Aileen's Song (2 page)

Four hands came together in the middle of the small circle they had created, the physical acceptance and culmination of a pact. Unblemished silver caught the light from overhead and caused it to shimmer.

“Agreed!” Four voices lifted as one.

 

 

 

 

1

 

Present Day

The first Scripture reading of the Mass had just concluded at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Aileen stood and left the dais where she sat with the choir. She strode to the simple wooden lectern at the side of the altar and performed a subtle mic adjustment. “Our responsorial Psalm is Psalm Thirty Three. The plans of the Lord stand firm forever.”

Following the introduction, Aileen awaited her entry cue from the music director who began a brief piano interlude. She launched into the musical refrain then the congregation joined in.

While she offered the piece, one thought filled her heart. It was so good to be home. She sang, the music held so deeply in her spirit she didn't even require sheet music. That luxury afforded her the opportunity to see the faces of those gathered—many of them familiar—and her joy in returning to Westerville was complete.

How fitting was this Sunday's Psalm, which she continued with a power of conviction and love that filled the church. “Sing joyfully to the Lord. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.”

The notes lifted from deep within, pure and sweet, transporting. Just to the right, Aileen spied Kassidy, who sat next to Maeve and Maeve's family. Her friends watched and sang the response, wearing smiles that fueled her spirit. Not far away, the Douglas family filled about half the side pew.

That's when Aileen's breath caught in a way that, skilled and trained though she was in music performance, nearly caused her singing to stumble. Liam sat next to Siobhan, and Aileen felt helpless against the brushstroke of his gaze. She willingly absorbed each vibration of his intent regard.

“For the word of the Lord is right and true. The plans of the Lord stand firm.” Her voice rang clear and true, despite that wonderful sizzle of energy. After concluding the passage, Aileen garnered her presence and control. She stepped back from the ambo and dipped her head in reverence before returning to her seat.

Shortly thereafter, the Lord's Prayer was recited. Handshakes of peace and greeting were exchanged throughout the congregation. When extraordinary ministers stepped forward to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion, Liam slid smoothly from the pew, joining Father Jacobs at the altar. Aileen watched him—hard not to, tall, dark, and handsome as he was—and she moved toward the choral lectern, so she could lead the church in singing the Communion hymn.

In passing, Liam caught Aileen's eye and lifted his chin. He delivered a wink of acknowledgment, and Aileen smiled, but nerves came through, revealed in the restless way she twitched her fingertips against the pages of the open hymnal. Oh, great, she thought. There went her heart, jumping and pounding beneath her chest. Didn't the good Lord know she needed to be able to breathe?

Assailed by a flood of warmth, she watched parish members file slowly forward. Liam began to serve, and she nearly missed her musical entry cue. Again.

Focus reclaimed, Aileen began to sing, but Liam stood to her right, distributing the Host, his wide shoulders swathed by a black silk blazer. Dark hair glinted beneath the lights. He was fantastic to behold. As always.

But, honestly, Aileen thought. Would her heart never learn what she could…and couldn't…attain?

 



 

“Ailee!”

A unified, boisterous greeting came from Siobhan, Kassidy, and Maeve. The outcry might have been a tad indiscreet, seeing as how Aileen still stood in the sanctuary, gathering music sheets and song books. She glanced their way as she accepted compliments and hugs from a number of regular church members who welcomed her back to Holy Spirit.

Once the way was clear, her friends charged forward, beaming smiles and opening their arms. She released a short, happy squeal, leaving everything behind, including decorum. She flung herself into a four-way embrace that felt like the very best of homecomings.

Naturally, everyone started speaking at once.

“College graduation has most certainly agreed with you, you lovely thing! I've missed you too much to even discuss.” Siobhan pecked both of Aileen's cheeks then offered an extra-long squeeze.

“Ditto to you, Siobhan!” Tears of happiness stung Aileen's eyes.

“Your hair has gotten so long! It's beautiful!” Maeve gave her a hug as well. “How was Europe? I want to hear absolutely every detail!”

