BEYOND THE LYRICS

By Dannette Genasci

I write fiction. Do you ever wish you could go back in time- in your DeLorean if you wish, with the ability to not repeat the bad, but live the good, again? It's what I write.
To me a book that makes you think, and think too hard, decreases the "fun" of thinking. To me, when you read my books, I just want you to let your mind go, causing a slant of a smile or an eruption of giggles. And you don't need to think about that. That's more of a spontaneous type of thing.................. If you want to THINK about reading a book that will make you THINK, I'll loan you my old Nursing School books.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9781669857341

Dannette Genasci

To take you back in time. To imagine what it was like. The songs are the outline. My words are the colors of emotion that I painted in. My name is Dee Genasci. I live in the Midwest along with my husband and two sons. I love photography, to horseback ride, to swim, to travel and to write fiction stories.

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Copyright © 2024 by Dannette Genasci.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 03/22/2024

Xlibris

844-714-8691

www.Xlibris.com

847819

Thank you,

Amy, Kim, Marsha, Terry, Terri, Judy, Tina, Mary, Sandra, Maria, Jennifer, Elaine, Cindy, Claudia, Romae, Nancy, Michele, Michelle, Ranee, Susan, Sue, Suzanne, Tracy, Eve, Christina, Jeanie, Lisa, Robin, Mitsi, Theresa, Teresa, Millie, April with Jaxx, Jerri, Alicia, Diana- RIP, Lourdes, Pattie, Rachel, Linda, Cathleen, Dawnny.

Thank you also to my husband and sons. Daydreaming, creating, writing, re-reading, proofreading, sharing, constructing— sometimes caused suppers to get shifted to the back burner. Thank you to my son who stepped up and dived in to become an awesome chef.

Please, Please, Please…

These are my stories written over 10 years. They were written to be entertained and enjoyed. I am not perfect or a scholar in grammar, spelling or punctuation. I am not a teacher or master of Literature. I have practiced many hours since 2014 and I do try my best to make it the best. I am the soul proofreader, and believe me when I say, my brain feels heavy at the end of the day and my eyes feel crossed.

So PLEASE, forgive and go on. Let your guard down and get lost in the story. I am aware of the have seens and the saws. The to’s and the too’s. The theirs and the theres. Sometime my brain knows which one is correct, but my fingers don’t listen. Or the computer- doesn’t know which is correct in the first place, telling me it’s wrong when it was right.

I write in the verbiage or slang that was how it was back when- how he talked, taking the hints from numerous interviews I’ve watched. And I try to add in details- colors of the pictures that I see, so you can see too.

PLEASE don’t let my mistakes hold you up and tarnish the story for you. You have my permission to take your pen, error it out and write the correct word. Thanks, for reading. Dee

My computer highlighted words and grammar, wanting me to make it more Formal. Well, I didn’t want to make it Formal – I wanted my fiction to reflect the age level of the 20’s and 30’s to retirement, era; the 1970’s to present time, the slang and the circumstances (Band Life.) The way we used to be and maybe still are. More of the good memories, forgetting the bad.

I also added pictures this time around to aid your imaginations, with the disclaimer-

* Is not my picture. It is an awesome picture- KUDOS to whomever took it. I love the picture— the reason I wanted to honor it in my books.

** Are pictures that I had verbal permission to use.

*** Are pictures I took or drew myself.

Contents

The Audition…

Auld Lang Syne…

The Spirits of Music…

Wardrobe Rescue…

"Wheels ‘on the skyway’…

Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty- Kat…

Long, Lonesome Highway…

School Daze…

Who’s Crying Now…

Just a thought to how it might have been like…

After the Free Fall…

‘Change’ of reaction…

The Hearts of Strangers…

Getting Knotty, or is it Naughty…

Up to Pranks…

Wishing…

Desert Rose…

Maid for Romance…

Baseball, Always… At The Love-A-Fair…

The Sit Upon…

Blindsided, by Love…

If Life sends you Waves, Swim with them…

Snow Falling… Then- Falling In Love

Blueberries…

Panty Raid! — Carried Over- Part Added

The School Bus Hero takes the Fall…

A Stranger’s Kiss…

Apply Now...

Talk About… Beer- ick!

Bella, Lost in his Locks…

Brown Eyes…

Dear Diary…

Dearest Trev- (Steve)

Dreams…

Gift Card Date

Girl’s night out…

Heist of the Heart…

Hyper/Hypo glyc-excitabl-emia…

Love Knots Amazing Grace- Part 1

Love Knots A Coming Of Dawn- Part 2

Love Knots Lil Miss Dangerous- Part 3

Love Knots 50 Shades Of Cobalt Blue- Part 4

Love Knots Fuzzy Pickles- Part 5

Love Knots The Fisherman’s Oath- Part 6

Love Knots Polka Dots- Part 7

Love Knots All Things, Sparkly-Part 8

Love Knots Proposal- Part 9

Love Knots To Have And Hold. To Love Forever- Part 10

Meeting Mr. Aquarius…

Darla Please… Carried over- Part added

Darla Please 2 . . .

My Version of Love Story…

Only For A Moment, Girl…

The Rock and Roller Christmas stories…

Rock and Roll Claus 2, Mistletoe… or Bust!

Rock and Roll Karl 3…

Rock And Roll Claus–And The Mrs. Claus 4…

Rock and Roll Claus, Christmas Cancelled?

Rock and Roll Claus, Finding a Replacement, Maybe…

Reflections

Snow Races…

Yawn… Please, Pass The Sunscreen…

The Big, Bad, Wolfie…

The Other Side of the Love Box…

Snap… Crackle… Pop.

