Over the next three months, Josh threw himself into his work. The album was nearly finished and they were planning some rehearsal concert dates. He would soon start promoting in Europe, which would culminate at a special show in Tuscany, Italy. Sting had a small, intimate concert there a few years ago and Josh was very excited about using the same venue as one of his favorite musicians.
CJ called him the day before he left for Italy. “CJ, it’s good to hear from you.” “Thanks for your email. I kept wanting to ask you about singing at the wedding. Chelsea and I don’t want you to feel obligated…” “I don’t. Besides, that day is about you and Chelsea, not Sabrina and me.” “Thanks a lot, I mean it.” “You’re welcome. So, what am I singing?” “Chelsea thinks you’re singing ‘For Always’, but I have something else in mind. It’s a song by John Denver called ‘Annie’s Song’.” “You listen to John Denver?” “Watch it Opera Boy, it’s a great song. I’ve got the sheet music and everything, when should I send it to you?” “Fax it to me today if you can, I’m going to Italy tomorrow.” “What for?” “I’m doing early pro mo stuff for the album and then I’m holding a concert in Tuscany.” “Really. Bri’s spending the summer there with Leo. You should give her a call. Well, I mean…you know…” “I’d love to see how she’s doing. Give me he number.”
Josh thought of Sabrina often, but it was no longer painful to do so. Josh picked up the phone to call Sabrina, then put it back down again. He suddenly remembered the day he saw Leo and Sabrina together and how much it hurt him. Josh shook his head to clear it. He was being silly. Their relationship ended five months ago, he was over Sabrina.
Leo smiled to himself as he walked home from the market. It was a beautiful day and he’d just spotted some wild flowers. Sabrina was at home nursing a sprained ankle and the flowers would cheer her up. He picked them and started up the walkway. Sabrina was on the phone when he walked in. “That sounds wonderful, I’m so glad you called. Yeah, I’ll see you in two weeks.” Sabrina put the phone down and smiled at Leo.
“Hey you.” He smiled and kissed her, then brought the flowers out from behind his back. “Leo, thank you!” she kissed him. “You’re the best.” She kissed him again. “You’re welcome. Who was that on the phone?” “Josh. He’s giving a special concert at Il Palagio and he invited us to come as his guests. What do you think?” “It’s up to you. I’m game if you are.” “I’d really love to go. Josh and I never really settled things between us and it would be nice to see him.” “Then we’ll go.” Sabrina touched his face. ‘Tell me you love me’ he silently pleaded. He’d loved Sabrina for a long time, but didn’t say anything; he didn’t want her to feel obligated to say it back, but he was having a hard time keeping his feelings inside. “I’m so lucky to have you, Leo.” Leo forced himself to smile. It wasn’t what he wanted to hear, but it was close enough. He kissed her palm and her lips and started putting the groceries away. Sabrina knew then that something was bothering Leo, but knew better than to ask him about it.
By the day of the concert, Sabrina’s ankle had healed and she was increasingly more excited to see Josh. There was a lot she wanted to tell him and she was also anxious to hear his new material. “Sabrina, can you help me?” Leo called from his room. “Can you help me with my tie?” “Sure. What’s wrong, you’re usually good at this.” “Nerves I guess. It’s just now hitting me that your ex boyfriend is an international singing star and we’re about to see him in concert. It’s a little intimidating.” “Leo, Josh and I were over a long time ago. This doesn’t change anything.” “I know that, I do…it’s just a guy thing.” Sabrina put her arms around him. “Well, it’s a stupid guy thing.” She kissed him, long and deep. “Feel better?” Leo put his forehead to hers. “Mmm hmm.” A car horn sounded outside. “That’s the car Josh sent for us. We’ve gotta go.”
They arrived at Il Palagio and were escorted to fifth row center seats. Looking around, Sabrina could tell that Josh was going for the same intimate feel that Sting had two years earlier. There were only about 50 people there and there were candelabras placed randomly around the seats. It was an open-air show and the moonlight shone directly on the stage as if the moon herself were bestowing a blessing upon it. The only musicians present were a string quartet, pianist Zach Provost and a three-piece African percussion ensemble, led by Lebo M.
The lights dimmed and Sabrina recognized t he intro for ‘Alla Luce Del Sole’. Josh entered from back of the garden to applause and screams of surprise. He slowly walked onto the stage, where Sabrina could finally get a good look at him. Josh looked very well; his appearance was the same as when she knew him, His hair was still a charming mass of curls. He wore a white shift with black slacks and shoes; simple but elegant. What really got to Sabrina was his voice. It had always been stunning, but she’d swear on a stack of Bibles that his voice had grown even more beautiful.
