THANKS BARRY!! EXCERPTS FROM CHAP 1 OF FRONT ROW CENTER--NOVEL DEDICATED TO BARRY MANILOW

[Cynthia B. Ainsworthe]

Hi Everyone,

Here are a few excerpts from Chapter 1 of Front Row Center. I sincerely hope you will enjoy my creation that Barry inspired. I apologize for the lack of indenting, as I don't know what computer commands are necessary to post a blog in a traditional book format. Also, this book is in CD-ROM pdf text format as a "go green" effort. You read it from your computer screen, or print it out or load it onto a text cell phone or Blackberry, PDA, etc, (I don't know the particulars on how to do this, but I've see it done with my book). In pdf text, the reader can adjust the size of the type for reading comfort.

FRONT ROW CENTER

Cynthia B. Ainsworthe

Copyright © 2007 by Cynthia Baker Ainsworthe
ISBN: 978-0-9802459-0-5
No portion of the text, graphics, or other content of this work or its dependant websites may be copied, reproduced, stored, or transmitted, in its original form or in a derivative or modified form, without the written permission of the copyright holders. Lyrics from song "Forbidden" (c) 2008 used with permission of composer Mark J. Dye and lyricist Cynthia B. Ainsworthe.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, business establishments, or locales is entirely coincidental. All people and plots in this book are fictional. None of the medical procedures or medical diagnosis in this book is to be taken as medical treatment or medical suggestions, nor is it meant to represent the “state of the art” treatment at the time of publication. No responsibility is assumed for any medical information or procedure described in the book. See your own doctor for diagnosis or treatment.

Our eyes meet, and the fire starts! ... Two bodies cry to be one... Forbidden...-CB Ainsworthe, lyric from the song "Forbidden"/music by Mark J. Dye/lyrics by Cynthia B. Ainsworthe (c) 2008

"No Entry. Love came laughing by,
and said, 'Wrong or right. I enter everywhere.'” - CB Ainsworthe

CHAPTER 1

“How many major cities in the U.S. does your Farewell Tour cover, Larry?”

“Quite a few.” America’s sexiest heartthrob sat with ease in the guest chair.

The large, flat screen television over the ornate marble fireplace broadcast “Morning Now” and piqued Taylor Allen’s interest immediately.

“Larry, you’re known the world over as a superstar singer and composer, famous for haunting melodies and dramatic lyrics, not to mention your overwhelming sex appeal with women. Your performances are never short of explosive, generating a wealth of emotions from the audience.” Kimberly Johns was warm and approachable. She was the perfect interviewer to represent the interests of his female fans. Kimberly looked Larry over as if he’d be the main course as well as dessert. The effect he had on women was incomparable.

“Thanks for the compliment, but I’m just another singer who writes music.”

His humility was met with oohs and aahs from the live audience. Larry smiled in response.

“You’re very modest, but you’re far from just another singer. You’re Larry Davis. What are some of those cities on your tour?”

His smile made Kimberly giggle.

“The tour is called ‘Larry Davis—A Night to Remember’ and, it’s really quite extensive. I have scheduled performances in thirty-five cities.” His voice defied his New York roots and spoke as a person well traveled. “To name a few…I have already performed at fifteen cities in Great Britain. I toured New England…now, I’m here in New York at Madison Square Garden. Next the East Coast, including Tampa and Miami, many cities in the Midwest and the West Coast, ending in Las Vegas.” Larry handled interviews with the style and grace of a trained public speaker, the same qualities that he demonstrated during his performances. “We purposely chose an arena venue for these concerts, to allow as many fans as possible to see the performance.”

Larry exuded charm and an easygoing manner. Taylor was intrigued. She turned away from her laptop and the weekly July sales’ reports for Gérard’s clothing stores, stood up, and walked to the television for a closer look at the amazing entertainer with his breathtaking good looks.

“That sounds like an exhausting concert schedule. Won’t it be tiring for you? Are you looking to retire when you finish this tour?”

Larry raised his eyebrows in a boyish fashion. No interviewer could intimidate him. “Yes, it’s an ambitious tour schedule, but not exhausting. I want to reach as many fans as possible as my way of saying good-bye to touring and to thank them for all the years they’ve been there supporting me. I’ll do concerts from time to time, but I’m not going on the road anymore…not on a real tour. Retirement? Not in the least—I’ve signed a three-year contract with the Chambord Hotel in Las Vegas. I’ll have plenty to keep me busy, coming up with new arrangements, new ideas for production numbers, and maybe some new songs. I have an amazing group of talented people, all excellent musicians. My wonderful background singers are invaluable to me.”