Bartle H. Roe Scout Camp 2022…

Putting back, together…

America the Beautiful…

A Night at the Zoo…

Wedgie…

Heart Skips A Beat…

How Much a Heart Can Take…

Standing in the corner of Winslow Arizona…

Unexpected…

Meanwhile, Somewhere In New Mexico…

The Truck And Heart Pull…

Wait 5…

Just a Love Scene…

The Next Day…

The Dance…

Spirit’s tail…

Continuation Of How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days The Trev Riggs Version

First time…

Where’s…… Trev? Steve…

ANY of these stories can be continued. If one hits your fancy, or you can see yourself in it… email me at [e-mail] – it can be added on to or become your personal story.

It was such fun to read a book written by a former student, especially a student as shy as she was in seventh grade. Dee mentioned places and people that I recognized. As I read her words, it reminded me of one of my youthful passions, to become a rock star myself. Though I never achieved it, Dee’s words brought back the rock stars of my past and the fans who adored them. Way to go, Dee!

Mrs. Compton (My 7th grade Language Arts Teacher.)

…Dee Genasci you are a true gem!! I’ve been having a rough week struggling through some physical & financial junk. (isn’t that always the way...) The night before last when I got home I went to my mail box and what did I find? I found a treasure, my order for the first book in the three part trilogy written by the tremendous author Dee Genasci. Perhaps some of you have heard about her. Oh I was so excited. Out the window went the book I was reading and was halfway through and into the basket went my crochet project that I need to get done and I’ve been lost in a wonderful stories of our leading man. I am already 200 pages in and zipping right through-picturing myself as the heroine in each story. Just when I think I’ve decided on my favorite scenario the next one comes and makes it difficult to decide which one to choose. I can’t wait until next month when I can order the next book. Thank you, Dee for sending it so quickly and for the inscription (I was hoping you’d put something.)

Just a thought for those of you who would like to buy one or more of her great reads but are on a tight budget like I am. I asked myself how much money I spend each month on little trinkets, goodies, lotto, etc that I really don’t need and how quickly those small little buys add up to being enough to get a book. When I go to Rite Aid I can easily buy ANOTHER bottle of hand or face cream because it looks enticing only to add it to the stack of other creams I have. Or I buy scratcher tickets that most always end up being losers. You get the idea here. See where you find a little spot in your spending that might truly be available to buy one of Dee’s books, I guarantee you will be happy with your choice. Well...back to my book and thanks again Dee as I am having myself a good time!!

Happy

Reading 😊

The Audition…

Here he comes Joey rounded. He turned again to the audience as he played the background chords to the one singing that signature sound. Standing there, he romanced the darkness. One by one a steady stream of figures would appear at the foot of the stage where he stood and try to gain his attention. Fans would attempt to reach out and close the gap between him and them, made impossible thankfully by security and the metal gates that created the cushion. Others would praise him as a rock god with fingers rose in symbolic form. Hey Rock Dog! they would scream above the music. Girls would stop and put on their prettiest smiles. Some would give him a look of their best side.

Offerings were made. It flew like a sling shot with the greatest of ease and caught in a one in a million chance on the neck of his guitar. A pair of lacy light pink panties. Joey took a double take but kept on playing even though he was laughing immensely as was everyone else. Imagine the reaction of the fan that shot it. At chord change he shook the guitar causing the souvenir to fall near his guitar rack.

It was nearing. His guitar solo. He could see the spotlight following the singer coming in his direction, looking like a tornado going at full tilt. With Trev’s arrival next to him, he became part of its vortex. He then played, his fingers matching up to the wind of an F-scale, blowing away those nearby. Trev acted like he was getting blown away too, ending up back by the drum set dancing to the rhythm. He turned back. Joey met Trev, battling him for top note with the guitar. He went at him backing Trev into a corner, nailing him with a screaming lick. The riff then glided allowing the singer to regain his composure and arm himself once again.

The singer then took off, and Joey watched him go.

It led to a thought, so long ago…

Is that all you ever do is noodle with that thing!

What? Does it bother you? Joey inquired.

No, the keyboard player smiled.

It gives my fingers something to do.

I know. Just giving you a hard time.

Always and FOREVER bantering with each other, Eric nodded, deciding to go do his own noodling with his bass. After a while, one gets used to it and it’s not worth anything to get involved.

Yeah, you like to jack with me. Go…

Here we go, for example…

Matthew interrupted, stepping in like a referee as he had done, in this band, many times before- Now, now, now. I told your parents I would keep you respectable since I helped you skip school!

He played his guitar like it just said all the obscenities for him.

You didn’t!

No, I would never. If they would have only known…

I think they suspected. But you know, screw it. I was bored there anyway, and this —-

He hit a chord.

— IS what I was born to do.

Well, bro maybe after today, you can do that on the radio!

Yeah. Need something. What time is the audition coming?

At one. About a half hour from now.

What do we know about this guy?

Well, from what Karl says, he’s not from around here. Some small town south of here. Seems to have a pretty good voice, from what I heard.

You heard the tape?

Yeah. Pieces of it.

Hope he knows how to scream.

Yeah.

Still think it’s a waste of time. I mean, Matthew, do you really think we need a front man?

Matthew shrugged his shoulders at the guitar prodigy.

And you man, along with your keyboards, are the best.

Thanks man.

No seriously. Joey smiled. You’re welcome.

Just let’s hear him out. Humor Karl. Can’t hurt, can it?

Guess not. I mean, it’s not like were going anywhere.

Excuse me. Where can I find, uhm, a band called Roundabout? I have an audition…

Four members of another band stood there. One pointed to another door that led into one of the studios.

Thanks.

Good luck man.

Thanks, the young man with hazel eyes and silky brunette hair said.

He knocked quietly and reached for the door handle, turning it slowly. Peeking in. Those in the room looked up and toward the doorway.

Hello?

Is this where the audition is?

If you’re the man for the job it is.