Maeve stepped to the side only so Kassidy could get her fair share of love and affection, which Aileen doled out with abandon.

“I'm with Maeve.” Kassidy's cheek pressed firm and warm against Aileen's as they shared an embrace. “Your postcards were stunning, but way too brief! Sounds like you had the best time! Did you meet a prince? Is there a fantastic royal wedding in the offing or anything else of a romantic nature you might just be dying to share?”

Aileen dissolved into laughter, linked close to her three best friends. “Oh, come on. As if!”

Aileen's heart filled to overflowing. Each of them had gone their separate ways after high school. Over the years, they'd played catch up during breaks from college, but now that school had ended for good, all four of them were reunited in Westerville—and all four still wore their purity rings. That recognition caused Aileen's throat to tighten against an influx of bittersweet, loving emotion. The simple band of silver with its delicate engraving would always signify their promise to believe in the power of God, and the power of their friendship.

While they carried on, Aileen's attention zeroed in on Liam who meandered down the sloping main aisle, his gaze trained on their group despite a number of interruptions and greetings. The closer he came, the more a magnet went to work through her heart, pulling and pushing. Aileen's senses woke up, and she realized in a hurry that she needed to focus…and divert.

She did her best to ignore him and return to the conversation that buzzed. “You know, the three of you should have been right up here with me. Oh, how I've missed singing with all of you.”

“Absolutely. After all, I'm quite certain the Westerville High choir and drama departments have yet to recover from our collegiate absence.” By design, their actress, Maeve, assumed an exaggerated air of snobbish arrogance that sent laughter rolling through the air once more.

“Actually, I think that's a great idea.” With that declaration, Liam stepped into their circle.

“What do you mean?” Siobhan posed the question while Aileen lost herself in Liam's rich, deep green eyes.

“Singing. The four of you. Together.” His attention homed in on Aileen. “Welcome home, by the way, and all hail the summa cum laude graduate of NYU.” His eyes sparkled. “Where's my hello hug?”

Dazzled, captivated, Aileen stepped into his arms, praying like mad he couldn't feel her heart thundering. He smelled so good—it seemed sandalwood remained his cologne of choice. Simultaneously she realized she lingered a bit too long in what was meant to be nothing more than a friendly and casual embrace. Friendly. Casual. The words framed in the very definition of their relationship.

Inwardly Aileen took an ice bath.

She slipped away, once again thinking: divert, focus. What had Liam been talking about? Oh, yeah. Singing. Aileen looked at her friends. “You know, he might be onto something. Why not sing together? I'm sure the choir director would give us the chance to—”

“Ha! Me? Never.” Siobhan interrupted and shattered the idea promptly. She threw her head back and laughed; the sound sparkled bright, just like her. “Every one of you knows I can't carry a tune to save myself. All the same, I'd happily cheer for the rest of you.”

“But you dance like no one else I've ever seen. That would work.” Liam added.

Precocious and playful, Siobhan fluttered her lashes upon receiving her brother's compliment. “You're so sweet I'm almost tempted to take back every mean thing I ever did to you during our childhood.”

Liam snorted and rolled his eyes. “Like that time you used my set of mint condition Yankee baseball cards as photographs of potential date options for your fashion dolls? That one lives in infamy. If memory serves, you bent and creased and—”

“Oh, for crying out loud. I was seven when that happened, and you really need to get over it.”

“Never.”

Aileen puzzled over the point Liam attempted to make. “What are you getting at, singing and dancing? Last I checked dancing was somewhat frowned upon during Mass.”

“Ailee…” The slow, velvety way Liam spoke her nickname ignited a starburst of delight that trailed through her body. “I'm talking about something else entirely.” He shot her a quirked grin full of intrigue and secrets. “While I'd love to fill you in on specifics, ladies, I'm afraid that'll have to wait until later.” He took hold of Siobhan's elbow. “Mom and Dad are waiting for brunch. Which reminds me, they're planning on all of you for that reunion dinner party tonight. Is everyone still planning to attend?”

