Never My Love

~~~~~~

Before I had the chance to say anything, the four of them slowly approached me and Joanie, who apparently was speaking for all of them, took my hand and led me back to the table, politely asking me to take a seat. After I'd done what was asked of me, they, too, calmly took their seats at the table as well.

However, I immediately took notice of the way they were all looking at me. It wasn't bad, mind you. It was more a look of extreme admiration, almost adoringly so, and while I felt a little uneasy, I still maintained my composure, somehow knowing that something very important was about to take place.

"We're so sorry, Jake," Camryn began to cry, tears suddenly beginning to pour down her face by the bucketfuls, "We've been a bunch of selfish bitches and we can only hope that you will find it in that beautiful heart of yours to forgive us," and no sooner had she spoken than the Harris sisters also began to weep.

"Please don't cry," I gently pleaded with them, my heart nearing the breaking point at seeing my friends so upset, "First of all, there's nothing to forgive so; please stop crying. Don't you girls know that when you hurt, I hurt, too," and of course that comment only caused them to weep that much harder.

It took a few minutes before I could understand what they were telling me, but in the end, they all let me know that they were going to do what ever it took to make us all sound our very best.

"I love the four of you very much," I appreciatively told them, "And I want to tell you all how very brave I think you are for facing your fear."

"We love you, too, Jake," Jessie sniffled, standing up and walking around to where I was sitting at the table. Then she leaned down and tenderly kissed my cheek, and then she sweetly said, "We're also very thankful and honored to be playing on the same stage with you."

"Thank you," I smiled, "But we need to get moving."

"No shit, Sherlock," she giggled, looking at her watch, "The guys are going to be here any minute so; get off of your lazy ass and start breaking your gear down. We've got an audition in three hours, and there's still a lot of stuff to do."

"Thadda girl," I grinned, goosing her in the ribs as I stood, eliciting a delightful squeal from her, "Don't take any shit..."

~~~~~~

Once we were all set up on the main stage at the Hofheinz Pavilion on the University of Houston campus, a lady named Lindsay Peterson walked in and took a seat in the fifth row, and said, "You can begin whenever you're ready, folks, but remember to play a fast one and a slow one, because that's about all we'll have time for."

We opened up with "Out of the Fire" and ended with "In My Heart." None of us missed a single note as we played, and our harmonies were as perfect as perfect could be.

"Damn," Ms. Peterson widely grinned, as she walked toward the stage, "You guys are too good to be just an opening act, but I'm going to do it anyway. Congratulations, you made it," and then handing me her business card, she smiled and said, "Call me at seven o'clock this evening. I'll tell you where you need to be tomorrow and when you need to be there. Oh, and stick around for a few minutes. My assistant has some paperwork that I need you to fill out."

"Thank you, Ms. Peterson," I grinned, shaking her hand, "Thank you very much."

"You're welcome, kid," she chuckled, "And I want you to call me Lindsay like everyone else does...my assistant will be here in a few minutes, okay?"

"Okay," I grinned, "Thanks for giving us this opportunity, Lindsay."

"I didn't give you anything," she chuckled, "You earned it," and then she walked away smiling.

All of a sudden Ashlyn came down the aisles with a smile on her face and her arms open wide.

"You did it, Jake," she excitedly said, her beautiful blue eyes dancing like candles, "I'm so proud of all of you....I just knew you were going to do this, I don't know how, but I knew it."

"You knew more than I did," I softly replied, as I hugged her, "Thank you for having the faith in me that it took to motivate me. I couldn't have done this without you, my love."

"And we couldn't have done this without you, Jake Benson," Rob loudly bellowed, as he, Keith and Randy lifted me into the air and spun me around and loudly yelled, "ALL HAIL OUR LEADER, JAKE BENSON."

"Stop that, and put me down," I chuckled, "What're you guys trying to do, get us thrown out before we even get to play?"

All of a sudden my blood ran cold when I heard a very familiar voice from my past ask, "Jake, Jake Benson, is that you?"

I turned around, and much to my absolute shock I saw non other than Robyn Beryl standing there looking at me in amazement.

"Oh, my goodness," she suddenly gasped, "Forgive me for not recognizing you."

"Don't worry about it," I coldly replied, "People seldom do these days."

"Oh, no, please," she apologetically said, "That's not what I meant."

