Predator's Serenade (24 page)

Soren continued. “The first time I saw Gioia, she was hanging from a tree branch, and I’ve been a lover of the great outdoors ever since. She is my everything, my hope and my life. And this symphony is my love letter to her. It’s named in her honor.”

Gioia stared, overcome, too emotional to either cry or smile. She just gawked at the beautiful man on stage, declaring his love for her in front of the world. He’d named it after her…

“However, I had a lot of help with this composition and can’t take all the credit,” Soren said. “That help came from the coolest little dude I’ve ever known, and I want him to come and take the first of very many bows in his life. Please put your hands together for Mr. Gunnar Clementine!” He lifted an arm toward the wings.

Her jaw open, Gioia watched as her overjoyed son joined Soren onstage. Her tears overflowed as Gunnar allowed his future stepdad to hug him in public. Lia handed her a tissue, and she wiped at tears that wouldn’t stop falling. She watched as a second set of drums was wheeled out and placed next to Soren’s set.

“Gunnar,” Soren asked, “will you play with me?”

Her boy nodded. Soren stepped down from the conductor’s podium and glanced at her, winking as he put an arm around Gunnar’s shoulders and led him to their kits.

They sat down. The conductor took his place and raised his baton.

And she listened in awe as their symphony began.

The End

Rosanna Leo has her degree in history and literature, as well as in classical singing. She currently resides in Toronto, Canada. Her favorite things are her family, libraries, and her mother's gnocchi. Rosanna loves it when the geeky, awkward girl gets the hot guy, and has made it her mission to see this happen in her books as much as possible.