Love You Moore Page 11

“No, you can’t do that, this is the most beautiful song I have ever heard. It would be wrong to keep it off the record. You put your whole self into it and who am I to say you can share your talent with the masses.” she exclaimed.

  He laughed and kissed her forehead again. “Are you sure? Abby this is your song and if you want to keep it for yourself I will make the label understand.”

  “No. I want it to be on the album. Besides, whenever I hear it I will know you are singing to me.” She put her arms round him and kissed him.

  “Ok Trouble, I have to go.” He rose off the bed.

  Abby sat on the bed pouting. “No fair, that wasn’t a very long visit.”

  “I know, I’m sorry, next time will be longer I promise.” He reached out to help her off the bed.

  They walked back downstairs. Jimmy said good-bye to her parents, kissed her again and walked out the door.

  After her parents listened to the song Abby’s mother wiped away a tear and cleared her throat. “Get ready Sweetie, his career is about to take off with that one.”

  Abby sat in the chair. She wasn’t sure how she should react to that. She was glad that he had a song that could become a hit, but would that limit even more of the time they would have together. Could the song he wrote for her be the thing that kept them apart?

  * * * * *

  Chapter 14

  The holidays were over and everyone was getting ready for mid-terms. Abby was pretty confident she had studied enough to pass her tests. The only distraction she had now was the radio. Jimmy’s song Love You Moore was on a very big rotation. All the radio stations were playing it. Abby and Holly would be walking to class and they would hear the girls going ga ga over Jimmy. “Oh he is so cute, it’s as if he were singing just to me” she could hear them. Abby would just smile. She knew who he was really singing too and if the girls wanted to dream, let them dream. Jimmy was her reality. Although, she did at times feel as though, with the more and more female attention he was getting, would he forget about Small Town Maine girl? She would shake off that thought just like she would shake off all the other bad thoughts, the “what ifs” and the “could it happens." Valentine’s Day was just around the corner, she hadn’t seen Jimmy since his visit at Christmas but they talked every day. Her parents had added nationwide calling and more minutes to their cellular plan so there were no worries of going over and having a large cell phone bill. He had told her he wouldn’t be able to be with her on Valentine’s Day but he was sending her something. She had told him it wasn’t necessary but he wanted to give her something very special. The morning of the 14th she was sitting in class and was called to the office.

  “Ooooohh” the whole class teased.

  She was given a hall pass and went to the office. There she saw a delivery man with a vase full of apricot roses and a flat box.

  “Abby” the secretary addressed her, “this man is here to see you. I told him he could just leave the things here and you could collect them in between classes but he said he couldn’t do that. Please take your items and go back to class” she huffed.

  Abby took the vase and box from the man and thanked him. She walked to her locker, she did admit it was easier to maneuver the large vase and flowers without a hallway full of people. She set the flowers in the bottom of her locker and opened the box. It was a copy of the Billboard 100. I Love You Moore was number 1. Abby was jumping up and down and silently screaming to herself. Jimmy must be so happy she thought. Still in the box was a small card from him.

  She unfolded the card and began to read.

  “Abby, without you none of this is possible. You are the reason for all of this. I love you. Happy Valentine’s Day.

  Yours Forever, Jimmy

  “Mine forever.” she softly said out loud, put everything in her locker, closed the door and went back to class. Time continued to crawl. She missed Jimmy. It had been three months since they were face to face and her birthday was approaching. She vaguely remembered telling him the date that first night they met and stayed up all night talking but was not planning on mentioning it to him now. Her parents were after her to tell them what she wanted for her 18th birthday. The only thing she could think of was a trip to LA to see Jimmy. She didn’t know how ask Jimmy if she could come out. He was getting busier as the CD kept climbing the charts. The title song Love you Moore was still at number 1 going on five weeks and they CD itself was closing to the top spot. He was on morning talk shows, evening talk shows and syndicated radio shows promoting the album. He always remained vague when asked about the inspiration for the song. He had spoken to Abby about it one night while they were talking on the phone.

  “Abby, they are going to ask who I am singing about, now I for one, want to shout it from the roof tops but it can cause issues for you. Your classmates will treat you different. The press potentially can start to hound you. I will leave it up to you.”

  Abby thought for a minute, “I think it will be better to keep it to ourselves, like our own little secret. It makes it more special, don’t you think?”

  Abby didn’t want any added attention. Once you get in the spot light things from your past can start to arise and she didn’t need the accident coming to light.

  “If that’s what you decide Babe then that’s what we’ll do.” Jimmy assured her.

  So, the song kept climbing and the album keeps climbing, all the while the press and public speculating on who he was referring too.