Taylor listened and watched intently. She always liked his music. His soft, sparkling, clear blue eyes and sensual mouth awoke her primal instincts. Her stomach quivered as her pulse quickened.

The interviewer continued. “How do you feel emotionally? Since this is your last tour, do you feel sad at this point in your performing career?”

“Yes, I do feel a little sad. This last tour is a bitter-sweet experience for me. When I arrive in each new city, I’m saying hello to that city and all my fans there, but after these performances, I’ll also be saying good-bye, since each stop will probably be the last time I’ll visit that city for a long time. If they want to see me perform again, they’ll have to come out to Vegas.” Larry spoke sincerely, and expressed his deep affection for his fans. “It’s like saying good-bye to faithful friends—and that’s sad. My fans won’t have long road tours to look forward to. Any future concerts will be sporadic, depending on my commitment to the Chambord.” Larry’s focus never wavered from the interviewer. His voice was strong and gentle. “Going on the road like I’ve done all these years, is a young man’s gig.” He sighed. “I’m tired of not having a place to call home. Every city is a different hotel, but the same routine. If I never see another piece of luggage again, that’ll be fine with me.”

Taylor thought, Larry Davis, there’s nothing old about you! You’re sexier now than you’ve ever been! What a man! Shivers ran down her spine.

The interviewer commented, “You’re far from what I’d consider as old. I’m sure your fans don’t see you as being along in years.”

“Well, I’m not old—but, I am fifty. Long strenuous tours are fun when you’re twenty-something. The energy that’s required to put on an extremely vigorous performance, city after city, can take a lot out of you. Don’t get me wrong, I love performing, but it’s time I made a change to do other things.”

“Like the Chambord in Las Vegas?” Kimberly smiled and couldn’t resist his innate charms. Even her experience as a head anchor personality provided no immunity to his charisma.

“Exactly. It’ll be good to focus on something new and challenging.” Larry looked at her intently, projecting an animal magnetism that was uniquely his signature style.

“Tell me, Larry, are there any special women in your life? Any girlfriends, or one special lady?”

Taylor listened more intently. She childishly hoped he was still single to feed her girlish dreams.

“No. My music has been all consuming. It wouldn’t be fair to ask anyone to make that kind of sacrifice.” He chuckled lightly, “What type of a relationship can two people share when one half is always on the road?”

Taylor was pleased no special female occupied his life. A warm smile came to her lips.

Kimberly leaned closer to him. “After this tour, would you like to have a relationship with a woman?”

“I’d love to. But, I’ve been single for so many years…I don’t think there’s anyone out there, would put up with me.” Taylor wrung her hands as she continued to listen. “Sometimes I’ll wake up at three or four in the morning to compose a song or to work on an arrangement. Who knows? I’m forever the hopeful romantic. Maybe there’s someone out there who wouldn’t mind my crazy living habits.”

“I’m sure you don’t have to look far. Just take a look at all the women who have gathered to hear you sing this morning.” Kimberly smiled warmly as she touched his hand, clearly unable to resist his allure. “Anyone of them would jump at the chance to be a love interest of yours.”

“Thanks for the flattery.” His smile was humble and kind. “I think I’ll just remain a bachelor for the immediate future. I have no time to meet anyone new. That’s the type of job I have.”

Taylor impulsively thought, I wish I could be that special someone for you, Larry!

Kimberly adjusted her posture, as if to remind herself she was an interviewer and not a mere fan. “Larry, you grew up in New York, am I right?”

Taylor continued to absorb every word he spoke. She said aloud, “I’d love to be in Kimberly’s place. Larry, I’d make sure I’d be a love interest of yours—what am I saying! I’m married!”

“Yes, Queens was my home,” Larry replied as he focused on Kimberly’s face.

She grinned from his gaze, then commented, “I noticed that you don’t have an accent.”

Larry tilted his head as he listened to Kimberly. The corners of his mouth upturned in a slight smile, before replying, “Elocution instruction early in my career helped a lot.”

