He makes an irritable noise. “Seems like he wormed his way back in your life again, though.”
“Only because we temporarily work together.” That’s when I realize. “You know who he is?”
Frowning, he gets off the bed. “A father never forgets the man who broke his daughter’s heart.” He makes a face like he smells something rancid. “You were right, though. The son of a bitch has one hell of a voice.”
That he does.
Another smile spreads across his face as he sits in front of the piano. “Enough about him. I want to hear you sing that wonderful song you wrote.”
My throat locks as I take a seat next to him on the bench. “Phoenix sings it much better than I do.”
And millions of people would agree.
“Let me be the judge of that.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to decline, but this moment we’re having is like a shooting star. There’s no guarantee when I’ll see another one, so I have to make it count.
Close your eyes.
With Phoenix’s voice guiding me, I squeeze them shut, press down on the ivory keys, and begin playing my song.
And I don’t open them until the very last note leaves my mouth.
“Beautiful,” my dad whispers. “So much so I didn’t even mind the cussing this time.”
I roll my eyes and we exchange a smile.
His hand covers mine, and he grips it tight. “I’m sorry, Lennon.”
“For what?”
His eyes harbor so much sadness it’s a visceral punch to the gut. “I know something isn’t right with me.” He points to his head. “Up here.”
My heart cracks. The only positive in all this was that he was blissfully unaware of his dementia.
Tears well in my eyes, but I don’t want to lie to him or waste however long we might have talking about a disease that’s already stolen so much time.
I’d rather stick to the important stuff.
“I love you, Dad.”
Leaning over, he kisses my cheek. “I love you more, monkey face. Don’t ever forget that.”
I won’t.
Even when he does.
“You know why I named you Lennon, right?”
“Because you love The Beatles and John Lennon is the best songwriter who ever existed.”
His eyes crinkle at the corners. “Yes. Although he’s now second best in my book.” His fingers tap the keys, filling the room with the chords of, “In My Life.”
The meaning behind the song holds a significance it didn’t before.
“Lennon was a musical genius,” he says above the melody. “But just like the rest of us, he too had moments of insecurity. Imagine—no pun intended—if John let them win? What a travesty that would have been for the world, huh?” He levels me with a look. “Don’t let your insecurities overpower that which makes your soul come alive. Otherwise, you’ll walk this earth never feeling whole…and that’s no way to live.”
Easier said than done, Dad.
Frowning, he sighs.
“What’s wrong?”
“I didn’t know why that Phoenix guy was in my room when I woke up…but I think I get it now.” Appearing lost in deep thought, he expels another sigh. “I still don’t like him, but perhaps there’s some good in him after all.”
My heart thumps a painful beat.
“Do me a favor and humor your old man for a bit.” His fingers flutter across the keys. “I’ll play and you sing.”
And that’s how we spend the rest of the afternoon and early evening.
Creating memories I’ll keep with me forever.
Just like we used to.
I’m enjoying my second helping of Mrs. Palma’s stuffed chicken when my phone rings.
I stifle a groan as Chandler’s name flashes across my screen. It comes as no shock that my boss doesn’t understand the meaning of the words night off.
“Sorry. I have to take this.”
After pressing the green button, I bring it to my ear. “Hello?”
“Do you know where Phoenix is?” he gripes. “I haven’t seen him since sound check.”
I glance at the clock on the oven. Given it’s almost eight p.m., there’s only one place he should be right now.
Gearing up to go on stage.
“No.”
“I knew this would happen,” Chandler mutters as I get up from the table. “This is why I don’t give people days off. Everything falls apart—”
“Calm down.”
Rising off my chair, I search the kitchen for my car keys. It’s been a while since I’ve driven, but Mrs. Palma says she’s been taking it out for a spin once a week to make sure it doesn’t sit for too long.