A chorus of accepting chatter ensued along with a brief discussion that pertained to which family was bringing what dish. Aileen couldn't absorb the words. Not when Liam watched her with steady, gauging intent.

It was so good to be home…in every way imaginable.

 

 

 

 

2

 

Liam propped a shoulder against the edge of the window frame, lounging silently while he enjoyed the way his parents' dining room gradually filled with bodies, conversations, laughter, and food. From his vantage point, he could also look to the street outside and monitor new arrivals.

He spied Aileen Brewer gliding along the sidewalk with her parents close behind. A smile curved his lips. In a quick, smooth motion, she traversed the expansive curved steps that led to the front door. The image was timeless, engraved upon his heart and memory with a golden pen. Presently she juggled a foil-covered casserole dish laden with what he already knew would be a broccoli and cheese concoction that featured diced onion rings and bits of bacon. The offering was legendary…a tradition at these reunion-style gatherings.

He heard the door come open then the titters and greetings that followed when Siobhan and Liam's mom welcomed them into the fold. As the Brewer's entered the foyer, he listened to Aileen's voice above the din. “We hope you enjoy the casserole. I already lament what my hips will be telling me after today's indulgence.”

“You have nothing to worry about, Aileen.” Liam's mom issued the loving edict. “The time in college and the months in Europe have only added to your glow.”

True enough. Liam pushed away from the wall. He had noticed the same thing when Aileen sang at church this morning. He rounded the corner of the entryway in time to watch his mom give his long-time friend a tight squeeze.

Like Siobhan, Liam's mom was diminutive, and airy. Aileen was statuesque, with a supple body that was gently curved and tempting. Light brown hair fell in a sleek, straight line to her waist, and her exuberance, her spirit, sparked to life straight from the depth of dark blue eyes that were clear, open, and inviting. Just like her.

The thought occurred to him. Once you entered Aileen Brewer's orbit, you didn't want to leave. She was that engaging, that beautiful.

“OK, so, what's this all about?” Aileen sashayed to his side, eyes playful and questioning.

Liam snapped to attention and claimed the baking dish to lighten her load. “What are you getting at?”

She laughed and deliberately bumped his shoulder with hers. “That brooding, evocative Mr. Darcy stare you're wearing.”

Uh-oh. Busted. Best to move on. After all, Aileen was a precious friend—not to mention his sister's very best friend. Aileen stood at the beginning of her life's journey. He, on the other hand, was…well…that was a topic best explored at another time.

Liam played into the moment of teasing humor. He bent, bussed her cheeks in the European style he knew she loved, because he remembered the way a simple, double kiss gave her goose bumps. “Aileen, you're a singer, but you should have been a poet.”

Sure enough, his whispered words stirred the desired reaction against her arms, and left bright color to rise against her cheeks.

“Scoundrel.”

She sounded a little shaky. Why did that tickle him so much? “Guilty. Now, let's get you settled and grab some food before I starve. The display in the dining room is making my mouth water.”

“Sounds good.” Her forward progress came to an abrupt halt, and she met his gaze directly. “But after we eat, let's talk. You said something about singing and dancing at the end of church today. I want to hear more.”

Liam left everything else behind in a blink. Aileen's words reminded him of a greater purpose at play, something that would be fun—and allow them some time together now that Aileen and the girls had returned to Westerville.

“I'm counting on it.”

 



 

Dinner left Liam pleasantly stuffed and relaxed into a form of food-induced stupor. He wandered into the family room where he came upon Aileen and her mom seated side-by-side on the stone hearth of the fireplace.

“Aileen, I love you deeply, but I've always found myself at a loss when it comes to the decisions you make.”

He heard Aileen's sharp intake of breath and cringed, wishing he hadn't entered into a private, potentially embarrassing moment.

“Meaning what, Mom?”

“Meaning I've never understood why you enjoy being so far removed from the things other people your age do.”