A Gaze to Remember

Chapter 12 - Karaoke, Wine, Stars, and Honest Hearts

THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024

Yesterday, Vivienne and Reid had spent the entire day exploring the city, diving into its history, art, and culture. It was their busiest day so far, filled with sights, sounds, and shared experiences. They'd wandered through bustling markets, marveled at ancient ruins, and even indulged in some of the best food Rome had to offer. It was the kind of day where there was no time to dwell on anything but the present. The unspoken questions and thoughts that often lingered beneath the surface were temporarily pushed aside, replaced by the thrill of discovery and the joy of being in each other's company.

But today was different. After their whirlwind adventure, they decided they needed a slower pace. The sun had already begun its descent when Reid came up with a new idea to keep their Roman holiday going—karaoke.

"Come on, Viv," Reid had said with a grin, "it'll be fun. You can't leave Rome without embarrassing yourself at least once."

Vivienne had rolled her eyes at that, shaking her head firmly at first. "I'm not really the karaoke type, Reid. I'm more of a sit-and-watch type."

But Reid, as persistent as ever, wouldn't take no for an answer. He knew Vivienne tended to play it safe, and he loved pushing her out of her comfort zone. "That's exactly why you should do it. Life's too short to be the sit-and-watch type all the time. Plus, I'll be right there with you, making a fool of myself too."

She hesitated, chewing on her lower lip as she often did when she was nervous. But Reid's enthusiasm was contagious, and eventually, she caved in. "Alright, fine," she sighed, "but you're going up there first."

"Deal," Reid agreed, his grin widening. "But I'm picking your song."

A wave of dread mixed with excitement washed over Vivienne, but she tried to focus on the latter. Reid always had a way of making even the most nerve-wracking experiences seem manageable. And besides, this trip was all about stepping out of her comfort zone, right?

When they arrived at the karaoke bar, it was exactly what she had pictured—dim lighting, neon signs, and a small stage with a microphone. The place was lively but not too crowded, with a mix of locals and tourists all looking to let loose and have some fun.

They grabbed a couple of drinks and found a cozy spot near the back where they could see the stage but still have some privacy. Vivienne took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves as Reid flipped through the song list.

"What about this one?" he asked, showing her the list.

She glanced at the screen and cringed. "Seriously? 'I Will Survive'? You want me to belt out Gloria Gaynor in front of all these people?"

Reid chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, that's for you later. I'm starting with something easier. Maybe a little Sinatra. You know, keep it classy."

"Classy," Vivienne echoed, rolling her eyes but smiling. Reid was always full of surprises.

When his name was called, he gave her a wink and strutted up to the stage like he owned the place. The opening notes of "Fly Me to the Moon" began to play, and Vivienne couldn't help but smile as he started singing. He wasn't half-bad, either. His voice, while not exactly professional, was warm and smooth, with just the right amount of playfulness. And more than anything, he was having fun, which made the whole performance all the more enjoyable to watch.

By the time he finished, the small crowd clapped and cheered, and Reid took an exaggerated bow before heading back to their table. "And that, my dear, is how it's done."

Vivienne laughed, shaking her head at his antics. "I'm impressed, Reid. I didn't know you had that in you."

"There's a lot you don't know about me," he said with a smirk, sliding back into his seat. "But enough about me. It's your turn."