  The morning of her birthday Abby woke in fairly good spirits. She was finally 18. It seemed like the one major obstacle standing in the way of she and Jimmy being intimate, was her status as a minor. That was no longer the case and if her parents gave her airline tickets like she wanted, then Jimmy would have no reason to deny her the one thing she wanted from him. But what if her age was just an excuse for him and he really didn’t want to be with her in that way. She knew deep down that wasn’t true but she always had a way of thinking the worst. She got ready for school, half expecting Jimmy to call and wish her a Happy Birthday but she didn’t count on it, she still want sure he even realized it was her birthday. After picking up Holly and having her serenade her with the Happy Birthday song they arrived at school. The day dragged. It wasn’t a bad day, just slow. She wanted to go home to see what her parents had bought for her. They told her they were going to present it to her at dinner. They had planned on taking her and Holly out to celebrate as they had always done since she was eight. Finally the last bell rang. It was Friday so she and Holly were not only going to dinner but could also stay out a bit later without the worry of school the next day. She was walking down the hall and saw a bit of a commotion down by the office, she didn’t think anything of it, it was Friday the masses tended to gather the talk about plans for the weekend. Abby had to pass by the offices to get to her locker. She by passed the crowd and that’s when she heard it, her song, but it didn’t sound like it was coming from the radio. As if in slow motion, she turned her head to where she heard the a cappella version coming from. He was there smiling at her surrounded by clamoring students and office staff wanting autographs and pictures. He excused himself and walked towards her.

  “Happy Birthday.” he said when he finally made his way to her. She stood there motionless, was he really here or was she dreaming. She could have dozed off during last period and be completely asleep. She knew she wasn’t she dropped her books and jumped into his arms.

  “That’s my girl.” he whispered in her ear. “Are you surprised”

  “That’s an understatement” she replied and kissed him. She didn’t care that everyone was staring, she didn’t care they were in the middle of her high school, he was there and she wasn’t letting go.

  “Are you ready to start your birthday celebration?” he asked.

  “No.” she told him, “I am happy to stay like this all night.”

  Jimmy laughed and stood her back on the floor. “Get your things, we have plans.”

  Holly was standing at Abby’s locker
smiling.

  “Did you know about this?” Abby cried and hugged her BFF.

  “Of course I did.” Holly giggled and hugged her back. “He called me two weeks ago to get this all planned out. Can I have your keys so I can get home?” Holly reached out her hand.

  “I can still drive you.” Abby explained

  Holly pointed out the window. There was a long black shiny limo parked out front.

  “I think I will need your car, you will be in that”

  Abby looked at the both of them speechless. The commotion of the students was coming back into focus for her. She had been able to block them out for a few minutes.

  “Oh my God, you are the Moore in Love you Moore?” Carmen Monroe yelled all aghast.

  “She is” Jimmy affirmed smiling at Abby and taking her hand.

  “But why? Look at her, who could possibly be inspired to sing about her unless it was about the cow in the song Old McDonald” She laughed.

  Was this the moment he realized Abby’s worst fear, was hearing it out loud going to confirm he really was with the wrong person. He let go of Abby’s hand. It was, she thought, he was embarrassed to be with her he is going to leave and find the type of girl he should be with. He put his arm around Abby’s waist.

  “Abby is everything I want in a girlfriend. She is kind and loving and the most beautiful woman I have even seen. Any man would be lucky to get a person like Abby and would be a fool to lose her.” Jimmy was looking at Billy. He had seen a picture of him at her parents’ house. Billy looked like he was going to be sick. “Now if you don’t mind, Abby and I have a birthday to celebrate.” He led her to the limo.

  The driver opened the door and Abby and Jimmy got in. She couldn’t believe what was happening. This was the best birthday ever, even if it ended right now.

  “Here, put this on.” Jimmy reached around her to place a blindfold over her eyes.

  Abby let him put the blindfold on without question.

  “Well this is interesting.” she said, “Kinky” she purred “I am 18 now you know.”

  “I know, settle down there Tiger, this is totally innocent.” Jimmy chuckled.

  “Bummer.” Abby sighed.

  “Where are we going?” she questioned. “My parents are expecting me home. I should call them.”

  “If I wanted you to know that there would be no reason for the blindfold. They are not expecting you home. Everything is arranged, don’t worry about anything”

  “Ok then.” She sat back trying to figure out where they were going by the turns and stops.

  “You’ll never figure it out so stop trying.” Jimmy teased.

  “How did you know I was trying to figure it out?”

  “Holly told me you would try.”

  “Remind me to thank her” Abby said sarcastically.

  When the car came to its final stop, the door opened. She was helped out of the car and Jimmy reached to take off the blindfold. Abby squinted through the glare of the sunlight. They were at the Samoset. She looked at Jimmy through questioning eyes, he smiled at her and led her to the front lobby.

  “Good afternoon Mr. Riley.” the concierge welcomed them. “Everything has been arranged as you requested. We hope you enjoy your stay. Please let me know if there is anything else you need.”

  “Thank you I will.” Jimmy led her down the hall to an awaiting room.

  Actually it was a section of rooms the hotel had blocked off just for him. He opened the first door. Inside it was transformed into a salon. Make-up, hair stylists, a nail station.

  “What is going on?” Abby asked in a whisper.

  “This is all for you, a day of pampering. When you are all ready we will go to dinner at Marcel’s here at the hotel. Ok?” Jimmy asked as if she would decline.

  “That’s more than ok. Jimmy really this is too much.” She started to protest, he stopped her.

  “It’s never too much.” he bent down to kiss her. “I am going to leave you in their very capable hands and I will come back for you when it’s time to go.”

