RIO
It was evening when he had finished working on the keyboard. Feeling satisfied with his work, he decided to take a break and watch the sun set. Since Jerrica had become so distant he needed something to occupy his mind, and this new hobby fit the bill. He sat on the porch watching the yellows turn to auburns when he heard a car pull into the driveway.
He rose reluctantly, not wanting to break the sunset's spell. As he headed around to the front of the house, he heard a familiar voice calling to him. Jerrica, he thought. He did not know whether it was relief or apprehension that accompanied the thought. When he saw her his misgivings melted away. He couldn't help but smile to see her golden hair glimmering in the last of the light, her lovely eyes. This was the girl he'd loved as long as he could remember, and it had been too long since he saw her last.
"Hey, stranger," he said, half-kidding, "What brings you to these parts?"
"Oh Rio, I'm so sorry I haven't called. Things have been so crazy lately with the group, Starlight Music, the new album, the girls….I feel like my head is spinning." she said, a little too quickly.
"Well, come in and sit down. Can I get you something to drink? I wonder sometimes if you're working yourself too hard. Maybe it's time for a vacation, Jerrica". The concern in Rio's voice was palpable, which made what Jerrica was about to tell him that much harder.