Read Pink Shades of Words: Walk 2016 for Free Online

me?”
    Matt chuckles. “Sure. And Alec, this is Angie.”
    Alec sizes me up giving me an enigmatic smile. “Hello beautiful Angie. I hope you enjoyed the show.”
    I press my hand over my heart. “Oh, I did ... so very much.”
    Alec turns to Matt. “Is she your girl?”
    Matt pauses, his gaze locking with mine. “She is tonight.”
    Alec’s eyebrows lift up as he studies us. “Well then.”
    Not caring if I embarrass myself, I’m so thrilled to be in his presence that I step forward and start spilling our story. “When we were young we fell in love while listening to your music. And tonight it’s so extraordinary to see you in concert since this is the first time in almost twenty years since we’ve seen each other.”
    Alec’s eyes widen and he reaches over, hands each of us a bottle of water, and then opens a bottle for himself and takes a drink. “Sorry it isn’t something stronger, but this is a better choice for me. The only reason I’m able to perform again.”
    Matt nods at him with understanding.
    “My manager always spun it like I was some crazy recluse fucker, but the reason I’ve hardly performed over the years is I was just too damn drunk.”
    “I’m sorry,” I say softly.
    “Not half as much as I am. So has it really been twenty years for you two? I’d never guess watching you together that it’s been that long since you’ve seen each other. What happened?”
    I feel the heat run up my neck, certain that my cheeks are bright pink.
    He gives me a nod. “Come on now, darling ... I’m a curious, crazy artist. This sounds like a story worth telling.”
    I can’t believe that he’s even talking to us let alone having this conversation. I’ve always heard Alec is eccentric, but his interest in us is surprising. What about the people waiting for him on the other side of the room?
    “Oh you know what it’s like when you’re young,” Matt offers graciously.
    “And fucking stupid ...” Alec adds.
    I straighten my spine and jut my chin up. “It was back when we were college. He was my everything and then ... I betrayed him. It’s my fault.”
    “I see,” Alec says. “The lady owns it. And have you apologized? Do you regret it?”
    “Yes I have, and I regret what I did with every fiber of my being,” I respond.
    Alec tips his bottle toward Matt. “So have you forgiven her?”
    Matt just looks at him, his eyes suddenly dark and stormy.
    “Well, get on with it mate. You only have tonight to make this right. So hurry the hell up. This may be your only chance.” He looks in the mirror, his gaze heavy with regret, before shaking his head. “I’d give anything to have that chance with my one love, the one I let slip through my fingers.”
    Matt gives me a long look before looking back at Alec. “Okay, I’ll get on with it,” he says, jamming his hands inside his pockets.
    “Good. I sure as hell wouldn’t let this one go.” He turns and winks at me. “Now you’ll have to excuse me, I’ve got people waiting.”
    I smile at him. “Thank you Alec. You were so amazing tonight. Can I give you a hug?”
    “Sure thing, sweetheart,” he says with a charismatic grin.
    He tops off my hug with a soft kiss on my cheek. “Be good to him,” he whispers.
    “I will,” I whisper back.
    Matt shakes his hand. “Checked off the bucket list. Thanks man.”
    Alec shakes his head and grumbles. “Bucket list? My fans are getting too damn old.” He gives us a wink, and then heads over to the group.
    This time I take Matt’s hand and squeeze it as he leads us out into the hall. 
    “Wow,” I whisper as we walk through the dim, deserted hallway.
    We’re five or so paces from the closed door when he stops and turns toward me. “Did you like that?”
    “Like it? I’m just wondering how this evening became so magical. Nothing can ever top this.”
    “Nothing?” he asks as his gaze rests on my lips and then moves up to my eyes.
    He looks like he wants to say something, or maybe he just