Gigi, a white toy poodle, and Jacques, a black toy poodle, watched Taylor from the forest green velvet sofa. She said aloud to them, “Y’ know kids, if I wasn’t married and in love with your daddy, Larry Davis could have me anytime! He’s one hot man! How can any woman resist those sensual blue eyes? And he seems so sensitive and sincere. God! He’s so sexy and irresistible! What a stud! I’d love to feel his hands on me!” Taylor knew the poodles would keep her lustful secrets.

----#####----

Joe slapped Larry’s back saying, “Go get ‘em, Chief.”

A nervous smile came to the singer’s face, and then he replied, “I sure as hell will try.”

Larry took a deep breath, nodded, and smiled. At the entrance of the tunnel-like structure, he clenched and unclenched his fists repeatedly, and then walked into the cavernous area, brightly lit by strings of rope lights.

Roving red, blue, and white lights were blinding as they moved in random patterns throughout the audience. This was another requirement of Larry’s to heighten the excitement of the crowd. Two steps encircled the stage and led to a shallow platform, allowing Larry to get up close and personal with audience members in the first two rows. Though, this hadn’t been Larry’s practice for this tour, the option was made available to him. Two more steps ended at the stadium floor. Scattered along the edge of the encircling platform were security men ready to stop any over-zealous fan from rushing the stage. At the east side, the orchestra was positioned on the ground floor of the stadium.

Taylor and Paul sat ten feet from the stage floor, which gave them the illusion that they could almost touch the artist.

The orchestra started playing the fanfare. A loud male voice was heard through the speakers, saying repeatedly, “Right here, right now…right here, right now…” as he enhanced the excitement and proclaimed the imminent appearance of the famous singer. The crowd chanted “Larry, Larry, Larry….” louder. Five bright spotlights from the periphery merged to focus on center stage. The eyes of the crowd searched the north entrance for their beloved Larry Davis to make his appearance. There, a black metal railing supported by steps that led to the stage could easily be seen. There was no sight of the famous singer. The orchestra began playing the overture to one of his famous songs. The cheering of the crowd increased, as audience members knew it wouldn’t be long before they would see their cherished idol.

Unexpectedly, the middle of the circular stage parted, and slowly a black grand piano arose. Larry stood next to it. The orchestra went silent. With microphone in hand, Larry started singing his opening song a cappella, “Love on the Line”, one of his first platinum singles. After he began the well-known refrain, the orchestra provided a powerful downbeat, beginning the musical background accompaniment. The roar of the crowd became deafening, as they all stood and applauded enthusiastically.

Larry’s musical magic continued to appeal to all age groups, ranging from twenty to sixty-five. The songs he wrote and produced were timeless. He created the illusion of singing to one single fan as his special love, delivering the song with passion and deep emotion. It was this ability to exude sincerity, warmth, and love that had skyrocketed him to the top, and those same qualities maintained his career.

Four enormous monitors above the stage projected close-up images of Larry’s performance, affording the fans seated in the heavens an unrestricted view of their favorite idol. The image was extremely clear. Droplets of perspiration could be seen on the superstar’s forehead. The slowly rotating stage afforded every audience member an unobstructed view.

When Larry finished the first bar of music, applause rang out. Numerous fans held posters proclaiming their love. As he continued to sing, everyone resumed sitting.

While singing, Larry’s eyes sparkled with heartfelt emotion. His youthful appearance made him look forty. His ability to make a woman feel young, beautiful, and desired by him, caused her fears, self doubts, and all insecurities to fade away.

In the middle of his third song, “Dancin’ in the Streets”, Larry left the piano and strutted in a commanding way, from one side to the other as he took ownership of the stage.

Taylor sat transfixed as Larry finished the song. She found his performance powerful—a performance that touched her inner being. Goose bumps rose on her arms as her pulse quickened. Taylor was now a teenager with new energy racing through her body. She was caught up in the whirl of Larry Davis.
She excitedly exclaimed to Paul, “Isn’t he wonderful? Bigger than life and sooo dynamic! He’s magnetic!”

“He’s a good performer,” he answered flatly, clearly, not being particularly impressed. “I don’t understand the sex appeal he exerts on the female psyche.”

Taylor ignored his comment.

The superstar began a monologue directed to the audience. “You look like a hot crowd! You’re perfect for tonight! Perfect for tonight. The Tampa area is incredible. I flew into Clearwater Airport…I’m playing in the St. Pete Times Forum, right here in Tampa, Florida. How great is that!” A roar of laughter came from the crowd.

