She hurried to the bathroom and freshened her makeup. While brushing her teeth, she contemplated her clothing options. She settled on a dove gray V-neck T-shirt, black jeans ripped at both knees, and the pair of shoes she wore only when feeling adventurous. Leopard-print Vans.
•••
They ate at Whiskey’s because it was Aubrey’s favorite. With its wooden chandeliers, art-covered walls, and servers wearing red plaid ties, Whiskey’s environment served “upscale pub” almost as effectively as the fare.
Wednesday nights were karaoke night at Whiskey’s, and a fifty-something woman was currently singing the obligatory karaoke song “I Will Survive” from the small stage located next to the front windows.
Penelope relished the flavors of her steak salad and admired how comfortable her brother looked, holding his baby in the crook of his arm and giving her a bottle.
The karaoke microphone gave a squawk followed by a gap of quiet.
She leaned toward Aubrey. “What are your plans for—”
The opening bars of a familiar, old-timey song coasted across the restaurant.
“‘You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips,’” a male voice sang. Arecognizablemale voice.
Surprise shot a tingle down Penelope’s spine. She forgot the question she’d been about to ask Aubrey and twisted in her seat.
Eli stood on the stage in front of the microphone, grinning.
Penelope’s eyes went wide and an astonished huff of amusement escaped.
He was performing the song she’d cajoled him into singing on prior occasions. But those times, they’d been surrounded by a small number of their friends. This time, a large number of strangers were watching. The restaurant was packed.
Light gleamed against his brown-blond hair and the shoulders of his navy henley. He looked tall and built in his jeans and battered leather lace-up boots.
Eli was a mediocre-to-bad singer. God had blessed him with so many abilities. Vocal talent, too, would not have been fair.
All at once, four of Eli’s friends, including Sam, crowded onto the stage behind him and joined in for the chorus. “‘You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’.’”
Penelope’s cheeks creased with amusement. How in the world had Eli convinced guarded Sam to step in as his backup singer?
She stole a glance at Theo. He gave her a jaunty eyebrow lift and wink. Ah. This was a setup. Eli must have contacted Theo, spilled the beans about his courtship plans, and enlisted Theo’s help.
It seemed that their table wasn’t the only table that’d taken notice of the performers. All the women in the place had swiveled toward the front. This was the best entertainment to hit Misty River, perhaps ever.
“Woo-hoo!” a grandmother called.
“Yes!” A curly-haired blonde danced in her seat, arms overhead. “I’ll give you that loving feeling!”
“Now there’s no welcome hook in the skies when I preach to you,” Eli sang. He’d messed up the lyrics of that line because he was watching her and paying too little attention to the words on the screen.
She burst out laughing.
“And now you’re um um um butterflies little wings I flew.”
More laughter welled up in her.
His backup singers joined in on each chorus, winning everyone over with their enthusiasm. The diners surrounding her began clapping in time. When they reached the final “Bring back that lovin’ feelin’” refrain, everyone in the place sang along.
Eli’s performance was simultaneously sexy and adorable. Shecould not believehe’d done this... for her.
Uproarious applause shook the room when they finished.
Someone shouted, “More! More!” And numerous voices took up the chant.
Eli attempted to pass the microphone to Sam, but Sam backed away, making ano waysignal with his hands.
