Lessons Learned, Healing Hearts

Miracles Happen to Those Who Wait (Chapter 21)

Sitting in the car, Marlow waited patiently for her five passengers. A full concert tonight would have been amazing, but no such luck. It was sold out. Not one to give up easily, she considered her options. Maybe—just maybe—they'd let her watch sound check. It wouldn't be the end of the world if the answer was no, as every day with the guys was a mini concert in and of itself. Still, one song at the TV station hadn't been nearly enough.

Two blocks from the venue, she took her shot.

"Michele," she said carefully, "I don't usually ask for favours, but... could I come to the soundcheck?"

"That's probably not a good idea," he replied. "It's a hectic time, and everyone tends to be more on edge."

"I'm okay if she comes," Piero said without hesitation.

"Yeah, me too," Gianluca added.

Marlow waved a hand. "It's fine, fellas. I'll just hang out at the office until 10:30 and then come back for eleven."

"Marlow," Piero said firmly, "I want you to come."

Michele exchanged a few sentences in Italian with the group. Hearing her name peppered in the conversation, her insides dipped like a roller coaster. The last thing she wanted was to cause tension.

"Fine," Michele relented, "You can come—just stay out of the way."

"I will. And thank you."

Turning into the neighbouring parkade, she caught Piero in the rear-view mirror. Locking eyes, they shared a cheerful smile.

***

Security led her halfway down the theatre's centre aisle to an empty seat. Surprised to see a handful of older women in the front two rows, she hadn't expected to be one of several guests.

As the sound check unfolded, Marlow was struck by the controlled chaos going on as the guys each sang a verse or two from each song.

Tech hands adjusted lights, while the music director listened closely as mics were adjusted for clarity and volume. While the final performance itself would look effortless, it was clear that it was anything but.

Peering up to the ceiling, she tried to envision the darkened theatre full of Il Volo fans. Any concert she had gone to in the past, as soon as the lights dimmed, screams would erupt, and people would jump to their feet. Looking at the group of seniors, a laugh bubbled up when she imagined these sweet grandmas rushing the stage to get close to their favourite person.

Twenty minutes flew by. When Barbara approached, Marlow stood up to meet her.

"Alright, that's it," she said. " We'll see you around 11:00."

"I'll be here."

Marlow cast one last glance at the stage. Deep in conversation with the pianist, she was unable to catch Piero's attention, but Gianluca smiled and waved goodbye. Walking through the back corridors, reserved for crew and performers, she listened as Barbara spoke.

"I just want to verify that you have the changes for tomorrow and Tuesday."

"I do. If anything else changes, just text me," Marlow replied.

"There shouldn't be, but..."

"You never know," Marlow finished for her.

Barbara laughed. "Exactly. Nothing's ever predictable in this business."

Surprised when Barbara continued walking with her, Marlow questioned if she needed anything else.

"No, no. I just wanted to let you know, while I have you to myself, that we meet a lot of people, and most are quickly forgotten. However, every now and then, someone comes along that we all talk about and remember long after they're gone. I think you've become one of those people."