His monologue appeared spontaneous, but it had been rehearsed as part of the show, right down to every expression and gesture. He demanded one hundred-ten percent of himself, and no less from the countless others it took to put on any of his concerts. He was a professional showman personified.

Larry paused as he stepped to the center of the stage to his mark. He saw Taylor. Her red suit caught his eye. My God, he thought, Her face makes my throat go dry.

Taylor’s gaze was frozen on Larry, drinking up his sensitive puppy dog eyes. She thought, He’s looking directly at me, and only me! Larry connected with her heart, and she with him. The crowd went wild when Larry sang one of his upbeat pop songs, some jazz tunes, and a few romantic ballads. From the stadium floor, his talented background singers accompanied him on most of the songs he sang. They joined him on stage for the jazz tunes and a couple of the up-tempo numbers.

At every opportunity Larry paused at the place on the stage where his eyes could continue to bathe in Taylor’s beauty. Not wanting to ignore other members of the audience, he looked in their direction, but then couldn’t resist returning to Taylor. The fans seated near her mistakenly felt Larry’s attention was on them. Taylor couldn’t believe the experience.

Could he really be singing to me? she thought. No, I’m imagining all of this. There’s prettier fans here than me. He must’ve been looking at one of them. Taylor blushed. Still, she found this idea thrilling and at the same time forbidden.

The first half of his show ended with an upbeat song, suggestive of physical love, accented by amorous facial expressions. Larry’s stride commanded the stage as he walked in time with the music; pumping hips emphasized the lyrics of a man’s desire. This time he tried not to focus on Taylor, and he strove to play to the masses, but repeatedly, her image brought him back to her gaze. As the crowd stood up from their seats, they screamed with delight. The more sensual his performance, the more the female fans begged for more. Teasing the audience was one of his well-honed skills. Larry thrived on their response, and propelled his energy.
-#-
During intermission, through the throngs of people, Taylor and Paul found their way outside to smoke a cigarette.

“Enjoying the concert?” Paul asked in an easy tone of voice.

“Enjoying it? I’m having a ball! I never knew he was so dynamic…so powerful with such sex appeal!” Her words were rapid and filled with excitement. “It’s the best concert I’ve ever been to!” Taylor never thought how these words might affect Paul.

“The way you were hanging on his every word, I thought you forgot I was even with you.” Paul took a puff of his cigarette and stared at the pavement. “Does he measure up to Charles Le Grand?” Paul acted hurt. Taylor’s attention was directed away from him. He hung his head and his body language spoke of insecurity.

“I love Charles Le Grand’s songs, but he’s a French singer.” Taylor continued to expound on the innumerable attributes of the singer. “Larry Davis is entirely different. It’s like comparing apples and oranges. They’re both two different singers with different styles. Granted, both are phenomenal in their own way. Larry’s in a class of his own. No woman can resist him!”

A woman in her fifties, dressed casually in a white pantsuit and red blouse came up to her. She narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Taylor. In an accusatory tone she asked, “Do you know Larry Davis?”

“Me? No. No, I don’t. This is the first Larry Davis concert I’ve attended.” Taylor was surprised by the strange woman’s inquiry.

“Well, he was certainly singing to you tonight!” The woman showed mounting annoyance, “I’m seated right behind you and he wasn’t singing to me. It must be that red suit!”

“Really?” Taylor raised an eyebrow, intrigued with her last statement.

“Sure. Red’s his favorite color. Everyone who’s a real fan knows that!” the older woman answered. “That’s why I’m wearing a red blouse—to get his attention.”

Taylor eyed the unknown woman up and down, as she wondered how she had become such a Larry Davis authority.

Paul stood quietly taking in the fan’s reaction and looked pensively at his wife. He noticed Taylor’s red face of embarrassment and her nervous mannerisms as she smoked her cigarette. The woman left Taylor and Paul, and she rejoined her friends.

Paul remarked, “I guess I was right.” He had a smug look.

“Right about what, Paul?” she asked innocently. Taylor hated it when Paul was right.

“Larry was singing to you,” Paul insisted, as he took another puff of his cigarette.

“No, no he wasn’t. It just seems that way.” Taylor’s blushing intensified.

“You can believe that if you want, but I think his focus was on you. If his attention makes your concert experience special, it makes the price of the tickets a little easier to swallow.”

