Cherished (37 page)

He looked up as the door opened and Jackson, a church volunteer, came in looking official—clipboard, cell phone, and walkie-talkie—ready to give his update. The room they were in had grown crowded too. Initially it was just a few people who would pray with Brian beforehand, including his friends who'd flown in from Atlanta. But as word leaked where he was, more and more people had filtered through the loose security system, all to wish him well.

The group grew quiet as Jackson lifted his hands to get their attention. “We're supposed to start in ten minutes, but the line is still stretched across the parking lot. We moved most of the tables out to make room, so we should be able to accommodate everyone. Just a matter of getting them inside in an orderly fashion. I think we'll be ready in twenty.”

As the noise and mingling ratcheted up again, two people from Brian's label pulled Jackson aside to talk, and the three of them left. Logan walked over and took a seat beside Brian, who hadn't strayed far from his current posture since he'd arrived—elbows on the table, head resting in clasped hands, shooting up intermittent prayers. So much was riding on this night.

In a matter of minutes he would premiere an album he'd been excited about when first completed, but over the last two months had begun to wonder whether it was too hastily done and not up to par. Plus, he would premiere a video that revealed his darkest secret and receive instant feedback—the good, the bad, and the ugly. And that was only part of the weight he was carrying.

Logan eyed him. “How's it going? You ready?”

Brian blew out a breath. “I don't know if I could ever be ready. Tonight could go so many ways.” He glanced toward the door. “Kelli's not even here yet. What am I supposed to make of that?”

Logan glanced that way himself. “You know she'll be here. But you would've made things easier for yourself if you hadn't pulled back from communicating with her.”

“I've talked to her.”

“About the video, stuff related to the album . . .”

“I know.” Brian had already been second-guessing himself. “I felt like I had to be sure I wasn't running on emotion. I needed the space to pray and be sure”—he winced—“if that makes sense.” He sighed. “I'm about to make a fool of myself in front of everybody.”

Logan smiled at him. “But if it works out . . . what a moment.”

“That doesn't exactly make me feel better.”

Phyllis and Hayes's son Cole brought over a paper plate with two slices of sausage and mushroom pizza. Surprised, Brian looked and saw Hayes had come in with a carryout box.

“Thank you, buddy, I appreciate that,” Brian told Cole. Then he called over to Hayes with a smile. “I thought it was settled. I told you I was fine with pepperoni and mushroom.”

Pizza delivery had botched the order.

“It was the least I could do,” Hayes said. “You should have your favorite on your big night. You deserve it.”

Brian looked at him, at a loss for words. “Thank you,” he said.

He took a bite, turning back to Logan. “Have you talked to Heather? How's that going?”

“Talked to her last night. She really wishes she could be here. But she's committed to that youth group, and they've got a retreat this weekend.”

Brian kept eyeing him. “That's not what I was asking about. Unload, brother.”

Logan clasped his hands behind his head. “It's weird. She's been gone, what, a month and a half? I feel more drawn to her now than when she was here. Can't wait to talk to her to find out how she's doing or to tell her about a song I wrote.” He paused, a smile lighting his face. “Sometimes on Thursdays, she likes me to play a song for her over the phone.”

“Pretty special stuff, man.”

“Pretty scary stuff.”

“Why scary? You thought a woman would
never
capture your heart?”

Logan narrowed his gaze, tilting his head a little. “I don't think I've wanted to step back and analyze it, but maybe that's it. She's captured my heart.”

Brian paused before another bite. “Did it really take ‘analysis' for you to see that?”

“You got a point. I almost wish that Florida position had come through. Then I would've been gone anyway. Being here without her is hard.”

“Dude. She's two hours away. Not like you can't make a road trip.”

Logan seemed to ponder that. “Maybe I should. I'd love to meet her family.”

The door opened again and Brian looked, hoping it was Kelli. But Stephanie and Lindell breezed in, a look of bewilderment in Stephanie's eyes.

“What in the world?” she asked, looking back at the door after it closed. She and Lindell headed for Brian. “Two girls saw us headed down the hall,” she told him, “and one of them whispered, ‘I bet they know where Alien is.' They started following us!”

Lindell laughed. “I told them you'd be in the activity center shortly, but they said it was so crowded that this was the only chance they'd get to see you up close. For what it's worth, they said they're camping outside the door till you come out.”

“I forget you're so popular,” Stephanie said. “They're wearing shirts that say
I'm an alien too . . . not of this world
. What's up with that? You've got
shirts
?”

Brian shrugged. He found much of this hard to believe himself. “The label put those out with the first album.” He stood. “I'll probably never get used to people wanting to meet me. I'll go say hello.” He popped the last bit of pizza into his mouth.

Brian opened the door and stepped out to the sound of gasps. He thought it funny that on Sundays he never got this kind of reaction. But news of the release party had been promoted through his website and other online sites, plus an e-blast for those who had signed up to get news through the label. Fans had gotten the word and come out, some of them driving hours, from what he'd heard.

He smiled, shaking their hands. “Good to see y'all. Thanks so much for showing up to support the new project.”

“I can't believe you actually came out,” one of the girls said, beaming. She looked at her friend. “He's even cuter in person.”

The friend nodded hard, eyes wide. “We can't wait to hear the new music. Oh, and can you sign our shirts?” She handed him a marker and turned her shoulder toward him.

“Sure can.” He signed
Alien
and
Phil. 3:20
on both and handed back the marker. “After you hear the songs, you have to let me know what you think.”

“Really? We'd love to.”

