A LOOK INSIDE ABALONE

Winner of the Online Book Club Book of the Year Award for 'Other Fiction' (2018)

Published June 2018 (Written August 2017)

Abalone

     The song ended and everyone who was left in the restaurant applauded appreciatively.  I was laughing happily and realized that I had completely forgotten where I was and that there was an audience at all.  Martyn reached out and took me by my hand and whispered, “take a bow, miss Liz – you earned it.”  Instead, I curtsied and he laughed, taking a small bow himself.  I was keenly aware of the fact that he was still holding my hand in his; I knew I should let go – I knew I should get my coat and fly home, but instead I beamed at him and he leaned towards me and kissed me lightly on my cheek.  My skin ignited. 

     He reluctantly let go of my hand as the next participants came up to begin their song and he walked with me to the back of the restaurant.  “Well, you just made me a very rich man,” he said smiling at me.  “I feel that I owe you something to eat as a very small gesture of how you’ve helped me.”

     “No, it’s okay – you don’t have to do that,” I said, “I’m just still amazed that I actually did that.”

     “You look exhilarated,” he commented, his voice growing more serious, “you’re completely stunning you know.”

     “I…” my voice trailed off as I found myself at a loss for words.  I didn’t know how to respond to this man who had given me such a unique experience and brought out a side of me that I hadn’t even known existed.  I had felt joy while we were singing together, a feeling that I hadn’t realized I was missing until I had felt it again.  Knowing that such a significant feeling was absent from my current life suddenly made me feel a sense of melancholy that took my breath away.  I could feel tears welling behind my eyes and I was terrified that they would spill over before I was able to get my coat on and say good-bye.