  Abby started to protest again but he quickly left the room and Abby was whisked away to the beauticians chair for a makeover. She had every treatment she could think of. Her hair was washed, conditioned, blown dry and set in large curlers. Her nails were trimmed and polished. She had a facial and mask applied while her shoulders and arms were massaged. Once her hair was styled and makeup applied a man brought in a rack of clothing, shoes and accessories. She was told to pick out an outfit for the evening. The rack held some of the most beautiful dresses she had ever seen. They were all in her size, another tip from Holly Abby guessed. Abby looked at each dress holding it out in front of her while staring in the mirror. She finally decided on a t length black satin A-line dress that was covered in black chiffon. There were tiny crystals that formed a sweetheart neckline across her chest. There was a pair of black satin heels with a ribbon that tied at the ankle to form a bow. It also had a small crystal accent in the center of the bow. The accessory rack took Abby’s breath away. Every colored stone in every style of necklace and earring she could think of. Abby chose a diamond and onyx set. The pear shaped drop earrings sparkled under her curled hair. The necklace with the same pear shape was the perfect accent to the dresses neckline. Abby turned to look in the full length mirror. She did not even recognize the person looking back. Jimmy’s team was amazing Abby thought. She hugged all of them trying not to cry and ruin her makeup. There was a knock at the door. Abby was persuaded to open it. There stood Jimmy with roses in hand dressed in a black suit. He just started at her. After what seemed like an hour Abby broke the silence,

  “You look very nice.” she complimented.

  “I look like a bum compared to you.” he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek. He handed her the roses. One of the stylists was there to take them from her.

  “I’ll put these in some water, you two have fun tonight, Happy Birthday Abby” Abby later found out her name was Elizabeth.

  Jimmy took Abby’s arm and wrapped it around his and led her down to the restaurant. They were seated by a big window that overlooked the ocean. The moonlight was shining on the water and it was absolutely beautiful. Jimmy had ordered some sparkling cider, well aware Abby was too young to drink alcohol. After they had eaten a meal of prime rib, scalloped potatoes, Caesar salad and sautéed green beans the waiter brought over a small chocolate cake with a candle lit in it.

  “Close your eyes and make a wish” Jimmy told her.

  Abby closed her eyes and made the only wish she could think of, that this night would never end. When she opened her eyes Jimmy was on his knee next to her. She covered her mouth with her hand.

  “Abby, since the moment I saw you, I knew you were the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I had never felt like that before and I know without you I would never feel that way again. My every day since then has been spent thinking of you and ways I can make you happy. I know it has only been six months since we met but I feel like it’s been a lifetime and it will be an incomplete lifetime if you are not with me. Abigail Jane Moore, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife and making me the happiest person on the planet?” Jimmy opened a small black velvet box, inside was a Princess cut two carat diamond with a dark blue tanzanite princess cut stone on each side set in a platinum setting. Abby could barely breathe. As the tears ran down her face she was able to nod a yes.

  “Yes?” Jimmy shouted, “She said yes!”

  Suddenly her parents were there hugging her and outside the window, lights came on illuminating a large white tent she could see Holly standing near the tent entrance and it looked like it was full of people.

  “It’s your birthday party.” Jimmy told her as he picked her up in his arms and hugged her. “I love you Abby. I will make it my life’s goal to make sure you are happy every day and never want for anything.”

  “Then you can check that off you’re to do list, because I am the happiest girl in the world and there is nothing more on
Earth that I could possibly want. She kissed him and the whole restaurant broke out into applause.

  “Shall we go to your party?” Jimmy asked.

  Since it was the middle of March in Maine the tents were heated by large heaters that made it feel like the middle of summer. Round tables were set up with dark blue table cloths that reached the floor with a beige cloth that came down half way to the floor over that. A dance floor and stage was set up and a DJ was playing top 40 hits. Everyone Abby knew was there, her whole senior class and most of the underclassmen. When they walked through the door everyone cheered. Holly was the first to approach them.

  “So let’s see how it looks on” She said and picked up Abby’s hand.

  “You knew about this too?” Abby cried. Holly stood there with that Cheshire cat grin.

  “Who do you think helped me plan all of this?” Jimmy told Abby. “She was the second person I asked for your hand after I spoke to your parents”

  “You Brat, I can’t believe you kept this from me?” Abby hugged Holly. “This is amazing. Thank you”

  “If you think this is cool wait for the wedding.” Holly teased.

  “Speaking of that, excuse me.” Jimmy said and walked up on to the stage and took the microphone. The music stopped and Jimmy asked if he could have everyone’s attention.

  “Everyone, thank you for coming and helping us celebrate Abby’s birthday.” screams erupted from the crowd. “But I have another announcement I would like to share. Abby has agreed to become my wife.”

  Louder screams erupted followed by applause and congratulations. Abby was mauled by her friends and classmates wanting to see the ring, hear the story of how they met and how could she keep such a secret from them. Billy was there, not congratulating or even clapping. He looked like he’d been punched in the gut. Even though they had barely spoken since their final breakup last October, Abby felt bad for him. She walked over to him.