This song was more upbeat, his strumming faster, and the words began shortly after the chords.
Once again that soothing baritone reached out, latching onto Alec and commanding attention. And
again, dizzy with euphoria, Alec couldn't pinpoint the song's origin. The melody was undeniably a
familiar one, gospel music in origin, the lyrics of love and loss. As Tyler performed, Hector
Longfeather brought out another microphone upstage. He was joined by Connie and another woman
behind it.
Backup singers?
And as Tyler reached the chorus, realization washed over Alec accompanied by sheer… gay…
elation.
Cher.Heart of Stone.
Of course, he would need back up, the alternate lines of the chorus were not only different but
overlapped. And though their voices were no match for Tyler's, they sang with the rhythm and vivacity the song required, providing an adequate foundation for Tyler… to… soar.
Alec was on his feet again, fists up, vibrating with excitement. Tyler noticed the movement and
gave him a big grin, slipping effortlessly into the second verse.
He was the only one standing. Others in the audience had noticed—no doubt Buddy and Marge
back at the bar had too—but Alec didn't care. It was a moment—one of those magical moments where
multiple senses maxed-out at the same time, and he was riding on waves of joy. He hadn't felt this rapturous in a long time… and he didn't want to miss a second of it.
After the bridge and the second chorus, Tyler and his backup singers moved into the song's
choral conclusion… and though they lacked the orchestration from the original, Alec could hear it
enormous and powerful, swelling in his head.
Mercy, mercy, he thought.
When the four voices were quiet and Tyler hit the final sustained chord, the tavern exploded
with applause, joining Alec in his premature ovation. Buddy was in the back, filling the air with high-pitched whistles. Tyler lifted his hat from the stool and waved it with appreciation. "Thanks, thanks.
Y'all are too kind."
Before he turned to exit the stage he gave Alec one last wink.
Alec collapsed into his chair, exhausted.
12
The tavern was nearly empty. Buddy was putting his coat on, Marge waited at the door for him
as if she were accustomed to the situation.
"Don't you keep him up too late, Ty. He has a novel to write."
