The rapturous applause that followed gave Mark a much-needed boost of confidence, and he took the mic, waiting for the lyrics to appear. From across the bar, Sam gave him the thumbs up. The opening bars of the music filled the air, and Mark forgot about his audience and poured his heart into it. By the time he got to the chorus, everyone joined in, and relief washed over him. When he reached the end, the applause was even louder.
Buoyed by his success, Mark quickly scribbled on another slip, then beckoned for Sam to join him. Sam shook his head, and Mark said into the mic, “Aw, come on, Sam.”
To his surprise, the crowd took up the chant, growing louder and louder, until at last Sam rose and picked his way through the tables to a wave of applause. He came to a halt in front of Mark and gave him a speculative glance. “What are we singing?”
Before Mark could answer, the DJ announced, “And now we’re going to hear Mark and Sam, who are here to wow us with their rendition ofSummer Nightsfrom Grease.”
Sam gaped. “You’ve got to be kidding.” Then he narrowed his gaze. “Okay, which of us is doing Olivia Newton-John?”
Mark cackled. “You are.” And with barely a moment to take a breath, he launched into it, doing as good an impression of John Travolta as it was possible to do with three pints inside him.
Sam’s deep voice had the audience erupt with laughter. Thankfully, Sam saw the funny side. It had to be the most comical—and most unlikely—delivery ofSummer NightsMark had ever heard. What struck him most was that despite his obvious reticence, Sam could actually sing. When they finished, there were cries of “More!”
Mark glanced at Sam. “Wanna do one more?”
“Sure, why not?” Sam’s eyes sparkled. “But this timeIchoose the song.” He grabbed a slip and scrawled on it. He flashed it at Mark before handing it over. “Andyou’reKiki Dee.”
Mark gaped. “I haven’t heard this one in years.”
Sam snickered. “Too bad. Them’s the breaks.”
“Sam and Mark are going to give usDon’t Go Breaking My Heart, by Elton John and Kiki Dee.”
The crowd applauded, the music started, and Sam gave Mark a wicked grin. “Ready when you are—Kiki.” Then he sang the first line.
It took Mark a few seconds to get into the song, but it came flooding back, thank God. He loved how Sam played up for the crowd, looking at Mark as he sang with a non-stop grin. By the time they reached the end, Mark wanted to sing it all over again.
They went back to their table, amid more applause and pats on the back. Mark sank into his chair, grabbed what was left of his pint, and knocked it back.
“Okay, that was fun.” He raised his glass. “And it’s your round.”
Sam smiled. “It’s also my last. I won’t be able to think straight in the morning, and I have a pile of work to do.” He chuckled. “Wow. Nothing like karaoke to sober you up a little.”
“You did great,” Mark told him truthfully. He cocked his head. “Did you enjoy it?”
Sam beamed. “Every second of it.” Then he headed for the bar.
No awkward conversations, no mention of Rebecca, and Sam seemed to relax. Mark counted the night a success.
Let’s see if I can do it again.
When Sam returned, carrying two pints, Mark had come up with another idea. Because now he had a mission.
To make Sam smile.
“Mondays are my days for chilling,” he announced. “And this coming Monday, I was thinking of spending a day down at Yaverland beach again. Maybe take a picnic too.” He peered at Sam. “Want to join me?”
Sam bit his lip. “Are we talking the ordinary beach, or the one at the far end?”
Mark grinned. “I’ll let you choose. But it seems to me a man with enough confidence to wow a pub full of people with his amazing voice would be okay with taking all his clothes off on a beach. Especially since he won’t have an audience.”
Sam’s gaze met his. “Except for you.”
“I promise to avert my gaze if it helps you make your mind up.” Mark smiled. “But I don’t think you’re that shy. Anyone with tattoos and nipple rings can’t mind people looking at them, right? It’s par for the course. And you do look good with them.”
Sam studied him for a moment. “I’ll see how I feel when we get to the beach.”
Mark broke into a huge smile. “Then you’re coming?”