Brian's eyes lifted beyond them. Kelli and her mother were headed his way.

Vaguely he saw the girls depart. He was excited Mrs. London had come to town, but mostly he couldn't take his eyes off Kelli. She wore dark-colored pants, a top and jacket with a slight silver shimmer, high-heeled boots, and her hair was full and curly. He was glad she considered this a special night for herself as well because it was. Her first work on an album. It meant the world to him to share this with her.

He walked the few steps to meet them and hugged Kelli's mom. “Mrs. London, I haven't seen you in so long. I'm so glad you could make it. And you look great.”

“I wouldn't have missed it. I'm so overjoyed for Kelli—and you, young man”—Francine held his shoulders—“I'm so proud of you. I'm not surprised at all that you've got a music ministry. You were always special.”

“Thank you, Mrs. London.” He wondered if Kelli had told her about the video. She'd probably retract her view of him once she saw it. “And I don't know if I've ever really thanked you for giving me a second home growing up. It made a huge difference in my life.”

“You made a huge difference in our lives too, Brian. You introduced us to the Lord—you and Grandma Howard, that is. I was so sorry to hear about her passing.”

Brian held her words. “I appreciated the flowers you sent.” He turned to Kelli. “Hey. You look beautiful.”

She smiled, but it seemed distant. “Thanks.”

Yep, I'm about to make a fool of myself
.

“They say we should be ready to start soon. There are a few refreshments—”

He heard heels clacking down the hall and looked up.
Monica?
What was she doing here?

With an entourage of three she came toward them, looking glamorous in a long sparkly tunic, leggings, and extra-high heels. She spread her arms as she neared Brian.

“I'm so happy for you!” she exclaimed, hugging him.

He backed up a step. “I thought you couldn't come.”

“I wasn't sure at first, then I wanted to surprise you. Did it work?”

“Yeah, I'd say it did.” He saw Kelli and Mrs. London moving toward the door and stepped toward them. “You remember Kelli, don't you? And this is her mom.”

Monica flashed a smile and greeted them. “Great work on the album,” she told Kelli. “I was impressed, especially given this was your first collaboration.”

Kelli exchanged a glance with Brian. “So you've already heard it?”

“Of course,” Monica said.

Brian clarified. “She's heard
most
of the songs.”

Monica looked perturbed. “I thought you sent all the songs. Anyway, Demetrius and Yolanda are on their way. We thought it'd be fun to spend some time together afterward, maybe go to dinner, like we've done for our other release parties. What do you think?”

“I'm not sure, Monica,” Brian said. “I appreciate all of you coming, but I doubt it'll work tonight.”

Monica's eyes flickered Kelli's way. “Okay. Just let us know.”

They all entered the room together, and a small uproar ensued when people saw Monica. The last thing he wanted was for the evening to take on a “Brian and Monica” feel, but that's exactly what was happening, as he heard people assuming she'd sung on his album.

When everyone had moved to the activity center, he looked around for Kelli. She'd melded into the crowd, standing with her family, watching as if she too were waiting to hear the music for the first time. When Brian got the signal it was time to start, he gladly took the stage to get things going.

The extended roars and applause overwhelmed him. Brian raised his hands, keeping Kelli in his line of vision. When the crowd quieted, he shook his head at them. “Y'all really came out, didn't you?”

They cheered again.

“You don't know how much I appreciate your support,” he said, “but I have to admit I'm a little nervous.” He paused, taking them in. “This project means so much to me. It's intensely personal, and I'm so close to it that I have no idea how anyone else will feel about it.” He smiled. “But I hope you like it.”

“We'll
love
it,” someone yelled, joined by other shout-outs.

“You might've noticed the big screens mounted on either side of the room.” Brian pointed to them. “We're also premiering a video tonight. We held this celebration here at Living Word because while the video features the first song that'll be released
on Tuesday
”—he waited while they cheered again—“it's also part of a ministry for young men that kicks off this week at our church. It's called ‘Choices,' and . . . well, I think you'll see why I say this album is intensely personal.”

He lowered his mic and waited as the lights dimmed and his face appeared on-screen, then he walked down the steps and stood with Kelli.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father,” Brian was saying on-screen, his face shadowed, a soft piano playing. “And I saw that big-time in my own life, from the grandmother God gave me, from the mother and father who gave me life . . . and from the best friend he gave me in high school— Kelli London.”

Cedric and Lindell turned to Kelli, stunned, along with Cyd and Stephanie. None of them knew Kelli had decided to go public with her part in the story. Brian had been stunned himself when he saw the final script. But she said she felt God prodding her to be transparent, to let go of needless shame, in order to touch others. Still, it clearly wasn't easy for her.

Brian clasped her hand, sure her heart was beating as hard as his.

“Kelli was the best friend I could've asked for,” on-screen Brian was saying. “We shared a love of school, basketball, and music. In fact, Kelli was into music way more than I was. She wrote songs and she could sing, and I was sure one day she'd be a big star. I was the science nerd, and even though she didn't love it, she'd indulge me with fifty trips a month to the Science Center—and I'm only exaggerating a little.”

The crowd giggled as young actors on-screen were shown inside the Science Center, wrestling a dinosaur.

“After two years of close friendship, we began dating, and it was innocent enough . . . for a while.” The video showed a young couple walking through the hallways at school, holding hands. “But at the end of high school, I made a choice. Instead of keeping purity in the forefront of my mind, I wanted our relationship to go ‘deeper.' Guess you could say we both did. And one day, we acted on that.