Goodbyes and Fresh Starts

Chapter Ten

It was the morning of the concert, Lily woke up a bit nervous but she was confident. Lily paced the floor of her room; she was ready to do what she planned to do tonight. She just didn't know what she was going to tell Eduardo about not going back to LA. She decided to call him then and explain the situation to him; it was early and he flew in late the night before to be there for the concert. She dialed his number.

"Hello?" He answered.

"Ed, Hi, it's me Lily," she began.

"Hey Lily! How are you? Ready for tonight?" He asked.

"I'm fine and yes, I'm ready. There's just one thing I want to talk to you about." She said.

"Then talk, I'm all ears." He replied.

"It's about LA, I'm not going back. I know you guys invested a lot into me but my heart isn't in LA and I'm willing to give up everything I've worked for, to be here where I belong." She said.

"Ah..." he began, "Charlie forewarned me about this."

"He did?" Lily said, a bit angry; she had wanted to do this on her own.

"He very much so did," Eduardo stated. "But here's the deal, I've talked it over with everyone and they agree, you're heart isn't in it back in LA but we all believe in you. So we've discussed things with a record company in Toronto, not to far from here, we sent them your demo and they loved it. They're coming to the show tonight and they want to sign you on with them."

"Are you serious?" Lily shouted. "This is great!"

"I know all you want is to be happy, Lily, and I hope that this helps you out." He said, "I've got to go. I'll see you tonight and good luck, not just with the show, but with that boy you so dearly love."

"How do you know about Ray?" Lily questioned him.

"It's not hard to tell when one is in love." He stated. "Good luck."

"Thanks Ed!" Lily replied, "Bye."

She hung up the phone. It went easier then she thought it would. Not only would Ray be hers again but she was going to sign on with a new Record Company, one here in Canada so she could be closer to Ray and everyone else. She was so happy she almost screamed.

Ray woke up very happy and refreshed. He was nervous; he knew that there was a chance Lily would say no but Travis had assured him that Lily would say yes and they would all be one big happy family again! He couldn't wait to see Lily. It was still early and he had to work later that afternoon, but with all the excitement in the air he couldn't sleep. He got out of bed and pulled out a box from underneath his bed. He pulled out a photo album that Lily had made and gave to him the last Christmas before they broke up. He opened up the album, thumbed through the pictures, and stopped at one in particular and smiled. It was one of him and Lily that her dad had taken the night of their six-month anniversary. She looked beautiful; her hair fell down around her and she was wearing a pale blue sweater that had made her eyes sparkle. His head rested on her shoulder and he had his arms around her waist; they both had smiles plastered on their faces. He thought back to that night; he had spent all day planning the evening. He had made a picnic basket full of their favorite foods; he had two blankets, one to sit on and one to wrap up in. He remembered it was chilly that night; he took her to the Roscoe observation deck where they had a picnic. He thought back to that night.

"Wow, Ray, it's beautiful!" Lily shivered, "It's a little cold."

"That's why I brought this." Ray replied, pulling out the extra blanket he had packed; he wrapped it around her.

"Thanks," Lily said.

She looked into his eyes and their lips met; it had been one of the most spine tingling kisses they had ever shared.

"I wish we could stay like this forever." Ray smiled.

"Me too," Lily replied. "I love you, Ray."

"I love you too, my precious Lily." He said,

That had been the first time that they told one another that they loved each other. He would never forget that night but it was time for new memories and he hoped tonight would be just as memorable as that night had been. He pulled the picture out of it's plastic and set it next to the box that held the ring. He was going to give her the picture tonight to show he that he loves her and never forgets a moment he has spent with her. He spent the rest of the morning watching TV before he headed to work. When he got to the station Robbie and Travis were there.

"Hey guys," Ray chirped.

"So today is the "big" day; are you ready?" Robbie asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be!" Ray replied.

"Travis is going to sit in with us today; is that cool?" Robbie asked.

"Yes," Ray replied, "The more the merrier!"

"Ok, get ready." Robbie said, handing Travis a pair of headphones and slipping his on. "We're on in 5...4...3...2…" he singled one finger.

"Good afternoon, Roscoe! You're listening to The Brennan and McGrath show! Today we have our very good friend, Travis, sitting in with us and today's topic is…what is our topic, McGrath?" Ray said.

"Today's topic is love; it seems to be in the air." Robbie said, "So Ray, Travis, what do you guys have to say about love?"

"Love is a many splendored thing." Ray said.

"Love conquers all!" Travis exclaimed.

"And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen." Robbie said, "We'll be back after a few of these "love" songs; enjoy!"

He flipped a few buttons and the music played.

Lily sat in her room with Audrey and they listened to Ray, Robbie, and Travis go on about love and what it means to them. They took a few calls, talked some more, played music and it went on like that for hours.

"Ray is still the goofy guy I know and love." Lily said.

"Yea and Travis is still that weird, buddha-quoting weirdo I know and love!" Audrey replied.

The two girls giggled as they listened to the rest of the show. There was less then six hours left till show time. This is it, she said to herself, it's now or never.

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