Time Is Fleeting
A Chez Gastronomique Story: Chapter 3
Dennis sat at the baby grand piano in the bar area of the restaurant, noodling the keys. His thoughts were drifting. As much as he loved his job at Chez Gastronomique he was becoming restless. The old wanderlust that had been absent for the last 18 months was starting to nudge its way back into his life. This time though it wasn’t that he was bored, exactly. He still felt the old excitement of playing to a crowd. There were few things that made his day better than being here. Perhaps he was a touch lonely. He wasn’t sure about anything so he noodled a bit more before settling down into a song.
I watch the sunrise. I watch it set I watch the seasons change As challenges are met
He was quite focused on the song and was surprised when a voice joined in.
Stoke the fire well As it fuels your soul, oul oul Time is fleeting Soon it will show
He looked up into the face that had joined him and let her carry the rest of the tune joining in at the appropriate parts as he accompanied her on the piano.
Time is fleeting Time is old You're only young once Come in from the cold Keep your eyes open Fill your heart with love Time is fleeting Soon it will show (verse 2) Deep in your heart Down in your soul The love that you give The truth will still show Lift up your heart And brighten ev-'ry day Time is fleeting Soon it will show (Middle 8) I believe I believe (I believe) I believe I believe I believe I believe (I believe) I believe I believe Time is fleeting Soon it will show (I Believe I Believe) (Chorus repeat) (Verse 3) Deep in your heart (I believe, I believe) Down in your soul The love that you give (I believe, oh I believe) The truth will still show Lift up your heart (I believe, I believe) And brighten ev-'ry day (I believe, I believe) Time is fleeting Soon it will show (I believe,I believe) (Verse 4) I believe in living life (I believe, I believe) To do my best every day (I believe, I believe) I believe in the power of love (I believe, I believe) To make good things stay (I believe, I believe) Time is fleeting Soon it will show (I believe, I believe) (Chorus repeat)
Dennis looked up, clapping as the last notes finished.
“Phew.” he said before taking a mouthful of water.
“That was quite good,” she said, clapping. “You don’t hear that song played solo often.” she smiled a broad smile.
“You were pretty good at joining in like that,” said Dennis.
“You weren’t too bad yourself. Hi, I’m Dorothy.”
“Dennis,” he replied as he pointed towards the chair indicating she was welcome to join him if she wished.
“I think I will,” she said with a smile, as she sat down. “That was something special. I just got here. If this is what my evening is going to be like I can’t wait for you to show me more of what you’ve got.”
“Right back at you. How long have you been singing professionally?” he inquired.
“You think I sing professionally? Thank you for the compliment. I just like to sing.”
“No training?”
Dorothy showed all her pearly whites. “Well, if you consider shower sessions and solo road trips to be training, then hell ya! Count me in.”
Dennis laughed along with Dorothy. “Where did you learn to sing like that?”
“I just did. That’s it. I grew up in a house where I sang out of necessity rather than a rule. It was my way of communicating. It just grew from there. People used to say they could tell it was me walking down the hall because I was always singing something.” She looked at the piano. “No notes, or charts. That’s impressive.”
Dennis looked at the keyboard before returning his eyes to her face. “Most good musicians know the songs they are going to play. A vast repertoire and all.”
Dorothy laughed.
“What brought you into Chez Gastronomique tonight?” inquired Dennis.
“I have heard that the food was good but the atmosphere was better so I thought I would give it a try.”
“And?”
“No food yet but the atmosphere is quite impressive. This bar really rocks. It is so different from other bars. The acoustics are quite good.
“Our Maitre d’ went all out to make sure it reflected his vision.
“Well he has done a magnificent job. Of course your singing has raised it to a whole new level,” she added.
“Madam, your drink,” presented the waiter.
“Thank you,” she said as the waiter snapped out a napkin and placed it on the piano before setting the glass of wine down.
“Monsieur?”
Dennis looked at the waiter. “Nothing at the moment.”
The waiter smiled and bowed before turning and walking to another customer.
Dennis noodled for a second while Dorothy took a sip of her wine. “Are you meeting someone here?” he asked.
“No. It’s just me. So far my evening has been spent singing with you. I think that is a plus. “
He noodled a little more.
“I like this song,” said Dorothy as she started to sing.
[verse 1] At times it’s a word Puts the thought in motion At times it’s the heart That takes a notion A little bit of love Reaching out from you [verse 2] A little bit early It’s not a sin Eyes light the moment Where to begin A little bit of love Reaching out from you [bridge] Hearts beating faster Thoughts go spinning around Touch is sensitive So I found are the sounds [verse 3] Take a step forward No turning back Keep it in the moment Right on track That’s a fact A little bit of love Reaching out from you [verse 4] Take a step forward It’s not a sin Another satisfying moment From a whim A little bit of love Reaching out from you [Verse 5] At times it’s a word Puts the thought in motion At times it’s the heart That takes a notion A little bit of love Reaching out from you A little bit of love Reaching out from you
They sat there looking at each other, feeling the moment, as the applause gathered around them wrapping their thoughts into one.
“Um,” started Dennis.
Dorothy looked away and looked back as Dennis played the opening notes from another song. “I think I should…”
Dennis stopped playing and straightened up. “The audience seems to enjoy our performance so far.”
Dorothy looked out at the bar. “3 people, a waiter and a bartender, hardly qualify as an audience but I agree. There is something special in hearing our voices blend.”
Dennis started playing another introduction. Dorothy smiled and began singing.
(Verse 1) There were sparks There were flames Real strong love Tough to tame (Verse 2) Hearts on fire Minds ablaze Going places Won’t be phased (Chorus) All it took was one look After that we were hooked Love locked in From the start Love locked in Never to part Love locked in (Verse 3) It was destined We should meet Two like minds Similar beat (Verse 4) Thoughts running Often as one Growing choices Getting love done (chorus repeat) (Bridge) Love locked in Through our eyes Leaving no time To ask why Hearts ablaze We’re no fools Loves locked in With all the tools All it took was one look After that we were hooked Love locked in
They sat at the piano gazing at each other.
“How about..” Dennis started.
“I would love to,” replied Dorothy.
“And then we could have dinner.”
“What an amazing idea.”
“This is turning out to be,”
“A rather pleasant evening.”
They smiled the knowing smile two minds have when they began to click. Love locked in. Indeed.
Chapter 4 will be posted on Friday.
If you missed chapter 1 and 2 click here:
Crazy. One last look into substack, because I couldn’t sleep.. and now I am in the middle of a story and music - and totally awake .. great post
The music is such an integral part of this story! I’m glad I got my headphones and linked into this before I started.
A great use of audio!
And I like the story.