Page 126 of Knox

Kelsey looked away from the audience, away from Glo. Closed her eyes into the song. Glo’s voice rose, sweet, vulnerable, touching down into her soul.

She…don’t wanna cry,

But she ain’t gonna fall for another guy.

It’s too hard to be apart

Not after she’s waited for…one true heart…one true heart…

She glanced at Dixie, into the bridge, and then her gaze landed on Tate who stood just offstage in the shadows, his arms folded, his face tight, gaze pinned to Glo.

Clearly listening.

Glo stood in the middle of the stage, her face lifted, her eyes closed.

He said I’m leaving, baby don’t cry.

No, Stay with me, please don’t die.

Always, forever, together, with me

She lay in his grass, clutching eternity.

When she opened her eyes, tears edged them.

She…don’t wanna try,

It’s too hard to fall for another guy.

But you don’t know if you don’t start

So wait…for one true heart…one true heart…

The music faded out and she bent her head.

The crowd erupted, but Glo looked over at Kelsey, something sad and broken in her expression.

Maybe they were all showing up with their best performance, trying to hide the broken places inside.

Oh, she wished Knox had been in the audience. But maybe…maybe it was enough for her to simply sing something from her heart.

And to realize that she wasn’t alone onstage. Ever.

She stepped up to the mic and gave Glo another round, then set up the finale song, the beat fast, the entire band showing up to bring the house down.

She noticed that even Glo had grabbed her banjo. Oh Glo—she just couldn’t stay out of the fun.

The crowd was dancing, and she reached inside, heard the words as she belted them out.

So, when life doesn’t make sense

when you want to run away

When the songs seem over

and you ain’t got nothing to say,

Stick around, boy, and give us a chance.