Trev smiled and entered. He took a drink of water and allowed it to slide on down.

Hi, I’m Trev.

Well, hey, I’m Joey. This is Matthew. Karl should be here any moment.

Trev stood, slightly uncomfortable as interviews usually are. He shifted his weight on his feet several times. Then bit at a fingernail as the others exchanged small talk.

Where you from? You look really familiar.

Grew up in Wood Lake. Been living in LA past few months. Joey, we met before. You gave me a ride.

I did?

Yeah. Saw you play for Aztec. You gave my cousin Larry and I a ride home one night.

Oh yeah. Wow. Small world. I didn’t know you sang.

Yeah.

Afternoon Gentlemen! Karl announced as he blew through the door. Trev, glad you could make it. The manager shook his hand. Show em’ what you got he said as he took a seat.

In the corridor, the other band’s members pressed themselves against the outside of the door to listen.

Can you play this? Trev asked.

Roundabout took their places with the instruments. Sure, we can handle that.

The music started. Trev closed his eyes briefly, allowing the notes to flow to his soul.

Then he began.

It was like he took them all along with him to the magical place he went. Those inside the studio and those outside, their ears pressed against the wood of the door.

The sound of his operatic voice came through with the clarity of a high-grade diamond. Hitting the high notes like it was no effort at all. Inserting all the emotion needed to take away one’s breath. And helping them breathe once again. Under his harmonic spell and melodic control, those listening had no way out…

The matchup of guitar and voice. Trev’s voice blended as an extension of Joey’s fingers.

The room was quiet, allowing the mood to recover.

Karl turned to the singer. See you in Denver.

Auld Lang Syne…

The introduction of Itty Bitty- sometimes Itsy bitsy.

Trevor Riggs walked the halls of his high school his senior year. Soon to be graduated and on his way to where? His stepfather’s turkey farm, repairing coups and the turkeys talking back with each nail hammered. Not just any every once in a while- EVERY TIME. Yes, I’m hammering nails, ok, here I go another one. The turkeys would gobble wildly, and then quiet, here I go again, another hit, and the turkeys would go wild once again.

What are you doing son? Harm, more than a dad ever needed to be.

I’m sending Morse code to the aliens up in the sky. Trev looked up, as loud as they are every time I hit the hammer, they got to hear them.

Trev hit the nail to demonstrate and all at once the turkeys would throw their wobbly heads up, gobble and act like it was the first time ever they heard that sound. Harm sat and laughed at ‘his son’s’ creativity and humor. Trev reached up and with gloves in his hands he used his wrist to move his bangs soaked with sweat out of his eyes. It was getting long and past his shoulders, which Harm wasn’t too sure about.

Trev saw that look. No, I’m not cutting it. It’s the look of the bands these days. Look it’s the only way I’ll be taken seriously as a singer.

Because you have longer hair.

It’s an image. Look at the Beatles.

Trev rose shaking the mud off his overalls and kicking his boots against the barn to loosen some of the dirt. When he did that, the turkeys of course, answered.

You gonna take off? Harm asked.

"Yeah, that will hold that coup for now, but it’s gonna need a new 2 x 4, see how that one is busted.

Harm studied it. Yeah, I see. Well, it looks secure enough right now. Go ahead. See what is going on in town. If you get a gig, call you mom and I so we know you’ll be home late.

I will.

Trev took a shower and threw on his Letterman jacket and got in his old pickup truck that showed its age but still ran. It had a nickname that he and the other kids had given it. SPOT and in its own way, it was also cool. One trip down main street and he’d always pick up kids sitting on his tail gate. And… sometime a lady in the front. Now Trev’s mom Mary had always taught him to be a perfect gentleman around a woman. No matter 20/20 vision or glasses, braces or no braces, heavy or thin, tall or… Short. The lady that had jumped in the front seat with him suddenly jumped back out seeing another friend, of which Trev was glad. Towards the end of town, where that action ended, his friends also exited the tail gate in a vote over fun to a good read. Trev turned the old pick up into the library parking lot and parked it. He looked up at the sky- cloudy. Rain? It didn’t matter, the window on the driver’s side was stuck down, anyway. So, he turned and bounded up the steps.

Now Trev did love to read books but found music was calling to his heart more than academics. That and one brown-haired, blue-eyed girl he was sweet over. However, he wasn’t sure how she felt. They had been friends since sophomore year when Trev came to her rescue at her locker. Somehow her pencil box ended up in the back portion of the compartment at the top of the locker and she couldn’t reach it. She panicked. Her calculator, a few pens and pencils, her Chapstick- and extra .25 cents she was going to buy a pop with to drink in the home room class since they were allowed. She even stood on her tippy toes and tried to stretch herself out, but her 4’ 11" frame just wouldn’t cooperate.

Unnoticed, Trev stood by his locker on the other side of the hall. On purpose, he let her go for a minute just to see her get razzed, for she was even cuter then.

When she looked like she was giving up, Trev went over and stood behind her in close proximity, almost at the point of feeling things.

Do you need help, Itty?

Oh Trev, you’re my hero once again. What superhero would you be?

He turned to the right behind the open door of the locker to snicker and blush.

You’ve helped me a few times. Remember when we first got that washer? It was deep. Our dads were discussing something- probably fishin’, and all the sudden I screamed bloody murder.

*

Yeah, I remember he said starting to laugh at the memory.

"Here I am with my bare feet up in the air and the rest of me is in the washer.

Trev, not able to hold, was now in full rolling giggle.

And you, YOU!!! You came over and started to tickle them!

I don’t remember that Ittssszzy. No, I remember (she knew he was lying for every time Trev tried to lie his voice would go up several notches, of which it was doing now) rescuing you by grabbing on to your arms and lifting you out of that washer.

You putz!

