60's - Fulton Lee and John Michael Howell
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Lucas and Jennifer lingered in a tight embrace, their forms silhouetted against the bustling JFK Airport terminal. Finally, they parted ways, Jennifer dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. "You're really taking off in your career now, huh?" she said, her voice thick with pride. "You're practically the talk of the town."
Lucas grinned, a cocky glint in his eye. "What can I say? I'm just that sensational."
Jennifer chuckled, nudging him playfully. Together, they strolled through the city, marveling at the bright lights of Times Square and weaving through the sea of people. To their relief, the teeming crowd seemed to provide anonymity, as not a single soul stopped to gawk or request an autograph.
As they wandered, they pointed out the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, reminiscing about their past visits to these very spots.
"It's good to be back," Lucas sighed, slipping his arm around Jennifer's waist. "And it's even better to be here with you."
Jennifer smiled up at him, her eyes shining. "I know what you mean, flyboy. I know what you mean."
Lucas and Jennifer strolled leisurely through the city, pausing only to sample the local cuisine at a quaint diner and pose for a few photos in front of iconic landmarks. As they meandered through Times Square, a melody wafted through the air, stopping them in their tracks. A street performer strummed his guitar, crooning a tune that tugged at their heartstrings.
"Well, well," Jennifer teased, nudging Lucas, "looks like your song's made quite the impression."
Lucas couldn't help but grin as he watched the crowd gather 'round the performer, phones held high to capture the impromptu concert. The man's voice was rough but sincere, each note tugging at the listeners' heartstrings.
"This song is just so heartbreaking," one man confided to his friend, "I've had it on loop on YouTube for days."
The crowd hummed in agreement, lost in the bittersweet lyrics and the performer's soulful delivery.
"Guess you've got a hit on your hands, Mr. Sensational," Jennifer teased, squeezing his arm.
As the singer continued performing the song, Jennifer fell into step beside Lucas, her gaze thoughtful. "That song of yours," she began, "it's about a breakup, right? And heartbreak?"
Lucas nodded, a wistful expression clouding his features.
"It's such an emotional tune," she pressed on, "I can't help but wonder... who was the girl that broke your heart so badly that you could write something like that?"
Lucas chuckled uncomfortably, a bittersweet smile playing on his lips. The song "Let Her Go" had been a popular song in his previous life, and he'd only brought it into this world. He couldn't very well reveal the real inspiration behind the lyrics. "It's... complicated," he hedged.
Jennifer studied him closely, her eyes filled with understanding.
"Only hate the road when you're missing home," the performer crooned, his voice raw with emotion, "only know you love her when you let her go."
The last note hung in the air, mingling with the bustle of Times Square. Jennifer squeezed Lucas's arm, offering silent support as they continued their stroll.
"I'm here for you, you know," she said gently, "if you ever want to talk about it."
Lucas flashed her a grateful smile. "I know, Jen. I appreciate that."
Lucas reached into his wallet and dropped the crisp bill into the performer's hat. "That was a fantastic performance," he said, flashing a genuine smile.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it," the performer replied, his eyes twinkling with gratitude.
As they strolled away, Lucas leaned in to Jennifer's ear. "Want me to serenade you?" he asked mischievously.
Jennifer's eyes widened in surprise. "You'd really do that? With all these people around? And you're practically famous now!"
Lucas chuckled, unfazed by her concerns. "Just because I'm well-known doesn't mean I can't have a little fun, does it?"
With that, he turned back to the performer and asked, "Mind if I borrow your guitar and mic for a quick number?"
The man glanced at Lucas, recognition dawning on his features. "You're... you're Lucas, right? The 'Let Her Go' guy?"
Lucas chuckled. "Guilty as charged. Mind if I borrow your axe and the mic there?" He nodded towards the unused microphone stand nearby.
"Well, that's my buddy's mic, but I guess it's alright for one song," the performer said, grinning.
As Lucas took the guitar and stepped up to the mic, the performer couldn't hide his excitement. He whipped out his phone, eager to capture the moment. After all, while he might not have seen Lucas's movies, he was a fan of his music.
Lucas strummed the guitar, eliciting a soft, romantic melody that piqued the interest of passersby. Jennifer watched, her heart fluttering, as the crowd began to gather 'round.
"Girl, you look like a model from the sixties," Lucas crooned, his gaze locked on Jennifer, "natural kind of beauty, no surgeries. Can't get this kind of look from anything else, but God, and everybody knows it too."