Paul smiled at Taylor with an amused expression. His wife continued to blush with embarrassment as she let out a high-pitched, giddy laugh. He thought, Larry’s an unobtainable idol and not a threat—just a tolerable annoyance. I can handle Taylor’s infatuation.
----#####----
During intermission, Larry sat at the dressing table. His make-up artist patted off beads of perspiration from his face. He drank mineral water from a glass Joe provided. Larry had changed into his new costume for the second half of the show—another black silk shirt, black leather pants, black silk vest, and a red velvet jacket.

“Hey, Joe, how do I look? Okay?” he asked. Larry couldn’t brush away the haunting vision of Taylor.

“You look great, Chief. You’re giving a great show…better than Atlanta. You got more energy tonight.” Joe’s eyes smiled with approval, showing fine lines at the outside corners.

“Thanks, Joe.” Larry never diverted from his image in the mirror. He wanted his appearance to be perfect for Taylor. “A quality performance is all that matters.”

“Yeah—but tonight, you’re really shinin’ out there.” Joe patted the singer’s shoulder.

Larry beamed as he handed Joe a large sealed manila envelope. “Joe, at the end of the concert give this to that very attractive lady in the first row—at the west side of the audience—opposite side from the orchestra,” Larry stated rapidly in a deliberate tone. “She’s dressed in red, has short dark brown hair, great blue-green eyes and a body that won’t quit! She’s seated next to some guy with a beard. You can’t miss her. She’s breathtaking! I haven’t felt such energy since I was twenty.” Larry nervously tapped his fingers on the arms of his chair. “I’m pumped! I could sing all night! I could sing to her all night!”

“Looks like this mystery woman does somethin’ for you,” Joe gave a sly smile.

“She just might, who knows?” Larry’s eyes twinkled, as he tilted his head and thought, I’ve never felt like this! With her by my side, I could take on another world tour!"

“What if she’s not single?” Joe asked wisely, as he furrowed his brow.

“Then, I’ll just write a song about her…still, she seems almost magical to me.” Larry had a dream-like expression on his face, and wondered what it might be like to date this Tampa beauty.

Glancing at his watch, Joe stated, “You’re at ten, Chief,” he jolted Larry back to reality.

“I’m ready and eager,” Larry replied. “Joe, tell Tom I’m adding a second encore number, the ‘Lost in the Feeling’ song.”

Joe looked at Larry’s face in the mirror with surprise, as he knitted his brow. “But, Chief, you never add additional encore numbers to the song line-up during a concert.” He obviously wondered, Why would Larry break away from his usual routine? This isn’t like him.

“Well, I am now. Just make it happen!” Larry exerted his control as he tugged on his shirt cuffs, making a more comfortable fit. He envisioned making Taylor his own.

Larry started to the stage entrance at the north end of the arena. There, he stood in the wings waiting for his cue. Security personnel flanked his entrance to the stage, two deep, to stave off any adoring fans who might try to reach him.

---###---

The lobby lights started flashing. Intermission would end in five minutes. Taylor and Paul hastily put out their cigarettes, and made their way through the crowd to their seats. She felt heightened excitement, and slightly sad that the second half of the show heralded the end of this fabulous lifetime experience. Her mind absorbed every detail—the lights, the music from the orchestra, Larry’s songs, his facial expressions, his movements, every innuendo of every lyric, and the costumes he wore. She didn’t want to forget a moment.

Paul squeezed her hand, then said with a smile, “Remember, I’m the one you’re going home with.”

Taylor looked lovingly in Paul’s eyes. “Don’t be silly. You’re the love of my life and always will be.”

The lights darkened. The orchestra started playing the overture “Sing in the Dark”, a song that Larry had written years earlier, and it had skyrocketed to number one the first week it was released. This song had become one of his signature pieces. The orchestra changed the musical pace to playing the vamp of “Hot Tonight”, a fast upbeat song, full of energy. It was suggestive and told the story of a hot looking babe who was desired by all men. As the music played, Larry stood waiting in the wings. Moving his body to the music, he yelled, “Turn that thing up!” The spotlights followed him as he briskly walked toward the stage, and then quickly climbed the stairs.

Larry picked up the microphone on the piano. His movements were precise and his voice was strong as he sang the first few notes. The entire audience stood up and cheered. He received a standing ovation. The fans went wild! They wanted more and more of his incredible talent. Taylor stood up with the rest of the crowd, yelling praise like a teenaged schoolgirl. The stage started to revolve.