Itty bitty, Years later…

Sissy turned unexpectedly, holding a bowlful of pumpkin mix for her pumpkin pie she was making. She was draped in an apron with her hair tied back as best as it could be. She had a few stragglers coming out on the sides, and they floated along the air as she twisted to her kitchen island in order to pour the pie into the crust. While doing that her youngest Lucus was making his way underneath her by her feet as his Big Foot Hot wheels truck ran over her toes. It tickled, which made her wobble, overshooting the pie crust, tipping the bowl. And then, smash.

Trev stood there at Sissy’s side. Having already tire tracks on his shoes from the Big Foot truck that took a detour through the kitchen, he reached out, but ended up being a second too late. The bowl full of pie fixings ended up tipping and spilling down his shirt; some ending up on his chest inside his shirt. Lucus, unaware that he had just caused a major disaster on his freeway, motored on into the other room, sure to return.

Dad, Oh Dad, I’m so sorry. Look what I’ve done. You have pumpkin all over you.

Trev stood still, looking down at his shirt, wishing he would get out of the habit of leaving his buttons undone as he used to do on stage. He gritted his teeth feeling the goo against his chest, then pointed his finger and swiped some of the batter up, putting it in his mouth.

Sissy put the bowl down, ending up now turning a full 360 to obtain a wash rag from the sink. She rinsed it in the warm water and then turned to Trev, hearing the Ruuummmmm of a kids truck soon to be coming back for another pass.

Sissy, Sissy, it’s ok Trev said as he was pushing her hand away with the washcloth. Let’s get this pie poured and in the oven before Evel Knievel comes back this way.

Between the two of them, Trev held the bowl, starting to chuckle as Sissy moved her quick spatula, removing all the filling into the pie crust. She encouraged Trev to hold the bowl still she could get it all, but as hard as he was starting to chuckle. A sudden panic came over them for Evel Knievel and Big Foot had returned and was making his way back on the same route.

Sissy turned and put the empty bowl in the sink just in time when Lucus stood and pulled on her apron.

Mommy, I’m thirsty. Can I have some milk?

Oh sweetie, I know you’re thirsty for how many miles you have gone, but I’m out right now until we get to the store. She looked out her kitchen window. It had been snowing fairly hard, but it didn’t seem to be sticking on the roads.

Maybe Grandpa can run down to the store and get some, she said as she was rinsing and cleaning up her sink. Trev was putting the pie in the oven when he turned, the thought coming to him almost at the same time. Like father, like daughter. I can. I can do that. But let me change…

Dad, just put your shirt on the sink in the laundry room. I need to do a load anyway. In fact, if you need anything else washed…

Ok Trev said as he disappeared up the stairs.

Sissy rubbed her forehead with her arm, not noticing that she got some pie filling on one of her stragglers. Now her next task, check on the ham.

Trev came back down with a new shirt on cleaned up from the pie.

Take my car Sissy said. The keys are right by my purse which was on a table by the laundry room entrance off the kitchen which led to the garage. He picked up the keys and deposited the shirt to be washed.

We need anything else?

No, I think we’re good. I gave a list to Michael the other day and I’m pretty sure he got everything.

Ok, be back.

Trev opened the door and went into the garage, fumbling with his daughters’ keys. He didn’t wear any floppy hats or sunglasses. Just a long sleeve brown flannel over shirt and shorts. He was bound and determined not to wear pants until he absolutely had to. Besides, North Carolina was about the same as Wood Lake and he used to wear the same clothes there.

He got in the car, started it, opened the garage door, backing slowly out. The store was a small store about a mile away. But that mile gave him enough to think.

It was a day like this in Wood Lake. Gray and damp. Unable to see the mountains. He was in his last hour of the day at the High School when he again saw her from across the hall. Itty or Ittssszy as he used to call her, but lately, he had grown more attached to the girl and started to call her by her real name, which was Penney. He saw it as fitting for her beautiful shinny auburn hair. Sometimes if the sun hit it just right, it would shine just like a copper penny. He closed his locker and went to her.

Can I carry your books for you Penney? Trev said as he adjusted his Letterman jacket.

Sure Trev, she said as she gladly gave him the load, kissing him while his hands were full, on the cheek, by standing on her tippy toes and holding on to his shoulders to reach him.

Things had turned from Ittsy to Penney 6 months ago, and now they were seeing each other exclusively.

On nice days, he would walk her home because she lived nearby, then he would walk back to school where his car was parked. On days like this, they would just drive.

Trev stopped at a stop sign coming out of Sissy’s subdivision. With no one behind him he took a second and looked over to the empty passenger seat. He imagined Penney being there.

Then he put on his Left blinker and made the turn on the main road. He thought again, he had kept up with her for a time, but then as college started, they had parted ways and things got difficult. Once or twice, he would drive to see her, which was in another state, but with gas and being a college student himself, he just couldn’t afford to. As their lives became busier, they sorta just lost touch. It wasn’t a bad break up, it just happened.

For some reason, she was really on his mind today. The last he had heard she had moved to the East Coast somewhere. He wondered how she was today.

He turned right into the small country grocery store, got out and went into the store feeling comfortable that he now could do most things without being hounded for who he was. He looked around by rot- there were only a few cars in the parking lot, which made him feel even better. He walked into the store that had a small coffee shop.

He ordered a coffee, and they gave it to him in an actual coffee cup versus a Styrofoam or paper cup. He turned and sat down at one of the small tables to people watch. They walked in through the doors of the store one by one as some walked out. No one paid a bit of attention to him sitting there.

