Sheet Music - A Rock 'n' Roll Love Story

With less than an hour before they had to leave for dinner, Annie still found herself rushing around, frantic to find a comfortable matching outfit to wear to the gig.  She was more nervous than she had been in quite a while and couldn’t explain the reason behind it except for the fact Michael would be in the audience.

“I can’t believe you’re getting yourself this worked up, babe.  It’s not like I haven’t seen you perform before,” he said, trying to calm her with his voice.

“The last time you saw me perform was a long time ago.  Things are different now,” she sighed, wiggling into a short black skirt.

“Come here,” he instructed, pulling her against his body.  “You’ll do fine,” he affirmed.  “Now, hurry up so we’re not late for dinner,” he demanded, playfully swatting her on the behind.

Lola’s was already packed with the typical supper crowd, when Annie and Michael stepped into the lobby.  Heads immediately took notice of Michael’s presence.  As usual, he cut an impressive masculine image in a pair of black jeans that snuggly fit his thighs and ass and a crisp white shirt.  His long, rock-star hair hung loose, grazing the tops of his broad shoulders.

Annie sucked in a deep breath and tried to avoid eye contact with the peering faces all focused on them.  Nervously, she reached for Michael’s hand.

“Hey, Jimmy,” Michael smiled, dropping Annie’s hand to shake Jimmy’s.

“You look great,” Jimmy commented, then his eyes settled onto Annie.  He was puzzled at first, then recognition flashed upon his face.

“You remember Annie Logan,” Michael introduced, knowing full well he would.

Annie hadn’t performed in the lounge at Lola’s since her overdose, seven months earlier.  It simply didn’t appeal to her once she knew Michael owned the place.  She had been back to visit a few old friends but, out of embarrassment, she steered clear of Jimmy.  As soon as her eyes connected with Jimmy’s, she looked away, giving him a shy grin.

“Annie, you look like a million bucks,” Jimmy exhaled, giving her a quick up and down glance.  Then his eyes darted back to Michael.  “So, this is the new wife you mentioned on the phone?” he teased, eyebrows dancing on his forehead.

Michael reached for Annie’s hand again and pulled her up along side his body.  “Actually, we’ve been together for quite a while.”

Jimmy’s mouth opened, as if to speak, then closed it in a deep sigh, confusion wrinkling his face.  Michael smiled knowingly and spoke for him.

“Jimmy, it’s a very long story, and one night, when I’ve got some time to kill, I promise I’ll explain it to you.  But, for now, we need to eat so she can make her gig on time.”

Jimmy escorted them to a table for two in the back corner of the restaurant.  It was up against a window, which allowed them a glimpse of the setting sun and the meticulously manicured perennial gardens beside the building.  Unfortunately, the location wasn’t completely private.  Several tables bordered them, most of which were empty.

“How’s this?” Jimmy asked, pulling out a chair for Annie.

“This is fine,” Michael answered.  “See what you can do about leaving these tables empty for the next hour or so.”

Jimmy nodded in agreement.  “And should anyone ask, are you available for autographs tonight?”

Michael glanced at Annie.  “No, not tonight.  Tell them I’m with my wife and I don’t want to be disturbed.”

“Okay.  I’ll send your waiter right over to take your order.”

Michael adjusted himself in the chair and leaned forward toward Annie.  A slow smile formed on this handsome face, as he reached for her hand and kissed the finger tips.  Annie flushed red and nervously scanned the dining hall.

“Michael, they’re staring at you,” she whispered behind her hand.

He laughed and placed his hand up beside his mouth to imitate her.  “Maybe they’re staring at you,” he teased.

Annie rolled her eyes.  “I hardly doubt that.”