Paul patted her arm and said, “Why don’t you sit down! You’re not a teeny-bopper anymore.”

Taylor exclaimed loudly, “I can’t help it! He’s so electrifying!” She ignored Paul’s irritation.

Taylor continued to stand, applaud, and cheer with admiration. Larry broke into his well-rehearsed monologue. “Welcome back! We’re having a love affair tonight!” The crowd cheered. He continued, “A love affair with music of course, with passionate lyrics—” He saw Taylor, lost his train of thought, and stumbled over his words. “Uh…beautiful melodies…um, fantastic grooves, and maybe even some more swiveling hips for tonight! So let’s keep the party going!” He indicated to Joe that he needed something to drink. A stagehand ran up on the stage with a small glass of water. Larry gulped it down. He raised his arm to Tom and signaled to begin the song.

Paul remarked knowingly, “You took his breath away.”

She kept her eyes on Larry. “Don’t be ridiculous. It’s a long concert,” Taylor stated quickly, not looking at Paul.

“Um…I hope you like this next song.” Larry continued, “It went number one when I released it a while ago. If you feel like moving to the music, go ahead.” Turning to his musical director, he said, “Hit it, Tom!”

“Havana” was the number with a Latin beat. His backup singers were dressed in Latin-like costumes with ruffles in bright colors reminiscent of the fifties’ big production numbers performed at the Latin Quarter, in New York when it was still in business.

Once the music started, the fans stood up, moved to the rhythm and gave a resounding cheer of approval. While he sang, the whole audience rocked, even danced in the aisles. Larry felt exhilarated when everyone enjoyed his music. Another standing ovation followed. Larry then began a medley of three of his most famous songs. The crowd cheered and yelled. His smile widened in response to the audience’s enthusiasm and appreciation. The stage continued to revolve slowly.

The superstar started another monologue to the audience. “I’m having such a great time! Is everyone having a great time, too?”

The crowd shouted a resounding “Yes!”

“Great!” he continued, “That’s why I do all this—it’s for you, to bring beautiful music that you can enjoy and relate to.” The stage had now rotated so Larry faced Taylor and Paul. He spoke with sincerity. “It’s music that lifts hearts and touches souls.” He saw Taylor again, looked deeply into her eyes and leaned slightly toward her. He felt his emotions swell, and his eyes moisten. He added, “It’s you. I sing for you.” The crowd roared again. “Well, I’d better stop. If I go on, I’ll get too mushy and won’t be able to sing.”

Larry raised his right arm in the direction of the stage manager. The stage stopped rotating. He walked to a padded barstool near the edge of the stage. He took his seat and adjusted his jacket. Taylor was still in his line of vision. She smiled broadly. Her hands were clasped together close to her chest, as her eyes widened. The stage lights dimmed to one single spotlight on the singer. “This one’s for you, my friends,” Larry said, “Okay, Tom.” The orchestra played the introduction of a romantic ballad dedicated to the audience, in deep appreciation of all their love.

At the end of the song a fan yelled out, “Love you, Larry.”

The singer smiled sincerely, tilted his head with raised eyebrows, then replied sincerely, “And I love you back.”

While the crowd continued to cheer, Larry gave a wink in the direction of Taylor, and a boyish smile of gratitude with an outstretched hand. Taylor radiated with joy, while she wondered if this gesture was really meant for her, or was it just part of the show.

Larry returned to the piano, and sang two more ballads, each with gut-wrenching emotion, expressing the joy of new love, and the pain of love lost. He finished with a joyous song titled “Sunburst”. The compelling rhythm made it impossible for anyone to sit still. Even Paul swayed to the music. Taylor noticed this and stated, “I’m glad you’re finally having a good time.”

“Yeah, I’m having a good time.” Paul yelled over the din of the crowd, “I enjoy his music.”

Taylor returned her attention to the entertainer. She swayed and clapped her hands in time to the rhythm. While caught up in the vivacity of those around her, she still felt inner sadness. This was his last song. The concert approached its conclusion. As Larry took his bows, the spotlight went out. The stadium went nearly black.

Taylor said sadly to the woman on her left, “I guess that’s the end.”

The woman answered, “Don’t leave yet. He might come back to take additional bows.”

The audience again chanted “Larry, Larry, Larry,” as they had done at the beginning of the concert. Taylor didn’t want to leave. She didn’t want the evening to end. Once more, she concentrated on every facet of this experience and committed it to her memory and heart.