Something, call it a sign, shouted at him, to turn his head to the right and watch the next woman that walked in. She was a small petite woman of about 4’ 11" in height with shoulder length red auburn hair. Her hair turned to a copper penny color as she walked under the store lights. Her nose was cute and dainty, but he couldn’t tell if freckles were there or not. His Penney had just a few freckles on her face. Trev used to tell her she was a map of the constellations, for she was- they matched the stars up in the sky. She saw her grab one of the shopping carts and noticed a ring. A very familiar ring.

It was prom night for Wood Lake High School. Trev was dressed in his tux, finding himself pulling at the neckline, for he never buttoned the top button of his shirts. It bothered him immensely. He pulled his car up to Penney’s house adjusting his outfit, then walked up the walk to the front door of the house. He had arrived 15 minutes early. Penney’s mom and dad let him in and escorted him to the couch in the living room. Penney is up in her room getting ready. Would you like something to drink?

No Mam. Trev responded. He pulled at his neckline again when her mom wasn’t watching.

8:00 O’clock had come and passed.

Her dad came and sat with Trev in the living room.

8:18 pm…

~~~ When I picked her up for our first date

I told her I’d be there at eight

And she came down the stairs at eight-thirty

She said I’m sorry that I took so long

Didn’t like a thing that I tried on

But let me tell you son she sure looked pretty

Yeah, she’ll take her time, but I don’t mind

Waitin’ on a woman…~~~

Penney came down the stairs and blew Trev’s breath away. Her dress seemed to make her eyes sparkle and she was more beautiful than any princess he ever laid eyes on.

He walked over to the staircase and reached out his hand to help her down the last 2 steps.

Speechless, he just said, Wow.

He handed her a corsage, helping her put it on her wrist.

His mother then lined them upside by side for the normal pictures.

They walked hand in hand out to his car for the prom that started at 9pm. Trev opened the door for her then ran to his side.

But he sat there briefly. Penney looked at him wondering if she did something wrong. Trev, what’s the matter.

Nothing Itty, nothing at all. You look beautiful. I want… Oh, I can’t wait, I want to give you something now, so you can wear it tonight. It’s just a little something, I hope you don’t mind. It’s just I want it to remind you how special you are to me.

Trev reached into his suit coat and pulled out a small box. He gave it to Penney.

She hesitated to look at Trev. Open it he encouraged her.

She opened it and found a beautiful dainty sapphire ring that would make her eyes even bluer than they were.

Trev continued, slightly more nervous. You can wear it on which ever finger you choose.

She slowly slid it on her right ring finger…

Trev quickly finished his coffee and took it back up to the hostess. Thank you he said as he took off.

Milk, I got to get Milk, that’s what I came for. Don’t forget, Milk. I’ll have one upset grandson if I forget that.

He walked slightly behind her, glad that she went towards the dairy items first so he could scratch that off his mental list. Now to go see.

She walked to the pasta aisle, and then the frozen food section.

She opened the door to the frozen vegetables but needed a bag of peas and carrots from the top shelf, and it wasn’t moved to the front. The bag was all the way back in the freezer.

Trev stood across the aisle from her as he did in high school and again watched as she became more flustered at how to get the bag. She looked up and down the aisle for someone to rescue her when Trev came up behind her and a little on the right. She reached up again with her right hand, … as Trev did, covering her hand with his. He moved his fingers over the ring, hoping it was for sure the right woman.

Ittssszzzy, do you need my help again?

Trev got ready to duck from a punch if it wasn’t her.

She turned and looked Trev straight in the eye…

~~~Met my old lover in the grocery store, The snow was falling Christmas Eve

I stood behind her in the frozen foods, And I touched her on the sleeve-

We drank a toast to innocence, We drank a toast to time

Reliving, in our eloquence

Another Auld Lang Syne. The snow turned into… rain~~~

He watched her drive away. During their talking, he found out that she had been widowed for 2 years and lonely, the reason she wore his ring was, so she felt like she belonged to somebody in fantasy at least. She relied deeply on her memories of so long ago. And he watched her drive away.

She drove away holding onto the steering wheel wanting badly to turn around and run back to him. She held to the wheel while holding the paper that he wrote his phone number on. She slowly put it safely on the passenger seat as she drove, sneaking a peak making sure it didn’t fall off the seat into the oblivion of her car. She would call him but didn’t want to seem desperate. Maybe he wasn’t interested in opening up old loves. He had been a successful musician. She had followed him through the years, purchasing every album he ever made. She knew he was a millionaire a few times over even though he didn’t give the appearance or act like it, but that was his money, and she didn’t want to become a threat to it. It would be sticky if they fell for each other and got married. What’s mine is yours; what’s yours is mine. Well, no, not really, and she would never ask for that.

He called her Ittsy once. Itty or Itzzzzzzzy depending on his playfulness. That cute pet name he always had for her before he became serious, and she became Penney. She smiled that he had remembered, feeling a bit like a teenager once again. Yes, she would call him and let it be the way it works out.

Trev stood there in the rain a few extra minutes watching until her back lights disappeared in the fog. He fumbled the keys in his hand, but knew he had to return with Lucus’s milk and to Sissy, for she would be worried if he didn’t. He turned and opened up the car door, shaking himself off as best as he could to rid most of the moisture, then got in. He started the car and headed in the other direction.

He reached up to his coat pocket and rubbed the paper tucked safely inside, careful not to smudge the writing. He wondered how recovered she was from the loss of her husband for it had been only 2 yrs. He wondered if he was over his grieving of losing his loved one of about the same amount of time. He didn’t tell her, not to add to her sadness he could see behind her eyes, but he knew kinda how she felt. When is one really ready? He could take her out; he would take her out and see what feelings rose up. Maybe talking about it would help them both.

He started the car and noticed Sissy was low on gas. With Michael away on a business trip, he pulled over to the gas station and filled it up, something he never thought he would be able to do again. He paid and made a left back down the road. When he reached the subdivision, he turned into the driveway and pushed the garage door opener, pulling Sissy’s car in.

