Might as Well Face it, You're Addicted to Love (Joe Perry/Nikki Sixx)

Chapter 181: Night at the Mercury's Part 2(Hunter Mercury)

God, I was so nervous! I can't believe I was NOW...those nerves went away AND NOW, now I am in AWE. Watching the expression on Josephine's face, that mix of excitement, contentment.... just pure joy, moreover the pure FEELING. Her playing is intense; it just makes you feel as now she leans into the solo for 'Kings & Queens'. Leaning back, eyes closed.... wild hair swaying and then her eyes open and find mine as I am still accompanying on her piano. Those emerald orbs of hers glowing, eyes wide.... it's just the way she's looking at me, in such a way that no one ever has......All too soon, the song comes to an end and she and I stare at one another till she breaks the spell....

"That was EPIC!" Excited, "You know you are seriously amazing, never doubt that." She adds on more seriously, tone taking on a soft note.

"It WAS epic darling, how could it not be?" I reply smiling, before my expression changes, "I don't think I've ever sounded like this. I suppose really, I am shy, so I've never really believed in myself but you.... you DO believe in me and....and, well you were right. You give the best advice." The sheen of tears in her eyes now touched and surprised both.

"You...you.... are the first person outside of family, that's EVER said that to me." Her answer says it all to me & I think of what she's told me in our talks, 'No you don't always need words.' As it feels she means to say more....

We get back at it, deciding to go with first 'Home sweet home' ...her singing along with me, the whole time her eyes never leave mine and then....then of course a Queen Song, 'Hammer to Fall' which Josephine told me was one of her absolute favorites & she & I are in our own world....and what a world it is. Before I realized it, we'd run through that song as well. And she joins me on the piano bench and before anything else can be said between us, we hear.... Dad's voice from the doorway as he comes into view, looking proud & really like a kid at Christmas time.

"I'd been standing here a bit, but darlings gotta say I'm blown away by you both. Extraordinary, extraordinary. And son? Never heard you sing like that before."

Josephine & I look to one another, blushing before I turn back to my dad....

"I'd give the credit to Josephine...." Quietly, "---She gave me the best advice & it really helped me." Dad senses something I can tell, but I gather he very much KNOWS of course.

"Oh, your mum sent me to fetch you two. Dinner's ready & a surprise here for Josephine."

I turn to Josephine, whose been quiet but still very much happy....and her eyes, her eyes fairly glow & I don't believe she knows that...

"Are you ok?" Concerned.

"I'm great....... thank you for well everything." Softly, a small smile. "This is one of the best nights of my life." I stare at her speechless for the moment and she surprises me by taking me by the hand, excited. "Well come on best friend!"

Her excitement is catching......her smile is something else & now too I am ok. If she could hear me right now, it's the best night of my life too....

It seems I blink and we're sitting down at the table, Josephine next to me...the two of us across from my parents who share a kiss.... several in fact before looking at her & I.

Josephine's eyes widen as she realizes what I have & she looks to mum in surprise....

"Is this....? Wow, my favorite pasta dish in the world! Al Pomodoro. I thank you so much."

In the phone calls, the letters we've already exchanged.... She gave me many recipes that she made & enjoyed with her family. Josephine had told me, "These are special to me, I grew up in an Italian household.... some Portuguese thrown in there as well. But these, especially the pomodoro I love so much cause it was the first meal my dad ever made. My mom & mom always told me he craved it so much when he was expecting me. I just wanted to share these with you."