Paul stood up, saying to Taylor, “Com’on, let’s go,” as he touched her right elbow.

“Not yet. They haven’t turned the lights back on. No one else is leaving. Maybe there’s more.” Taylor’s eyes watered as her emotions swelled.

Paul reluctantly sat down with a sigh. Taylor glanced at him, slightly perturbed with his impatience and his wanting to leave too soon.

The spotlight shined again at the north end of the arena where Larry had made his entrance for the second half of the concert. Applause and cheers rang out from the audience. Another standing ovation welcomed the singer as he hurriedly approached the steps.

Larry walked briskly to the stage and back to the piano. He grabbed the microphone and smiled, then said to the audience, “I’m having such a great time! I don’t want to go yet! Let’s start all over again!”

The crowd cheered and yelled at the start of this encore experience. The orchestra started playing the introduction to “You’re the Magic”, an up-tempo song with sensual lyrics of a man’s need for a woman. During key instrumental elements when the drums accentuated the beat between lyrics, Larry pumped his hips toward Taylor. She smiled and blushed. Her libido awakened. The female fans went wild! He gave them a thrill they would cherish in their hearts forever. At the end of the song, Larry took more bows, expressing his gratitude to the crowd. He acknowledged the talent of his background singers and orchestra, asking them to take a bow.

As an impromptu gesture, with mic in hand, Larry climbed down the two stairs to the platform, and put himself closer to the audience. Security guards moved in at the ends of the aisles, ready to intervene if needed. This was a special treat that Larry bestowed on the west side of the audience. Like the rest of the fans, Taylor quickly rose to her feet. Paul let out another obvious sigh of disapproval. She ignored him. This was an experience that no one was going to spoil for her, certainly not Paul.

Larry started his last encore song a cappella, “Lost in the Feeling”. Female fans expressed oohs and aahs at his magnetic delivery of the lyrics that spoke of a man’s love for a woman, making love to her all night long, and never wanting to let the moment end. He walked along the stage platform while shaking as many hungry hands as possible. The fans were prepared for this possibility, and they handed him flowers and stuffed toys as they showed their appreciation and love. Larry took these gifts graciously. He placed them on the stage floor as he ambled across the platform. Other women in the first row grabbed his legs. Larry stepped back a bit, as if he feared their reach might get too personal.

Still singing, he walked toward Taylor. His stride slowed until he stood directly in front of her. There was no mistaking where his focus was, it was on Taylor. He bent over slightly, grasped her hand, and looked directly in her eyes as he delivered the lyric, Resting beside you, forever lost in the feeling…. Larry tightly squeezed her hand and smiled. Her heart melted. Taylor’s knees weakened and her heart rose to her throat. It’s true, she thought. He has been singing to me! Paul’s clenched teeth clearly showed his restraint from commenting.

Larry broke their clasp as he moved along the length of the platform. Taylor remained standing and gazed at her newly-found, fantasy lover.

“Will you sit down!” Paul exclaimed loudly. “You’re making a fool of yourself!”

“I’m not making any more a fool of myself than anyone else! I’m not sitting down until his song is over!” Taylor retorted, with an annoyed expression. “Besides, I didn’t grab his legs like the other women!” Her heart crept closer in Larry’s charismatic web.

“It’s a wonder you didn’t!” Paul yelled over the crowd.

Thinking she might have a second chance to touch his hand, Taylor searched her purse for a token to give Larry. All she found was her business card. As she had hoped, he walked back in her direction once more, near the end of his final song.

Larry continued to shake hands, as he took gifts from the audience, and automatically placed them on the stage floor behind him. He strolled back to where Taylor stood, his eyes found hers, and his smile widened. Larry stopped in front of her and continued to sing, as he allowed the lyrics to express all the emotion he felt for this enticing woman. He looked deeply in Taylor’s eyes once more with tenderness and a heartfelt longing to know her better. He extended his hand to her. She pressed her business card in his. Their hands remained clasped together for a long moment. Larry tightened his grip. He didn’t want to let go. The touch of Taylor’s smooth hand, her luscious red lips and enticing gaze were irresistible to him. He smiled, released her hand and rolled his eyes upward. With Taylor’s card still in his hand, Larry patted his chest, as a signal that his heart beat fast. He looked tenderly in her eyes. Larry mouthed the words I love you. Plainly, this was beyond her fondest dreams.