He sat for a minute and thought about the unbelievability of it. Songs came to him. It must have been a sign that he thought about and felt her. He opened the car door, grabbing the precious milk. When he opened the garage door to the house, he found the Indy 500, still going strong.

Sissy took a cup down from the cabinet. Before Trev put it in the refrigerator, he opened and poured the milk in the cup, but he was distracted, and Sissy could tell.

Dad, you, OK?

Yeah. Yeah honey. I’m fine. He paused. I ran into someone at the store. Someone I knew a long time ago…

While you were in the band?

No, it was before Roundabout. Way before. It was from High School. She was my sweetheart. She was my Itsy Bitsy.

Sissy looked at him.

She was only 4 foot 11, so I rescued her a lot at school when she had to reach for something high. She would get so flustered… and as Trev talked of her his eyes sparkled. Her real name is Penney.

Sissy stopped stirring her batter to the next dessert she was making, but she let Trev collect his thoughts.

How do I know when the time is right to try it again. Part of me is scared that if I would fall for her, she would be taken away from me like everything else I’ve cared about.

Not everything Dad. Not me. I’m not going anywhere.

Trev reached over to his daughter and rubbed her arm. Then he ran his finger down her arm to the batter, sticking his finger into the melted chocolate. Sissy swung the spatula at him for taking the sneaky taste test.

I just don’t know. She is in the same situation.

Dad, I have never meddled with your business. I’ve never tried to act star struck, nor have I told you how to spend your money. We’ve never asked for any of your money, although you keep bailing us out of some situations like Lucus’s medical bills, of which I appreciate. I loved Kat. I don’t know how much time the rule is. But I say… you ran into each other for a reason. And… it wouldn’t hurt to give it a date or two. If it is meant to be, then it’s meant to be. If not, well, you at least know. At least you can enjoy the company while you’re here. Invite her here if you would like for dinner. You won’t have to worry about it being an official date or being too intimate. It won’t be like you are bringing her to meet the family. It’s just dinner. Maybe she doesn’t have anybody and would like that.

Trev blushed slightly when Sissy mentioned intimate as he leaned on the kitchen island.

Trev dug in his pocket and got out his cell phone along with the piece of paper with the number. He smoothed the moist paper out on the kitchen island and began to dial.

Sissy turned away and poured the batter into a cake pan, then moved to rinsing it in the sink. She was trying to give him privacy, which Trev picked up on. So, Trev moved into the dining room. He held on to the top of the chair as he watched the rain out the front window.

The phone rang twice, and then was picked up on the other side.

Hello Trev heard in a sweet familiar voice. His heart suddenly fluttered.

Hello, is this Penney?

This is she.

Penney, this is Trev he said as he slowly moved the curtain to the side of the window. The rain was coming down in sheets. If this was snow, Trev thought, we’d be getting buried. Long time no see he said as he kind of chuckled.

Yeah.

She said ‘Yeah.’ Now was that a reciprocated ‘Yeah’ like ha-ha your funny or was it a ‘Yeah’ that said oh this dork is going to call me, and I have no interest in him. Trev switched feet from one to the other, trying to decipher non verbal’s that couldn’t be seen. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

Penney was hanging on to the phone so tight that her hand was turning white. She was wanting… praying, hoping so bad that he would want to see her. But she didn’t want to seem too desperate and scare him away. She stood, not sat although the stool to the breakfast bar was right next to her. The house was dark and lonely looking. She didn’t even have a pet to hold and hug. Her family lived in another town up on the coast. They had been trying to get her to move in with them because her son was afraid about her living alone. But this was her home, and there were too many memories. She looked to the right at an old rocking chair and saw in her mind the image of her as a young woman rocking a baby. Hush little baby, don’t you cry. Momma will take care of you. Then the sofa over by the fireplace where she has spent many, many hours sitting, cuddled up by her husband who was tending the fire, she snuggled up under a blanket next to him. The blanket still folded, now placed on the back of the couch. Please, she thought, Trev… rescue me again. Not to reach something high in a cabinet but rescue me from the loneliness- the darkness that surrounds me; sometimes imprisons me.

Trev! she said quickly, almost yelling it in an unexpected tone (don’t hang up, please) How… how are you? Oh, why did I say that? I just saw him an hour ago. You couldn’t think of anything else. "I mean, (she chuckled slightly) has anything changed with you since I saw you at the grocery store?"

Trev then smiled. Well, I’m a little more drenched. I can’t believe how hard it is raining out there.

Penney looked toward her picture window looking out in the back yard. The darkness from the storm; feeling the wind invade her. She never liked loud thunder, always staying away from the windows. But now she had no one to hide behind and tell her it was going to be OK.

I don’t like storms she told Trev in her honesty. Never had. Remember how I used to hide behind you when we were in school. How she hid behind her husband. She gripped the phone tighter as it was her lifeline, leaning against the wall as far from the window as she could get.

Trev stood there. He remembered. How she would tremble and hide her face in his chest as he held her.

Trev swallowed, finding his heart going out to her again. It ached. Penney, hey, listen. I know we just met up again, and I don’t know how your feel after losing your …. (He found he couldn’t say it- He didn’t want to risk hearing her cry on the phone and not be able to do something) and I… (again, memories flooded back to him of his girl, who was probably the real love of his life- did he want to do this again, become attached and lose another.) He took a deep breath. I wanted to invite you over to my daughter’s house for dinner. She lives about a mile away from the grocery store. If you want, if it’s OK, I’d like to come get you and bring you here, as long as you don’t mind my grandson running over your toes with his Hot wheels monster truck."

A smile came to her face- a tear came to her eye. He is. He’s going to rescue me, like he used to when we were in school. She reminisced how it used to feel to hold him and be held by him. She moved away from the wall slightly, wiping the tear from her eye.