"Is that right," I mordantly asked her, "Then tell me, what did you mean?"

"It's just that you look so different from the last time I saw you," she smiled, "And I must say, you look damn good, too.

"Are you Lindsay's assistant?" I asked her, "And if so, do you have some paperwork for us to sign?"

"Yes, on both counts," she suggestively replied, "But I was wondering if I could possibly talk to you alone for a few minutes, Jake?"

"Does it have to do with the business at hand?" I asked her.

"Well, no not really," she smiled, attempting to use her charms on me, "I thought that perhaps we could go somewhere and talk because we're old friends."

"We were never friends, Robyn; otherwise you wouldn't have said the terrible things you said behind my back about the way I looked after I got burned. You thought I didn't know about that, but my little sisters heard every vile word you spoke," I sadly replied, "So unless you want to talk about the business I have with your boss, I'm asking you as nicely as I know how to please leave me alone."

"What's the matter with you, Jake?" she asked, with a hurt look in her eyes, "I was told that you used to care about me."

"Excuse me for interrupting you, Jake," Ashlyn sweetly smiled, appearing right on time, "But do you two know each other?"

"Ashlyn, please allow me to introduce you to Robyn Beryl," I impishly grinned, "Robyn Beryl, allow me to introduce you to Doctor Ashlyn Benson."

"Doctor Benson," Robyn cordially smiled, extending her hand, "It's so nice to meet you. So, I guess you're related to Jake, huh? You two have the same last name."

"No, I'm not related to him in any way shape or form, save for one, Miss Beryl," Ashlyn very nicely replied, giving me a knowing wink, "The reason that we have the same last name is because, in addition to being a surgeon, I'm also Missus Jake Benson, his wife."

"His wife," she gasped again, this time her face turning pale, "I didn't know you got married, Jake. When did you have the time to do that?"

"Oh, it's been a while now," I chuckled, leaning down and kissing Ash's lips, "It was about a month after I got out of the hospital, wasn't it sweetheart?"

"It sure was," Ash purred, in a sultry tone of voice as she gently rubbed her palm across my chest, "And I've been a very happy, not to mention a very satisfied woman ever since, my love."

After shoving a large white envelope into my chest, Robyn tersely said, "Fill this paperwork out and make sure that Lindsay gets it back as soon as possible...and don't be late. She really hates tardiness," and then she turned and hurriedly stomped away, clearly pissed off.

"So, that's the infamous Robyn Beryl, huh?" Ashlyn laughed, hugging me tightly, "Damn, I wonder what her problem was? She seemed a little uptight about something, wouldn't you say, Jake?"

"God, I love you," I grinned, "And you call me a brat."

"Please," Ash giggled, "What did you ever see in that bitch, Jake?"

"I really don't remember," I honestly told her, "Hell, I can't remember now."

"And all this time I was worried that you might want to go back to her," Ash giggled, "Please forgive me, Jake."

"There's nothing to forgive, baby," I smiled, secure in the love I had with the most beautiful woman a man cold ever ask for, "And to tell you the truth, I thought that she might make trouble for us."

"I don't know what it is, but there's something that I don't trust about her, Jake," Ashlyn cautiously told me, "I'd still keep my guard up if I were you, okay baby?"

"Whatever you say, Ash," I replied, taking definite heed to what she'd just told me. "You know that I'll always trust you..."

~~~~~~

We all went back to the house to celebrate "Covenant" being selected to open for Rick Wakeman.

"Man," I silently thought, "What a show that was going to be."

~~~~~~

Because of the fact that we'd registered to audition at the last minute, we were the last of eleven other bands to audition for the much coveted spot that we were awarded. So, therefore it was almost five-thirty in the evening when we finally arrived home. It still didn't matter though; we were all so excited because of the fact that we were going to be opening for Rick Wakeman, who is one of the greatest, but in my eyes, the greatest keyboardist in the world. I could still remember going to see him, years earlier, when I was a young teenager, when he was touring the world after having released his album, "Journey to the Centre of The Earth." Man, what a great album that was, and as far as I'm concerned, still is. It was way ahead of its time when it came out, hence the reason it will remain timeless.

Of course I made certain that I called Lindsay Patterson as requested, and because of what she told me when we spoke, I suddenly realized that God had definitely had his hand in this whole ordeal from the very beginning; long before Covenant ever became a band.

