Rhythm in Blue by tfc Parks

suddenly.” Devon looked at him through narrowed eyes and slowly nodded.
    “Beer Ricky?” Erin called to him from where she was stocking the cooler. He nodded in reply, and when she brought him his beer, she asked, “Where’s your necklace?”
    “He gave it to Shelby,” Devon answered for him.
    “Wow, you’ve worn that necklace forever. In fact, you look naked without it.”
    It was dawning on Rick that everyone who knew him would notice its absence. When the idea first came to him to give it to her, all he’d thought about was how happy it would make her.
    “You must have really become attached to her,” she finished, cocking her head to the side.
    He considered explaining how he’d found a kindred spirit in Shelby, but instead answered, “I suppose I have.”
    Erin looked thoughtful for a moment, and then Rick saw the comprehension slowly spread across her face. “Last night was about you!” She shook her head furiously, “I can’t believe I didn’t see it – oh my God, Ricky, what are you going to do?”
    “Nothing,” Devon again answered for him, “They are done with the lessons, and he is going to keep his distance, right?”
    “Yep,” Rick answered, nodding emphatically.
    “Good, I’m glad to hear it. That’s a road you definitely don’t want to go down.”
    “I know, but don’t worry, it’s under control,” he laughed and tried to think of the right things to say to stop any suspicions. “I’m a big boy, and I’m used to this kind of thing, I know how to let ‘em down gently.”
    Erin looked relieved, but Devon’s expression never changed.
    “Speaking of which, I need to get out of here.” Rick guzzled the last of his beer, “I don’t want to stick around too long in case she shows up here.”
    “Good thinking. You want some company?” Devon asked.
    “No, I’m just gonna walk around for a while and then go back to the hotel, but thanks for the offer.”
    “I’ll come anyway, I could use the exercise,” Devon said, as he too polished off his beer.
    “Okay then,” Rick tried not to sound annoyed. His mind went to work to find a way to ditch Devon as soon as possible. He didn’t want Shelby to have to wait too long.
     

Chapter Eleven
     
    “Where’s Judy? Where’s your dad?” Rick looked around as Shelby led him into the living room.
    “They went camping with some friends.”
    “And left you here on your own?”
    “Yeah, right” she said, rolling her eyes, “No, I’m supposed to be staying with Morgan. She’s got other things on her mind, and she doesn’t really care what I do, so I’ve just been staying here.”
    “I guess I don’t blame you,” he said. “Randy’s been out there almost every night since they met, I suppose it would be pretty awkward for you.”
    Today would be one of their last lessons. He was leaving the island in three short days. Rick was aware that as the remaining days grew fewer, his heart grew heavier. Judging by her quiet disposition, Shelby felt it too. Their conversations were short, each afraid they might become too emotional. Rick tried to keep the atmosphere light, but found it increasingly difficult each day.
    “How long are they gone for?” he asked.
    “They’ll be back day after tomorrow. They wanted to make sure they could see you guys before you leave.” Shelby looked away. He knew she didn’t want him to see the emotion that accompanied those last words.
    Attempting to change the subject, Rick picked up the guitar and handed it to her, “Play me what I showed you yesterday, I want to make sure you practiced like you were supposed to.”
    She took the guitar from him and sat down, settling the instrument on her thigh. She played the chord progression effortlessly, but rose again almost immediately, setting the guitar aside, unable to focus on the task. Standing before him, she searched his eyes for a glimpse that he shared her despair. Rick couldn’t tear himself away from the challenge of her gaze, though he