I… I would like that Trev. And no, I wouldn’t mind your family or a Hot Wheels monster truck she said with a light chuckle, trying to hide her crying voice from him. She cleared her voice so he wouldn’t hear the tremble she felt.

Trev walked back to the kitchen searching. Sissy saw him as he gestured for a pen and paper. Then he put it down on the kitchen island. Ok, what’s your address, or give me directions.

Do you know where Campbell’s Park is?

No, but I’m sure my daughter does. He wrote Campbell’s Park on the paper. Sissy looked over at what he wrote and nodded her head.

Ok, my daughter knows where it’s at.

Well, I live in the subdivision across from it. 2601 Mustang Lane.

Ok, I’ll be there in a few minutes.

Trev.

Yeah.

Thank you for inviting me.

We’ll be glad to have you. He said as he hung up his phone.

It’s only about 10 minutes at the most from here Sissy said. She took the pen from his hand and drew a quick map. Here is the grocery store. You go this way and then make a left here, and it’s maybe 4 miles up the road. You’ll see the park on the right. It has a small pond and some play equipment. You can’t miss it. It has a sign that says Campbell. You have to make a left onto Mustang Lane.

Ok, that doesn’t seem too difficult. He looked around. Do you have an umbrella?

Yeah, in the closet in the hallway.

Can I borrow the car again he felt funny saying that. Sissy even got a kick out of it. With a smirk on her face, she reached over and picked up her keys and gave them to him when he came back with the umbrella.

Trev exited to the garage the same way as he did before, but this time his phone sounded off as he was getting an email from someone. He got in the car, pushing the garage door opener. He put the keys in but didn’t start the car right away. He took a quick look at his cell phone.

Calling up his email, he saw the email was from Joey. Joey Bucha that is since they had each other’s emails, and it was the only way they communicated. He opened it and saw it was a file to be downloaded along with a message.

Hey Trev, just wanted to tell you to have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Joey

He pushed the download button wondering what it was. Joey. Another friend that came and now was gone.

He put the car in reverse, backing out, thinking to himself how funny it is that life has to move on. To be happy to have at least had the friendship while it lasted.

He turned once more out of Sissy’s subdivision onto the main road towards the store. As he reached the store and made his right, the download from Joey completed itself and started. Trev looked out the windshield as the rain continued to come down. It had let up slightly but matched the mood of Joey’s playing on his guitar. He was doing his rendition of Old Lang Sang on his electric guitar, his Gibson from what it sounded like. So Sweet! Trev shook his head slowly. Man, that guy can play. He is truly magic with those fingers of his.

He drove on listening to the serenade as he came to the park and Mustang Lane. He glanced at the paper again. 2601. It happened to be the first house on the right. A modest dwelling, well-kept except for the bushes in front that seemed to be taking on a life of their own. It looked like they hadn’t been trimmed back in a while and stood at the level of the windows.

Trev parked and turned off the car. Joey’s download also finished. Trev pushed the button to save it. He grabbed the umbrella and made his way up to the front door. He knocked and stood.

He could hear Penney on the inside unlocking the deadbolt. She opened the door and again they faced each other. The rain had almost stopped but the sky was still dark, and lightning was making its appearance periodically. She came out of the door, turned, closed and locked it.

Another flash of lightning followed by a roll of thunder. Penney jumped by rot. Trev reached for her pulling her close into his side. I will protect you. He raised the umbrella and walked her to the car, helping her safely into the passenger seat. Then he went around and got in the driver’s side, starting the car.

Got your seatbelt?

Yeah, she said as she clicked it in. She then sat there prim and proper with her legs slightly crossed but relaxed as she looked over to him. Trev in turn looked over at her. He smiled.

It’s really good to see you again he said as he started the car on the way back.

Penney turned her head to face forward. It’s raining cats and dogs out… and lightning lit up the darkening sky with a crack of thunder causing her voice to crack on there.

Trev, he wasn’t sure if was automatic for it just happened; he reached over to her placing his hand on her thigh as a comfort. You’re ok, I’m here with you. I won’t let anything happen to you.

They drove again past the grocery store and made a left. A short time later, Trev made his right, and another into the driveway and right into the garage. His right hand left her thigh to reach for the automatic garage button.

Stay there he asked of her.

Trev got out and made his way over to her door. He opened it for her, showing off his chivalry and old-fashioned ways. He held out his hand and took hers to help her out.

Thank you, Trev.

He walked her through the garage and opened the side door.

Sissy turned to see them come in as she was taking the baked ham out of the oven.

We’re back Trev said even though he really didn’t need to.

Sissy sat the ham down on a hot pad on the counter. She took the towel on her shoulder and wiped her hand, offering it to Penney. Hi, I’m Sissy. Welcome.

Penney returned the gesture. Hi, I’m Penney.

Mommy Lucas motored into the kitchen, Is that Grandpa’s new girlfriend?

Sissy was caught off guard Ahh wondering how to explain to a young child about relationships.

Penney spoke up, We used to be girlfriend and boyfriend, a long time ago she said smiling at the youngin’.

But we may become, again, possibly Trev said, tripping over his words, thinking there was a song lyric in there somewhere. He was glad he wasn’t on the stage tonight for he knew he would be really messing things up. He secretly took a deep breath, trying desperately to cover his nerves and not let Penney see them.

Well, I hope we are hungry. My husband Michael should be home in a matter of minutes. Penney, Dad, can I get you something to drink? Is lemonade, OK?

Sure, Penney said smiling at Sissy. Secretly, she was going over in her mind, calculating Sissy’s estimated age compared to Trev. She figured it had to be maybe sometime in college.

Sissy took out the lemonade and a couple of glasses. She filled them with ice.