"Hello," Lindsay replied, when I called, "This is Lindsay Patterson, may I help you?"

"Hi, Ms. Peterson," I politely replied, 'This is Jake Benson of Covenant, and I'm calling you back this evening per your request."

"Hello, Jake, thank you for calling me," she happily said, "I've got some great news for you and your band. Is there somewhere that we can meet and talk?"

"Yes, ma'am," I grinned, "Have you had the chance to eat dinner yet?"

"No, not yet," she said, "Why do you ask?"

It was then that I explained to her that we had placed some meat on the grill and were preparing a celebration dinner, and I invited her to come and eat with us."

"Wow; that sounds like a great idea,"she excitedly smiled, "Where do you live?"

After I gave her directions to our house, it only reaffirmed the fact that all of this was more than just a coincidence when she told me, "You only live about five blocks from me. I can be there in twenty minutes. Is that alright with you?"

"Please," I humbly replied, "We would be delighted if you would come and eat with us."

"Great," she excitedly replied, "Is it alright if I bring someone with me? I think you'll like him a lot."

"Oh, really," I teased, "Is he your boyfriend?"

"No," she began to laugh, "But I know you'll like him just the same."

"We all look forward to it," I happily smiled, "I guess we'll see you shortly then."

"Okay," she said, "Thank you, Jake, bye," and then she hung up...

~~~~~~

I was on the back patio minding the grill when Ashlyn stepped out through the patio door wearing a very pleased look on her face.

"Hi, baby," I smiled, leaning over and kissing her soft lips, "Have I told you how beautiful I think you are?"

"Lindsay's here," she knowingly grinned, "I think you need to come inside and greet her right away."

"Of course," I smiled, "Tell her that I'll be right there and..."

"No honey," she interrupted me, "You need to come right now."

"Okay then," I replied, and then after turning to Rob, who'd been standing there talking to me, I asked, "Would you watch this stuff for me, brother?"

Imagine my surprise when I walked back into the house to find Lindsay standing in our den with none other than Rick Wakeman himself, who had his hand sticking out and said, "Hello, Jake. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, mate. My name is Rick."

Granted, I was extremely pleased, not to mention excited beyond belief, but I didn't want to look like some star struck idiot so; I calmly smiled, and shook his hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you also, Rick. Welcome to our home. This beautiful lady standing beside me is my wife, Ashlyn. May we offer you something to drink?"

"A cup of tea would be quite pleasant," he gently replied, "If it isn't too much trouble."

"Not at all, Rick," Ashlyn sweetly smiled, "Please, have a seat anywhere you'd like, and I'll be right back with your tea. Can I get you anything, Lindsay?"

"A Coke would be great," she sweetly grinned, "Please, let me help you. Besides, I want to talk to you about your husband anyway," as she and Ashlyn laughed on their way to the kitchen.

After introducing him to the rest of the band, who were all very gracious and kind, I escorted Rick into our living room, making certain that he was comfortable, where I sat down across from him so that he and I could talk.

"I'm glad that you came," I said, "You honor us by being here."

"Thank you for having me," he graciously smiled, "I had the opportunity to hear you and your mates when you auditioned this afternoon, and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed what I heard."

"Thank you," I humbly smiled, "It means alot to us to hear that from someone who's as talented as you."

"Talented," he chuckled, "I'm just a keyboard player who got kicked out of the Conservatory because I enjoy playing in the pubs. You play extremely well yourself, Jake."

"I'm honored that you think so," I smiled, "But I've got you to thank for that, because you've been like a mentor of sorts to me since I was just a lad, as you say in England," which brought warm smile to his face.

"You don't say," he teased, "I thought I heard some familiar chops in there somewhere," which of course made me laugh. Then he looked me in the eyes and told me, "Seriously, mate; I think you and your band have one of the most uniquely brilliant sounds that I've heard in a very long time."

About that time, Ashlyn, accompanied by Lindsay, brought Rick's tea into the room and after setting it down on the coffee table in front of him, she smiled and told him, "Lindsay told me that you took milk and sugar with your tea so; I hope I got it right. Let me know and I'll make you some more if it's not to your liking."

Rick leaned over and picked his cup and saucer, and after taking a sip of his tea, widely smiled, and said, "It's perfect Ashlyn, thank you very much."

"You're welcome," she happily smiled, as Lindsay took a seat in the chair next to Rick, "I'm going to leave the three of you alone to talk," and then after sweetly kissing me, she smiled, and said, "I'm going to help Rob get the meat off of the grill. I'll be outside if you need me, sweetheart," and then she turned around and softly walked away."

"Your wife is a wonderful woman, Jake," Lindsay smiled, "I understand that she's a surgeon."

"A surgeon," Rick chuckled; "Why in the bloody hell are you playing music, mate, when you're married to a surgeon, and a very stunning one at that?"

"I'm doing this, because even though I'm nothing without her, she still believes in me," I simply replied, "Besides, I'm a firm believer of the old adage that says, behind every good man, is an even greater woman."

"I'm pleased to hear you say that, Jake," Lindsay warmly replied, "How long have the two of you been married to one another?"

"A little over three months," I proudly replied, "And it's been the greatest three months of my life."

"Pardon me for saying this, mate," Rick politely replied, "But you're awfully young. I take it she's a little older than you, yes?"

"Yes, she's six years and eight months older than me," I again, proudly smiled, "But Ashlyn and I believe that it doesn't matter how old a person is, it's where your head is, and what's in your heart that counts."

"I hope you don't mind my asking," Lindsay inquired, "But how old are you, Jake."

"I'll be twenty-one a little over a month from now," I replied, "But I would've figured that your assistant, Robyn Beryl would've told you that. She and I went to high school together."

"No, I didn't know that," Lindsay suspiciously replied, "That means that she lied about her age when she was hired."

"Uh, oh," I said, a bad feeling rising up within me, "I'm not trying to start any trouble here, Lindsay. I had no idea, I promise."

"Don't worry about it, Jake," she smiled, "The only thing I want you to focus on is the music; which reminds me," as she grinned at Rick, "Tell him what you said to me earlier, Rick."

"Right," he chuckled, "What would you say to playing a duet with me at the end of the show on Saturday, mate? We can go over it tomorrow night after you and your mates are finished playing in the afternoon."

"Are you kidding?" I boyishly grinned, "I'd love it; but are you sure you want me to play with you? There are better keyboard players than me out there."

"Not as far as I'm concerned," he appreciatively replied, reaching over and gently patting me on the shoulder, "I also wanted to tell you that your violinist, violist, and cellist are all three brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I watched them playing from a distance, but after meeting them a few moments ago, I was delighted when I discovered they were triplets...what a stroke of pure genius on your part, Jake."

"Thank you, Rick;" I began to laugh, "But it was more like a stroke of pure luck than genius," which, of course, made him and Lindsay laugh themselves silly.

