. “In case you haven’t noticed already, this is the Tunes portion of the event, but I hope all of you will sample the Tastes from our vendors before you head home today.” He made a production out of peering out at the audience. “I see some of you have already discovered the joys of Home Grown picnics.” The audience’s laughter was accompanied by a smattering of applause and a few cheers. “Next to me is Haru Inada, whom you might recognize. He’ll be back later this evening when he takes the stage with Persistence of Vision.” More heartfelt applause and cheers erupted.
Haru leaned into his mic. “He forgot to mention his name. This is Dev Harrison, one of the founders of POV, town manager of Home, and one of the people who organized this event.”
Dev gave a mock bow over the belly of his acoustic guitar as the applause grew. “Thank you for the welcome. Now, Haru and I have some songs to share with you. This first one is brand new. It’s called ‘Wait for It’ and I wrote it for a very special person. Casey, this one’s for you.”
They launched into the song and Casey could barely breathe. It had been lovely when Dev had sung it for him the first time, but now, with the two guitars lines twining with each other and Haru’s voice, a mellow tenor, harmonizing with Dev’s scrumptious baritone, it was heartbreakingly beautiful.
“Damn,” Owen murmured. “They need to record that. They’ll make a mint.”
On stage, as the song neared the end, Dev turned and met Casey’s eyes. He knows where I am. He knew the whole time. Then, instead of finishing, the song went on.
Now you’re back,
Steadfast, demanding that I hear
Without judgment, so I listen
Till at last the facts are clear.
I've been a fool, and that’s on me.
Can you possibly forgive?
I promise I’ll do better, love,
For as long as we both live.
Wait for it...
The unexpected twist.
Wait for it...
The sign I almost missed.
Wait for it...
The words I can’t resist.
The big reveal that you still feel
That I was worth the wait.
“Damn,” Ty said, a catch in his voice as he gripped Casey’s shoulder. “Just damn.”