Trev in the meantime guided Penney into the living room. Sissy, do you mind if I start a fire in the fireplace?

Go ahead, I was going to have Michael do it when he got home. It’s chilly- I can feel the dampness outside.

Penney sat on the couch as she watched Trev kneel and load the fireplace.

A memory came to Penney with the smell of the wood and the smoke. It had been one of those dates that lasted more than a night. High up in the Sierra’s; the air warm, but slightly crisp in the morning; the dew running off the tent rain cover and the dust webs in the woods damp with due that they sparkled, waving in the sun. She was sitting on the stump as Trev, with his growing shoulder length hair, building the fire. Then moving to her to cuddle himself around her to keep her warm.

She sat on the couch watching Trev, halfway hoping he would remember and do that again.

But why would he? It’s been a long time, Penney; why would he until we got to know one another again. She unconsciously rubbed at the chill that infected her arms.

Trev looked at her as the fire started to rekindle, much like his heart was, seeing her again. He caught her movement. She looked cold and felt for her, but would it be too forward? He decided this was just a continuation and decided to take a chance. He stood up and reached for one of Sissy’s blankets. Moving to Penney, he put it over her legs, then sat himself down next to her.

Is this ok if I do… he asked as he leaned her forward, putting his arms around her, this, Itty?

She smiled and blushed slightly. A slight chuckle escaped, feeling like a schoolgirl again. He remembered. All of it, he remembered.

He gave one good scoot, closing in towards her. She didn’t move away; she instead felt herself wanting to snuggle deeper into him.

Lucas then made his way over to where the older couple was sitting, dropping his Big Foot Hot wheels truck in the middle of the living room floor seeing the opportunity before him. Sissy was busy and didn’t have as much time for him cooking supper. Lucas grabbed his blankie and made his way over to Trev and Penney sitting on the couch. He wiggled his way up Trev’s leg and laid himself across his and Penney’s legs. Penney grabbed a pillow naturally without a thought to put under the young one’s head while Trev straightened the boys blankie out. He then laid as still as he had all day. Trev turned to Penney, feeling as comfortable with his long-lost love as he had years ago. He saw how Penny had run her fingers through the boy’s hair just as she had her own children growing up, and in no time, she had Evel Knievel sound asleep.

Sissy turned and saw the scene in the living room as Michael walked in the door. He came over to her and kissed her on the cheek, also noticing the sleeping boy. That’s as still as I have ever seen him.

Well, dinner is ready, but you two, looks like you’re stuck. Trev smiled then turned and watched Penney who was totally immersed in the love of the family.

Here, I’ll …. Trev said as he gently started unsticking himself from under the sleeping form. He slid his arms under the boy’s legs and under his shoulders, rubbing Penny’s thighs in the process. So soft and gentle he was. He then lifted the boy and allowed Penney to escape. He put the boy down on the couch, covering him once again. The boy never even stirred.

Introductions were made between Penney and Michael as they sat down at the dinner table, Trev of course pulling out Penney’s chair for her. Michael talked about how bad the snowstorm had been further north and Sissy retold the tale of spilling the pumpkin mix down her dad’s shirt. And I thought that was a new cologne Penney added, which broke the ice to the dinner conversation.

Dad Sissy asked, I told you I never meddle into your past, but how did you and Penney meet?

Oh Sissy, a long time ago he said looking into Penney’s eyes. She could see the sparkles he had for her from where she sat. In High School.

I was and still am vertically challenged Penney added.

Again, there was chuckling around the table. Penney gave due credit to Trev rescuing her several times sighting the locker and the wash machine episode. Trev saved me, she reached over to take his hand in hers, many times over. After we lost touch, I kept up with you through your records and concerts. Your voice always came to my rescue…

You saw me when I was singing with Roundabout? he said, slightly upset.

Yes. Made most of them…

Why didn’t you tell me or come see me, or... and then Trev also thought about it. The reason matched her answer.

We lost touch. We went our separate ways, (she realized she used a pun, not meaning too) sorry, but we did. I don’t think I could have reached you if I tried. I followed your career, and I kept you as my secret love. I married a good man who cared a lot for me and took care of me. He was the most dependable and loving human being I could have ever been with, but part of my heart always belonged to you. It … still does.

Sissy put her fork down from eating. She wiped a tear from her eye.

I still have all your albums. Now when I’m lonely, I go downstairs and put them on the stereo. I close my eyes and pretend you are there, sitting next to me, singing them to me… Penney suddenly stopped, realizing she had revealed things she probably shouldn’t of. She began feeling vulnerable and dropped her head down low. I’m sorry.

Sorry. Honey, sorry for what?

It’s just silly schoolgirl stuff.

Sissy reached over to comfort Penney. No, no Penney. No, it’s not silly. It’s beautiful. Dad, tell her…

You know all these years… I have never forgotten about you. In fact, you were on my mind before I saw you at the store this morning. He took her hand. You wear my ring I gave you all those years ago, at the prom. You were beautiful and you were my princess that night.

I wear it to feel like I belong to somebody. To feel protected when it storms outside or there is a strange knock on the door. I guess I feel if I wear your ring, you will be protecting me even if you’re not there. I know, it’s strange.

Not at all. I’m honored. Truly. He reached up and smoothed back a bang that had gotten loose. Then he leaned over and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

Sissy nudged Michael in his stomach. C’mon honey, help me clean up in the kitchen. They got up from the table and started to clean off the table. You two stay where you are. Dad, I’ll put some coffee on.

Thanks Honey.

Sure, we can’t help you Penney asked.

No, Michael and I got it. You just please, stay and enjoy yourselves.

The younger couple left the room to clear and clean the dishes.

Trev looked at Penney. "I really have missed you. I have thought about you a lot over the years. You know when I sang some of those Roundabout songs,