Shea:

I cracked the window as I settled on the ledge, the frosty February breeze cooling the steaming cup of coffee clutched in my hand. A soft snow had fallen during the night, sprinkling lower Manhattan with layer of fine while powder. Thick morning traffic eked along the snow dusted streets. The sounds of frustration swirled outside, honks and shouts rising in a steady crescendo to resonate in my ears like a symphony of irritation. I sipped my coffee, allowing myself to be comforted by the bustle of a New York City morning. My mind replayed my conversation with Brian the day before as I watched the beautifully dressed people walk briskly on the sidewalk below. His harsh words still stung like I’d been slapped across the face. Part of me knew that AJ was right. That Brian didn’t really mean it, couldn’t have meant it. But the other part remained unsure. Brian loved Tristan, would do anything for him. But since I had shunned Brian’s romantic advances, maybe he was using my son as payback, leverage.

I glanced down at Tristan happily laying on his pale blue fleece, arms and legs kicking wildly in the air as he shook and giggled. I smiled. Such a beautiful boy. So much like his father. Amazed, excited, entertained by anything and nothing. Not even a year, and still I saw so much of his father in him, my heart ached.

The phone rang. I checked the caller ID before setting the handset back on the end table. The shrill ringing continued, but the phone remained unanswered.

“Not going to answer that?”

I turned, startled, spying AJ standing in the doorway. He rubbed the sleep from his puppy brown eyes, his hair wild from slumber. I smiled softly as I watched him scratch his belly, his mouth agape with yawns.

I shook my head. “Not right now,” I answered softly.

AJ crossed the wood floor, his bare feet silent, and took a seat across from me, his gaze wandering to the morning routines outside. “Are you going to ignore him forever?” His eyes met mine.

“We talked about this last night. It won’t be forever, AJ. It’ll only be for now,” I assured him, covering his hand with mine.

The ringing ceased, replaced by tired answering machine’s low hum. And then his voice, sad and broken, spoke. “Shea, I’m sorry.” I could hear him fighting back tears, my own throat constricted with unvoiced sobs. “Please believe me. I would never do anything to hurt Tristan, and what would hurt him most is to take him from you. I miss him, and I know I’ve tarnished our relationship, the trust we shared. If time is what you need, I accept that. But please. Don’t keep him from me forever.”

The answering machine clicked its goodbye, and I sat there, AJ holding my hand, my eyes misted with tears. He kissed my knuckles softly, and I smiled as I returned my gaze out the window.

Nick:

“Okay. Let’s see what you’ve worked on,” Kevin said as he settled into the swivel chair in front of the soundboard. I sat beside him, my palms sweaty in nervous anticipation, Lauryn looking cool and confident as she plopped into another seat. Kevin cued up the playback, the familiar opening strains filling the studio. My heart beat faster, my breathing rapid and shallow. Lauryn’s voice cut through the accompaniment

I watched Kevin’s reaction, a look of pride and love playing across his statuesque features. His fingers tapping along with the melody, his eyes closing to fully appreciate the music. But then his look changed.

His eyes remained closed, but he folded his hands and pressed his index fingers against his lips. Not a word spoken. Just listening Shadows of thought replaced the love and pride of before. His features darker, more intimidating. I cringed as I waited for his response. But still, nothing.

The song ended. Kevin didn’t move. Lauryn only smiled. Time seemed to stand still for an eternity before Kevin finally said anything. “Awesome. Surprising. But awesome,” he stated.

I released a breath I didn't even know I’d been holding. So far so good. Kevin smiled at Lauryn. “You always were the secretive one, huh?” She giggled softly, kissing him lightly on his grinning lips.

“I told you everything would be okay, Nicky,” Lauryn said, rising to her feet and ruffling my hair.

I laughed heartily. “So you did. I stand corrected.”

Kevin turned his chair to face me, Lauryn crawling into his lap. “First single, maybe?” she inquired, nuzzling Kevin’s neck with her nose.

Kevin sighed dramatically. “She always wins, Nick. Always.” Lauryn laughed loudly, tossing her head back in victory. “Seriously though, Nick. That sounded incredible. And quite honestly, I don’t think it would sound better with anyone other than you. Your voices match so well together. Pure, resonating tones with exquisite harmony capabilities.”

I blushed slightly at Kevin’s compliments. So honest and forthright. “Thanks. And I don’t want to put a damper on this moment, but I really do need to clear it with my label before it is released, either as a single or on the album.”

Kevin held up his hand, nodding. “Of course. Wouldn’t dream of jeopardizing your career to make Lauryn’s more successful.” We returned to the soundboard, concentrating on the next song. Only the drums and guitars had been laid for the accompaniment thus far. “After I lay down this keyboards, we’ll head off to that sublet you’re taking a gander at,” Kevin said, stepping into the recording booth.

Lauryn and I watched Kevin play the grand piano through the soundproof glass. His intense concentration, the way his fingers danced and caressed each of the ivory keys. Lauryn’s eyes never left Kevin. Her eyes sparkled with the love she felt for him. It made me happy to see her so fulfilled. I took her hand, holding it gently. “You will always make beautiful music together,” I whispered.

A giggle pierced the delicate piano music. “You are so corny, Nick!”