One Tiny Lie – Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,56

He went to the band room first. It was locked. He went to the auditorium next. He heard the piano and singing before he saw them. Isabela was standing beside the piano while Ava played.

Not wanting to interrupt in the middle of the song, he stayed back.

When Isabela got to the chorus, Ava sang with her.

Give me a new song. A new dream to dream. Clean air to breathe. A new voice to be heard.

For so long I was caught up in my own shell, then you came along and caught me when I fell.

The mountain seems too high to climb, but, oh baby, with you by my side I know I’ll be just fine.

Give me new wings to fly, a new life to try.

As the song ended, Hudson stepped forward, clapping. “Bravo!”

Isabela ducked her head, her face turning cherry red. “Thanks,” she said in a quiet tone.

When Ava saw him, a large, surprised smile moved over her lips. “Hey.”

He hopped up on stage, striding over her to her with springy steps. “Sorry to interrupt.” He went to her side, leaned over, and gave her a kiss on the mouth. “I missed you.” Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Isabela’s bashful expression as she looked down and smiled.

Ava laughed with delight. “This is a nice surprise.” She looked at Isabela. “She’s learning a new song, and she’s picking it up fast.” There was a note of pride in her voice.

Isabela tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, beaming.

“I heard. That was a beautiful song. I’ve never heard it before.”

“Ava wrote it,” Isabela said.

Hudson’s eyes widened. “You wrote that?”

Color rose in Ava’s cheeks. “I did.”

“I didn’t realize you wrote songs. Did you write the lyrics and the music?”

“I did,” Ava answered in an offhand way as if she were trying to downplay her ability.

“Wow,” he uttered. “I learn something new about you every day. Do you mind if I hang out and watch?” He held up a hand. “I promise, I won’t get in the way.” He grinned at Isabela. “I’ll go and sit on the front row and will silently cheer you on. How does that sound?”

A look of uncertainty crossed Isabela’s features as she looked at Ava.

“It’ll be good,” Ava assured her. “It will get you used to performing in front of an audience.”

“Okay,” Isabela said.

Hudson winked at Ava. “I’ll be right down here.”

Ava smiled. “Sounds good.” A look passed between them, and Hudson felt her adoration, encircling him like a warm blanket. Margot was right. Ava had changed, but it was a wonderful change. She loved Hudson as he loved her. The two of them were announcing their engagement in a few short days.

“Let’s start from the beginning,” Ava said to Isabel as Hudson sat down in a seat. “This time, I want you to pretend that you’re singing to the people in the last row of chairs, way in the back. Straighten your shoulders,” Ava directed. “Use good posture. Open your mouth wide so that the sound has plenty of room to come out. You’ve got this,” Ava assured Isabela with a smile.

Wow. What a woman! Hudson felt like the luckiest man on earth. He still couldn’t believe that he was going to marry his best friend, the woman he’d loved since childhood. Isabela began singing, but Hudson wasn’t focused on her. His attention was drawn to Ava. She was so alive, so mesmerizing. The combination of the music and the lyrics to the song touched Hudson. The song was incredible, the kind of song that had the power to move people. Ava truly had a gift. Had she always written songs? If so, why had she never said anything before?

15

Luna’s nerves were jumping like a bucket full of crickets. Todd’s birthday party was in a few short hours. Beverly was holding it at the country club. It would be a smaller, more intimate gathering than the harvest party had been. She’d been trying to call Ava all day but hadn’t been able to reach her. Yesterday, when Luna and Ava spoke, Luna had been freaking out about Spencer Wellington. She’d not heard a word from the man since the harvest party, but she felt sure he’d rear his ugly head before the night was over. Ava told Luna not to worry about Spencer Wellington. That Ramsey would take care of the situation. When Luna asked how, Ava said it was better not to ask. Luna had no idea what that meant. She