As the concert progressed, Sabrina was moved by the songs she knew and loved discovering the ones she didn’t. Josh even sat at the piano and sang a cover of ‘Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word’. It was apparent to Sabrina that Josh had grown immensely as a musician and a man in the last few months, especially when he sang ‘Broken Vow’. She heard in his voice the pain from their breakup. She felt every emotion of the last five months in four minutes and started wiping the tears from her cheeks. When Josh finished the song, he seemed to heave a deep sigh, as if he had to take a minute to remove himself from the song. Sabrina felt the need to do the same. The rest of the concert was a bit of a blur. Before she knew it, Sabrina was on her feet as Josh and the musicians took their final bows.
“Are you all right?” Leo asked. “Yeah. That song ‘Broken Vow’ just really got to me.” Leo hugged her and kissed her head. “Do you want to go home?” “No. That song proved to me that we both need closure.” “Can I do anything?” “Leo, I don’t know how you put up with me. Who brings her boyfriend to see her ex in concert? Why are you dating me?” She put her face in his chest. “Porque Je taime.” “What’s that mean?” “That I’m crazy about you.” Leo held her face and kissed her.
Josh had started towards the couple when he saw them kissing. That would’ve killed him before, but now all he felt was happy that Sabrina was happy. He also felt a little awkward. He didn’t want to just stand there watching, but he didn’t want to embarrass them by clearing his throat or something. A stagehand unwittingly did Josh’s dirty work for him. “Hey, great show Josh! Are you going to the after party?” “Yeah, probably. Thanks for your work tonight, Marvin.” Marvin shook his hand. “Later man.”
Josh blushed slightly as he approached them. He reached for Sabrina’s hand as the opened her arms for a hug. They laughed and tried again. This time Sabrina tried to shake his hand as Josh tried to hug her. They laughed again. “This is silly.” Said Sabrina. Josh laughed nervously and embraced her warmly. “It’s so good to see you, Bri.” Josh paused to shake Leo’s hand. “Thanks for coming.” “It was a great show.” Said Leo. “Yes, it really was. I think your voice ahs actually gotten better.” Josh smiled. This was already a lot easier than he thought. “Thank you. Would you like to go to the after party or just get some coffee?” “You two have a lot to talk about, so I’m going to head home.” “Leo, you’re more than welcome to…” “I know. We can all have brunch tomorrow or something. Josh, will you make sure Sabrina gets home ok?” “Of course.” Leo gave Sabrina a quick kiss and started walking home.
Sabrina ran to Leo and interlaced their fingers. “You know what you mean to me, right? I mean, you know you don’t have anything to worry about.” “I know.” His expression was so sullen, Sabrina knew he was holding back again. “Can we talk later?” “Sure Sweetheart.” Sabrina kissed him again and went back to Josh.
Josh and Sabrina decided to get some coffee instead of going to the after party. They had a lot to talk about. “Did you and Leo enjoy the show?” “We really did, it was just beautiful. Leo and I have been out of the loop here, so this was our first time hearing the new songs.” “Do you have a favorite?” “Broken Vow’ hit me really hard. It felt like you were singing it to me.” “David gave me that song the same day I saw you and Leo together at that gas station. I was still in love with you, so it hurt a lot. I guess whenever I sing it, it takes me back to that day.” “Josh, I owe you an apology.” “For what?” “For the way things ended between us. I did what I felt I had to, but I’ll always regret the way I did it. There were two of us in our relationship and I ended it without hearing you or giving you a chance to change. I’m sorry.” “It was frustrating, I won’t deny that. But you were hurting so much for so long…I should’ve noticed, but I was too caught up with everything to see that the woman I loved was in pain. Then when you broke up with me, I flat out refused to be your friend. I lost my girlfriend and my best friend all at once, and I’ll always be sorry for that.”
They walked and talked for a few hours. It was 2am when Sabrina walked into the villa she shared with Leo. Leo sat on the couch, there were two empty beer bottles in front of him. “Leo? What’s going on?” “Nothing. I couldn’t sleep. Did you have a good time with Josh? Did you work everything out?” “Yes, but don’t change the subject. What’s been bothering you lately?” Leo took a deep breath. “I love you.” He looked surprised at his own words. “It feels so much better saying it out loud.” “But why should that upset you?” “Because I know you don’t love me and part of me is really hurt that you were in love with Josh after five days and we’re going on five months.”
Sabrina sat down, helpless. Leo was right; she didn’t love him, though
he really meant a lot to her. “Leo, I’m really sorry you’re
hurting, but I can’t just…” “I know. That’s why
I never said anything. You can’t control something like this.” Sabrina
reached for Leo’s hand and kissed it. “I’m not there yet,
but you have to know how special you are to me. Can you please just be patient
with me?” Leo nodded. Sabrina rose and turned on their stereo. She took
his hand and they danced slowly. “We’ll be all right, Leo, I promise.”