~~~~~~

Chapter Twenty Three

When Rick, Lindsay and I finished having our conversation, I led them back into the den to hang out with the rest of Covenant and also so that the rest of the band would have the opportunity to get to know them as well...

~~~~~~

Because of the fact that there were thirteen people at the house, eight of us in the band, Ashlyn, my sisters, Leah and Laura, as well as Rick and Lindsay, I enlisted the help of Keith and Randy to help me put the three large extension leaves that came with the dining room table into it, so that there would be more than enough room for everyone to sit down and eat without feeling boxed in.

Ashlyn and I made certain that there was more than enough food to ensure that everyone would walk away with a full stomach. The women insisted that they be allowed do what was needed to prepare the food in the kitchen while the men, Rob, Keith, and Randy, as well as Rick and I stood around the grill out on the back patio making sure that the meat wasn't over-cooked.

"I take it that this is what's known in America as a barbeque," Rick smiled, "Am I correct?"

"For the most part," I chuckled, "But none of us drink alcohol so; that's the only thing missing, unless you would care for some spirits, Rick."

"I came prepared, mate," he knowingly grinned, reaching into his back pocket and retrieving a small flask from which he held up and said, "Here's to having a great show this weekend," and then he took a taste.

"Here, here," we all cheered, "To having a great show."

"So, tell us," Rob asked, "What's it like to play in front of thousands of people, Rick, if you don't mind my asking?"

"I don't mind at all," he smiled, "It's better than anything I've ever felt before...even better than sex."

"I guess I can understand that," Randy agreed, "I don't know if you know this, Rick, but the male members of this band have all played before live audiences, maybe not as large as the ones that you've played in front of, but we've played in front of people none the less; but, this will be the very first time any of our female members have ever performed in public."