As Lucas continued to sing, more onlookers stopped in their tracks, phones at the ready. They didn't recognize the tune, but there was something familiar about the voice and the melody that drew them in.
"You got that sixties kind of vibe to you, and it's hard to beat," Lucas crooned, strumming the guitar effortlessly, "Ain't gonna find it here in this century, other people try, but they can't compete. You got that kind of class ain't nobody teach."
The crowd hummed along, captivated by the unfamiliar yet catchy tune.
"I wanna hold you now 'til infinity, look back on the years, count our memories," Lucas crooned, his eyes locked on Jennifer's. "Other people try, but they can't compete, you got that kind of class ain't nobody brings."
As the chorus swelled, he harmonized with himself, "M-ba-mm-ba, mm-ba-mm-ba," his voice rich and full of emotion.
As the song progressed, whispers began to spread through the crowd. "Isn't that...?" "No way, it can't be..." But even as recognition dawned on them, they couldn't tear their eyes away from the heartfelt performance.
"Girl, you lookin' like a past life, a memory," Lucas crooned, "A much sweeter part of the story." The performer and the crowd alike swayed to the catchy tune, transported back in time.
"Like an old Beach Boys melody, just swimmin' around in my head and singin', 'don't you worry, baby,'" Lucas crooned, his gaze locked on Jennifer's. "Alright, alright, I got you by my side. We can turn back the time, this decade don't feel right. So if you catch my vibe, just sing it out into the night."
The chorus swelled once more, "Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh."
"You got that sixties kind of vibe to you, and it's hard to beat," Lucas crooned, strumming the guitar effortlessly, "Ain't gonna find it here in this century, other people try, but they can't compete. You got that kind of class ain't nobody teach."
Lucas closed his eyes, lost in the music, oblivious to the commotion he was causing. "I wanna hold you now 'til infinity, look back on the years, count our memories," he crooned, "Other people try, but they can't compete, you got that kind of class ain't nobody brings."
The crowd joined in, their voices swelling in a chorus of "M-ba-mm-ba, mm-ba-mm-ba," as they harmonized with the impromptu performance.
Applause erupted through the square as the last note faded, drowning out the city's usual din. Lucas took a bow, grinning from ear to ear, before handing the guitar back to the performer.
Another performer, Claude, gaped at Lucas, recognition dawning on his features. "Lu-Lucas!" he stuttered, awe in his voice.
Lucas turned back, eyebrows raised. "That was... incredible," Claude gushed, "It sounded so old-school, yet it had that charm that could make hearts beat. And with your gentleman aura... there's no doubt, it's really you!"
Lucas grinned, a bit shy under the praise. "Thanks, man," he said modestly, "Glad you liked it."
Claude, emboldened, asked, "Can I have a photo?"
Lucas chuckled, "Of course." He posed for a quick selfie with the starstruck performer before making his way back to Jennifer.
However, they were greeted by a throng of people clamoring for autographs and selfies.
"Lucas, over here!"
"Can I get a picture with you, please?"
"I'm your biggest fan!"
Lucas smiled, graciously obliging each request, signing autographs and posing for photos. Jennifer watched on, amused by the commotion her man was causing.
Finally, after several minutes, they managed to squeeze their way through the crowd, hand in hand.
As Lucas and Jennifer strolled hand in hand through the bustling city, they couldn't help but overhear the whispers around them.
"Lucas and Jennifer," one onlooker gasped, "They looked so close!"
"I know, right?" her friend agreed, "I could practically feel the love between them."
---
As they walked away, the melody of the song Lucas had sung for her still lingered in Jennifer's heart. "That was such a beautiful song, you know," she said, a warm smile spreading across her face.
Lucas smiled back, "I'm glad you liked it. Thank you." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "Actually, I've been working on something else too. A script, actually. I was wondering if you'd mind taking a look at it, tell me what you think?"
Jennifer raised an eyebrow, amused. "Scriptwriting now, are we?"
Lucas chuckled, blushing slightly. "It's nothing much, but I'd appreciate your opinion. I've got it saved on this USB drive. You can read it on your laptop later."
Intrigued, Jennifer nodded.
As the day darkened, they made their way to the hotel room Jennifer had booked. The moment the door closed behind them, they couldn't contain their desire any longer.
They embraced each other tightly, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. Their hands roamed over each other's bodies, rekindling the fire that had been smoldering between them all evening. Stumbling towards the bed, they fell together, their clothes discarded in a trail behind them, lost in their mutual hunger and desire.