Read Online Unexpected Encounter (Singleton) by Taige Crenshaw - Free Book Online

rarely dates and they thought I was imagining it.”
    “Seeing as you always tell tall tales, it’s no wonder,” a woman said from the doorway.
    Lila recognized another living member of the band who appeared on stage as well as the sister of the sax player who played the synthesizer for the group. She strolled in then greeted her as her sister had, but paused and stared at her. Lila returned the look with one of her own.
    The woman grinned then chuckled. “Welcome to Eccentricville.”
    The group echoed her sentiment. Then they started talking about the show and what they would be doing. Lila wasn’t sure what had happened but just leaned against Driscoll and absently listened.
    “There is a party going on and I wasn’t invited.” Bella breezed in and put her hands on her hips. Behind her, Lila recognized Morgan James who worked as a fire investigator at Delko Street Firehouse. They waved at each other.
    The sound increased as more of Bella’s band members came in, as well as crew for Driscoll’s and Bella’s bands. Driscoll introduced her and the whole time he kept his arm over her shoulder and her close.
    “Time to go on stage, folks,” someone she couldn’t see called.
    The crew and others started to disperse. The bands headed to the door.
    Bella, with Morgan standing behind her on Driscoll’s other side, strolled with them as they went into the hall. The space was crowded and people milled around talking. Lila wondered what they were waiting for. Stuart put his fingers in his mouth and let out a loud whistle. The din quieted and Driscoll squeezed Lila before he released her and went into the center of the group, followed by Bella. The duo stopped then linked hands.
    “It’s been a while since we had a full concert like this with Bella’s crew.” Driscoll glanced around at everyone. “The last time it was everyone with us. I’m saddened that we’re missing many of our own.”
    The crew nodded and some wiped their eyes.
    Driscoll cleared his throat. “But I know they are up there and will be grooving with us and doing what they do beside us. Bella will lead us in our usual ritual of prayer then I’ll pick a song to get us started.” He bowed his head.
    Lila lowered hers. Bella said a prayer then when Lila lifted her head she was in time to see Driscoll raise his head then belt out the opening words for Amazing Grace .
    Lila’s breath caught at the beauty of his voice. She’d heard it many times but this close, she was overwhelmed. Bella joined in then slowly the rest of the band and crew. Lila added her voice and she fought not to cry as she watched them all. Soon the song was done and the people went on to do their duties.
    Driscoll came to her and kissed her gently before rubbing her cheek. “Come on.”
    He led her to the stage wings and Lila could hear the crowd chanting his name as well as Bella’s. Driscoll turned her to him. “Irene will take you to your seat. Gotta go to work.” He kissed her again then stepped away.
    “This way,” Irene said.
    Lila followed her, glancing back at Driscoll. His band was crowded around him and he was talking with them.
    “He’s hyping them up. Not that they need it,” Irene said.
    She stepped back and Lila sat in an empty chair in the front row beside Aja. Lila looked back and waved at the group there, knowing many of them through Spencer. Her eyes widened as she spotted the mayor. He inclined his head and smiled. She’d never met him one-on-one and had no idea if he knew who she was, but she returned the greeting. She focused on the front and noticed they were just off stage with a curtain open, but they were shaded from view of the audience. The light dimmed a few times and the audience noise subsided. Finally the stage went dark and no sound could be heard.
    “Give yourself to my keeping.” Driscoll’s voice rose in the darkness. “No one can fulfill” — The lights flashed on, illuminating him. He moved across the stage with the light