Never Looking Back

Say Yes, Say Yes

It's a crisp November afternoon, and the Teenagers and I are in the recording studio, recording two songs for our first 45rpm record release for Columbia Records- "Love Me Long" and "He's No Lover." The Teenagers have just finished recording "Love Me Long." I can't believe it took five takes to record that song. "Hey, Alyssa! We have a favor to ask of you," Herman says. I raise my eyebrow and ask "What is it, Herman?" Herman asks "Do you mind hanging out in the sound booth for this take of "He's No Lover?" We'll add your backing vocals later, so don't worry." Why do they want me in the sound booth? Oh well, at least I know I'll be adding my backing vocals later.

I make my way to the sound booth and stand next to Harrington. Harrington looks up at me and smiles. He says "Welcome to the sound booth, Alyssa. So, what's got you in here?" Laughing, I reply "Herman said he wants me to hang out here. We'll add my backing vocals later, so don't worry, Mr. Carisi." "Okay, Alyssa. Would you like to have the honors of saying that this is take one of "He's No Lover?"" Harrington asks. Nodding, I enthusiastically exclaim "He's No Lover," take one!" You can do it, Sherman. You're gonna do good singing lead on this song.

" (He doesn't pretend to be a lover)
Oh, oh

Well, I don't pretend to be a lover
And I'm no Romeo undercover
Not me!
But I believe if you give me a chance
We can have a long lasting romance

Well, I know that you've always thought of me, haha, as just okay
But I've reached the age where I cannot stay that way
I meant it when I said you could make my dreams come true
'Cause when I fall asleep, I dream of you

Well, I've played Don Juan on the high school stage
And I let it slide right off of the page
I realized, back then
I was only acting a part
But now, each word I speak comes from my heart
Yes, and now each word I speak comes from my heart
Oh oh oh, and now each word I speak comes from my heart..."

As Sherman sings the last few lines of the song, I notice him pull a small black box out of his coat pocket. Then, as the song finishes, he gets down on one knee and opens the box. I clasp my hand over my mouth, and Sherman says "Alyssa, come in here, please." I make my way back to the studio. Sherman says "Alyssa, since the day we met, I knew that you were the girl that I wanted to be with forever. You make me the happiest guy ever. Being with you every day makes me happier, but being with you and being yours forever would make me happier. Alyssa Houlton, will you marry me?" Happy tears spring from my eyes, and I respond "Oh my god, yes! Yes! Yes, I'll marry you!" Happily, Sherman gets up and slides the sparkly silver ring, which has a diamond on it, onto my finger. Harrington grins and says "Well, that was beautiful! Congratulations, Alyssa and Sherman! Hey, you guys, I have some news for you!" I perk up and ask "What's the news?" "You'll be singing "Love Me Long" on Dick Clark's Saturday Night Beechnut Show!" Harrington replies. Joe exclaims "Oh my god! I've always wanted to be on that show! Holy fuck, I'm so excited, I could do a backflip!" The Teenagers and I all laugh. Holy shit. I'm engaged to Sherman!

Later that night, Sherman and I are standing in his room, slow-dancing to "To Be Loved" by Jackie Wilson. I look up at Sherman and say "I'm so glad that you and I are engaged. Our wedding will be so beautiful! Oh, and we have to tell Billy the news that we're engaged!" Sherman kisses me and says "I know, babe. We'll have a beautiful wedding. I love you so damn much, Alyssa. The thought of being able to call you my wife makes me happier than anything." "Sherman, I love you more than anything," I say. Today was such a great day. I can't believe Sherman and I are engaged! This just makes me so fucking happy!