Lessons Learned, Healing Hearts

Let the Music Take Control (Chapter 7)

Sitting behind a glass wall, Marlow listened as Gianluca recorded his part in another room. Her eyes followed the flicker of multi-coloured lights as the recording engineer adjusted the levers. It was fascinating, but she couldn't help but feel like an intruder in this world of music. She whispered, "How long does it take to record one song?"

"You don't have to whisper," Piero said, squeezing her knee. "It depends on the song—how complex it is, how many people are singing. Sometimes, we get through a song within an hour; other times, it takes an entire day. Once everything's laid down, we fine-tune the edit and mix the tracks."

"Does Gianluca hear everyone singing or just his part?"

"Just his," Piero said. "We've practiced everything beforehand, so when we come into the studio, we already know what's happening. But I must confess, even now, it still gives me chills whenever I hear the final product complete with full orchestra."

"I bet it does. I can't wait to hear the CD once it's out."

"I will personally make sure you get a copy before anyone else," Piero said, squeezing her knee once more.

"Awesome! Thank you."

As Gianluca removed his headphones and exited the live booth, Marlow waited to hear if everyone was done or needed more time. Hearing her name being mentioned in rapid-fire Italian, her ears perked up. When she looked over, all three guys were smiling at her.

"What's up?" she asked, her voice slightly shaky.

"Come with me," Gianluca said, offering her his hand.

"Where to?" she asked, genuinely confused.

Gianluca led her through a side door into the room he'd just come from. She had no idea what she was doing there, and her stomach tightened in a knot of uncertainty.

"We've heard you sing in the car," Gianluca said, his voice soft but sure, "and we know you're a wonderful singer. Since we still have studio time left, we thought you would like to experience what it's like to record a song."

Marlow's throat went instantly dry. She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out.

"What?" she eventually managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Gianluca gently pushed her in front of the microphone, his hands surprisingly light as he placed the headphones over her ears. The moment the world went eerily silent, her pulse raced. The weight of the headphones on her ears amplified her fear, and she froze.

Sensing her terror, Gianluca pulled her into a tight, comforting hug. Sliding one headphone behind her ear, he said, "Just relax. If you don't like wearing both headphones, you can hear just as easily through one. And if it helps, close your eyes. Imagine you're alone in your house, just listening to music. You'll be fine."

The warmth of his embrace and soothing reassurances settled her for a moment.

"Okay. What song am I singing?"

"What would you like to sing?" Gianluca asked, stroking her back.

Marlow's mind went blank.

Piero's voice echoed through the speakers. "How about the one you sang in the car this morning?"

She'd been singing 'Eight Days a Week' earlier with Ignazio, but singing it now felt overwhelming.

"Piero, I think it's better if..." Marlow began, but he cut her off before she could finish.

"Found it." He was already holding up his phone, showing the engineer. Seconds later, the familiar opening notes played over the speakers.

"Yeah, yeah!" Gianluca cheered. "That's perfect. It's simple and catchy. What do you say?" He continued to rub her back, his voice low and soothing. "This will be fun. You'll see."