Karen Kingsbury - Fifteen Minutes

“Looks like we’ll see a lot of each other,” he told her as they walked back to the dorms.

“Yeah.” She grinned at him. “I know how to find you.”

“How’s that?” They’d reached her dorm and he faced her.

“Your voice. As long as you’re singing, I’ll find you. You’re amazing.”

“Thanks.” His eyes held hers. “It’ll be easy to find you, too.”

Reese liked the easy banter. “Do tell.”

“Simple.” His eyes sparkled. “I’ll look for the prettiest girl on campus.” He put his hands in his pockets again and smiled. “See you around, Reese.”

The memory dissolved in the early-morning quiet. Reese hugged her knees to her chest. She and Zack had seen each other the next day at the stable and after that they were inseparable. On their first date he’d told her something that stayed with her still. “I feel like I was born for this, for knowing you.”

She remembered his words because she had felt the same way. Then, and as their friendship turned to dating a few months later, and a year after that when the story of their grandparents came to light. Craziest story ever. Like something from a movie.

How could she not feel destined to love Zack Dylan?

At least before today.

Other memories swirled and danced in her mind. The first time she visited Zack’s church and watched him lead music at the beginning of the service. It wasn’t just his beautiful voice that captured her that day.

That afternoon they had gone to her house for dinner and afterward they walked through her neighborhood. “Have you thought about American Idol or Fifteen Minutes ? You’re so good, Zack.” She wasn’t testing him. She only wanted to know.

His response had found a permanent place in her soul. “I could be a songwriter. But I don’t want a crazy life.” His smile had faded as he seemed to grasp for the right words. “I sing like I breathe, because it’s in me. I feel closest to God when I’m on that stage at church singing for Him.” He shrugged slightly. “I don’t need to win a reality show to be a singer.” He grinned. “I’m already one.”

She had liked his answer, not so much because it protected what they had but because it suited him. Year after year his answer remained. People would suggest he try out for one of the singing shows, but he would smile and shake his head. The fame thing wasn’t for him.

It didn’t matter whether deep down Zack’s money trouble or his curiosity led him to his decision to audition. Whatever had changed his mind, she was at peace.

Headlights appeared around the bend in the road. Reese shivered again and wondered—what if this were the last time they shared a morning like this? She had loved Zack for so many years, had felt herself destined to a future with him. The guy whose grandpa had been praying for her specifically since she was born. What if Zack left this morning and never came home? Enough, she told herself. She stood as he pulled up and parked. If God wanted Zack to audition for Fifteen Minutes so be it. He needed her support and belief, her encouragement.

She could break down later.

REESE FELT WARM the moment he embraced her. For a long time they didn’t say anything. It was enough, standing there wrapped in each other’s arms. Reese could feel the way their hearts beat faster than usual, the impending good-bye making even their bodies aware of the little time they had left.

“You’re cold.” He drew back and looked at her. “Were you waiting long?”

“Not really. I wanted to be out here.” She forced a smile. “I’m excited for you, Zack.”

“Know what I want?”

“What?”

He brushed her cheek with his thumb. “I want to jump on your horse with you and ride together till the sun comes up. Just forget the whole singing thing.”

“Hmmm.” She gazed off toward the horizon, already growing lighter. “Sounds beautiful.” She met his eyes again. “Why haven’t we ever done that?”

“We will.” He smoothed a piece of her hair blowing in the breeze. “Next week when I get back.”

Crickets played softly somewhere in the distance. She narrowed her eyes, seeing to the deepest part of him. “You really don’t believe it, do you?”

“Believe what?” His words came slowly, a whisper wrapped in the newness of the morning.

“That you’ll make it.” She refused her gathering tears. “That you’ll win.”

“It’s not humility. I’m realistic.” His grin came easily. “Guys who can sing are a dime a dozen.” He kissed her and their faces remained close. “Now, guys who sing to horses, maybe not.”

She was enjoying the moment more than she’d expected. “You know what I think?”

“What?” He swayed with her, the rest of the world forgotten.

“I think your days of singing to horses are numbered.”

“Speaking of which.” He walked back to his car and returned with his guitar. “I owe you a song.”

She felt tears in her eyes, but her smile remained. He pulled his guitar from the case and perched himself on the porch railing.

She had to admit to the possibility that she was hearing it for the first and last time. If things changed . . . if Zack never came back.

She focused on the words and the way Zack looked straight at her as he sang. The song was beautiful, every line a message from his heart to hers. She would never love anyone the way she loved Zack Dylan. By the time he reached the last chorus she had tears on her cheeks.

Of all I see through her blue eyes

What gives me my direction

Is always seeing my reflection

There in her blue eyes

He smiled at her, his own eyes shining with the good-bye ahead. The song played out, the words moving easily from his soul to hers.

I always want to see me there

Under a Kentucky sky

There in her blue eyes.

Lost in her blue eyes.

When it ended they didn’t move or speak. Finally he slipped the guitar back in its case and took it to his car. When he returned, his eyes locked on hers.

“After this you’ll have your answers.” She reminded herself to smile. “Maybe we both will.”

He took half a step back. “Both?” He searched her eyes. “What are your questions?”

“Come on, Zack.” She willed him to understand. “If God gives you answers, He’ll give them to me, too.”

“Like . . . ?”

“Not about you.” This was a slippery slope. She chose her words with great care. “About the future . . . London. That sort of thing.”

“I thought we were finished with London.” He took her hands in his, clearly troubled. “Please, Reese. I want to marry you. Don’t decide anything until I get back.” Fear flickered in his expression. “Okay?”

She searched his eyes. He didn’t understand. Once he was on the show he’d be busy. Too busy to come back to Danville until the ride ended. Whenever that might be. Of course she had questions. About London . . . about the two of them. About all of it. Again, she didn’t want to send him off worried or troubled. They’d have their answers soon enough.

She closed the distance between them, letting his body warm hers again. “Go audition. You have to. You’re the best.” She memorized the feel of his arms around her. “Go find your answers, Zack. Do it for your family and for God.”

Her words seemed to ease his anxieties. She felt him relax against her. “Remember what I told you?”

“It’s going to be okay.” She felt the compassion in her eyes.

“Exactly.” He released her hands and brought his lips to hers. And for the sweetest seconds they forgot everything except what it felt like to be together, to be in love. The kiss led to another, and the desperation built.