“That’s pretty cold,” Connor said, lifting his head, staring across the table at Ian. “Hash through my worries.”
“I have a different suggestion. Because I think we should spend this time talking about a very big what-if. But to do that, you have to be willing to stop seeing tonight’s concert as this dark shadow looming over your world. Because it’s not. And I think maybe you’re ready to accept this. Hard as it may be.”
The room was so silent, Kari could hear the laughter and the crashing waves from far below. The only motion around the table was the kitten’s nuzzling her hand for another bite.
Ian went on, “Say we have a total smash hit tonight.”
Connor shook his head. “What a terrifying thought.”
“Say it happens. Say they bring us out after our encore. We can’t just stand there empty handed.”
Arthur said, “I’ve been wondering about that myself.”
Danny said, “Why are we hearing about this only now?”
“It’s not the place of the resident grump burger to go adding songs at the last minute.”
“Say they call us back,” Ian said, pressing. “The audience is on their feet. Shouting for us to give them something more.”
“A farewell fling,” Arthur said. “A tune designed to send them dancing out the exits.”
Danny asked, “You have something in mind?”
“Yes.” Ian named the song. And waited.
