Shaun’s mouth quirked. “What are you singing tonight, Father?”
“I thought a little Gregorian chant might be just the thing.”
A titter ran through the group.
“But since we aren’t at a liturgical service, let’s try this instead.” The priest handed Shaun a piece of sheet music.
As the St. Francis pastor launched into a surprisingly powerful rendition of “There But for You Go I” fromBrigadoon, Devyn snuck another peek at the trio in the back.
The younger guy was talking to the dark-haired little girl, who was biting her lip as she watched the proceedings at the front of the room with obvious trepidation.
Strange that he’d bring her here if she didn’t want to come. He certainly didn’t come across as a stage parent. More like a guy who’d prefer soccer tryouts to musical auditions.
Applause broke out as the padre finished his piece, and he took a bow. “I hope you all were listening to those lyrics. They could be applied as much to faith as to romance.”
“This isn’t the time for a homily, Kevin.” Reverend Baker called out the comment from the chair he’d claimed off to the side.
“It’s always the time for a homily, my friend. Whether in words or actions or music. In this case, I’ll let the song speak for itself.” With another exaggerated bow, he returned to his seat.
While the next auditioner was called forward, Devyn checked on the trio again.
As the girl’s nervous gaze connected with hers, her heart contracted.
Been there, felt that, at many an audition.
A hug was out of the question, so Devyn sent her an encouraging smile instead.
After a moment, the corners of the girl’s lips inched up a few degrees.
Excellent. Her silent message of support and empathy had been received.
The father leaned down again to speak to the child as he finished writing on the form, and the girl gave a slow nod.
Before Devyn could turn back to the front, the man shifted toward her.
At his startled expression, her brow puckered.
What was that all about? They didn’t know each other ... did they?
She didn’t have a chance to ponder those questions, because the call went out for any final singers.
Devyn refocused on the front of the room as the older man from the trio moved forward and approached the piano, a piece of sheet music in hand.
“I haven’t done an audition in decades, but I decided to give it a go.” He handed Shaun the music.
“I’m glad you came, Ben.” The St. Francis choir director set the music on the rack and launched into the song.
TheOklahomawannabe was a tad rusty, but he had a solid baritone voice and stayed on pitch.
“Nice job.” Shaun handed the music back, wrote a few notes on the audition form, and surveyed the group. “Anyone else?”
“I believe my granddaughter is planning to try out.” Ben remained near the front as he motioned toward the little girl.
“Sure.” Shaun waved her forward. “Come on up, honey.”
The tall, dark-haired man stood and led the youngster forward, her hand tucked in his. Like it had been the day on the wharf.
When they reached the front, the man got down on one knee and put his arm around her as he spoke to Shaun. “This is Isabel’s first audition, so she’d just like to sing ‘Happy Birthday.’”
