“Yes.” She snuggled the puppy close. “So you have feelings for this mystery girl, and I showed up, but she didn’t?” A line of sweat dripped from her forehead.
Ryan looked around and Ginny felt the guilt of her deception paint all over the warm and fuzzies she’d felt only moments before with the bundle in her arms. Ryan looked incredibly and utterly disappointed.
“I guess not.” Ryan looked down at his watch, and she saw that same matching friendship bracelet on his wrist. Her own was likely burning a mark as punishment underneath the sweatshirt she was currently soaking with sweat. She felt herself growing warmer and warmer by the second. “She’s like twenty minutes late.”
He ran his hand through his hair and sat on the bench beside the record.
Ginny sat beside him, feeling awful and really unsure of the best course. Her daddy’s voice sayin’,Telling the truth is never the wrong choice, echoed in her head. But wasn’t it too late for that? She couldn’t backtrack now. If she were playin’ poker, she was pot-committed. All in. Mood Music was no more.
“I’m sure she has a good reason for not showin’, Ryan.” She nudged his shoulder with hers. “But if you want some company while you wait, I’ll hang around. If she doesn’t show, we can get this girl a bath and a couple corn dogs.”
“The puppy can’t eat a corn dog, Ginny.”
Ginny waved him off, “Nah, I was talkin’ about myself.” She gazed slyly at him, feeling out his mood. “But, I mean, the dog should probably bathe and eat too.”
“Thanks, Gin. I, ummm, I wouldn’t mind the company.”
“Good.” She placed the puppy between them. “But if you think I won’t peacock around this gazebo the second your mystery girl shows up, you are crazy.”
“You, struttin’ around, peacocking? I’ll look forward to that, Remillard.”
He had no idea…
16
YOU ARE MINE
THIRD DAY
Melody Man,
I’m sorry.
I wish I had a good reason for why I didn’t show up the other night. Your words, your friendship, your encouragement and prayers have meant more to me than I can say, so there is no excuse. Only, you deserved better.
I think…I know… I felt like maybe if you met me as Mood Music, I wouldn’t be what you were expecting or wanting.Not that you want me…I just… I got scared. And I’ll never not be sorry.
Mood Music
Dear Mood Music,
I’m not sure what to say. I wish you’d shown.
Part of me was afraid you did come but saw me and maybe changed your mind. I wanted to meet you. To know you and see you face-to-face, but maybe it just wasn’t the right timing. I’m disappointed, but I don’t want you to hold onto any guilt, alright? It’s okay.
Some good came from that night, even if it started poorly. And maybe we’ll get another chance one day. Until then, I’m going to take some time to pray over a few things in my life and take a break here.
Maybe we’ll meet again in the music…
MM
17
THE MINSTREL’S PRAYER
CARTEL
“Alright, y’all. Almost there.” Blaire’s camera hung from a strap around her neck as she waved her hands from side to side, aligning the entire flag football team over and over until she’d positioned them just right. “Ryan, you should be on the side right there, with a face that means business.”
