Souls Remember What Matters — Corey Gibson 7
007 – Warm And Steady
SERA
The door opened, and there he was. Johnson.
Time seemed to freeze for a second as we stared at each other. His dark hair was longer than I remembered, touching his collar, and he’d grown a neat beard that made him look more mature. But his eyes were the same warm brown that used to look at me like I was something precious.
“Sera.” My name came out of his mouth like a prayer. “God, I’ve missed you so much. Did you finally remember you have an old friend who’s been waiting for you?”
Before I could answer, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me. The hug was tight, desperate, like he was afraid I might disappear again. I felt his chest rise and fall against mine, smelled the familiar scent of his cologne mixed with coffee.
For a moment, I let myself melt into the embrace. It had been so long since someone held me like I mattered.
“Come on, let me get that.” He pulled back and reached for my suitcase, his fingers brushing mine as he took the handle. Even that small touch sent warmth up my arm.
Johnson’s apartment looked exactly like him–organized but lived–in, with stacks of music sheets on the coffee table and framed photos of artists he represented on the walls. A baby grand piano sat in the corner by the window, its black surface gleaming under the soft lighting.
“You still have the Steinway,” I said, running my fingers along its edge.
“I kept hoping you’d come back and play it again.” His voice was quiet, almost shy. “I never let anyone else touch it. It’s been waiting for you.”
My throat felt tight. I turned away from the piano and sat on his leather couch, sinking into cushions that felt like heaven after the horrible day I’d had.
Johnson disappeared into the kitchen and came back with two cups of tea. Earl Grey with a touch of honey, just how I used to like it. He remembered.
“So,” he said, settling into the chair across from me, his eyes never leaving my face. “Are you ready to restart your career? Or are you just visiting an old friend?”
I wrapped my hands around the warm cup, feeling the heat seep into my bandaged palms. “I want to come back, Johnson. I need to come back.”
His face lit up like Christmas morning. “Really? You mean it this time?”
I nodded, my throat too tight to speak for a moment.
“What about your family? Five years ago, you called me out of nowhere and said you were getting married. I thought it was a joke at first.” His expression grew serious. “You sounded so different on that phone call. Not like yourself at all.”
Darius and Luna were probably with Vivienne right now, playing happy family while I sat here trying to figure out how to put my life back together.
1/3
007 Warm And Steady
+25 Bonus
I let out a bitter laugh that didn’t sound like me. “My family doesn’t need me anymore.”
Johnson leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “Sera, what happened? You look like you haven’t slept in weeks, and your hands-” He gestured at my bandages. “What did he do to you?”
“He didn’t do this.” I held up my hands. “I did it to myself, trying to save someone who was trying to destroy me, “I ran my fingers through my hair and let out a heavy sigh, ignoring the urge to bite down on my lips out of
habit.
“I might get divorced,” I said, the words feeling strange in my mouth. “But I need to restart my career first if I want any chance of getting custody of Luna. My husband is a wealthy man with connections everywhere. I have nothing,” My voice shook at the last word, a strange emptiness spreading through my chest as I realized just how true the word was.
I truly had nothing.
All I’ve been for the past five years is a housewife, my name, my life, my existence has all been tied to Darius and
Luna.
Johnson’s face went hard at the mention of Darius. He’d never met my husband, but he’d seen what five years of marriage to him had done to me. How I’d gotten smaller and quieter each time we met at those little cafes outside the city.
I could see he wanted to ask more questions, probably wanted to tell me I should have left years ago. But he didn’t push. He never did.
“Don’t worry,” he said instead, his voice gentle but determined. “I’ll help you. We’ll show the world what they’ve been missing,” He held my shoulder and a slow smile stretched his lips.
“And believe me, the world has missed out on a lot,” His grin widened into that perfect smile that no doubt made girls crazy.
He stood up and started pacing, his mind already working. “The return of AJ will definitely shock a lot of people. Your last album is still selling, you know. People ask me about you all the time.” 1
“There’s a charity event at the New York Museum next week,” Johnson continued, his excitement growing.” High–profile crowd, lots of media. The organizer owes me a favor. I could get you a spot to perform.”
“I don’t know if I’m ready,” I said, fear creeping into my voice. “It’s been so long. What if I’ve lost it? What if I’m not good enough anymore?”
Johnson stopped pacing and knelt in front of me, taking my bandaged hands in his. “Sera, you’re the most talented person I’ve ever worked with. Music is in your bones. You could never lose that,” He affirmed with a serious look in his eyes. He meant every word, I knew he did.
His hands were warm and steady, nothing like the cold way Darius had grabbed me in the greenhouse. When Johnson touched me, I felt safe instead of afraid.
“I’ll go with you,” I said, the words coming out stronger than I felt. “To the museum thing. I’ll do it.”
2/3
007–Warm And Steady
+25 Bonus
His smile was so bright it almost hurt to look at. “That’s my girl,” He let go of my hand almost reluctantly, a familiar yet unfamiliar light appeared in his brown orbs. “I’m so happy to have you back, Sera, I truly am.”
Later that night, I lay in Johnson’s guest room staring at the ceiling. The bed was comfortable, but I couldn’t sleep. My phone sat on the nightstand, dark and silent. (1)
Darius hadn’t called. Maybe he hadn’t even noticed I was gone yet. Maybe he was too busy taking care of Vivienne and making plans for their perfect future together.
But Luna… it was almost her bedtime. She always wanted someone to read her a story and tuck her in. Was Darius doing that, or had he left her with Lucy again?
My chest ached thinking about my little girl going to sleep without her mom. Even if she hated me right now, even if she wanted Vivienne instead, she was still my baby.
I picked up my phone with shaking hands and dialed Darius’s number.
It rang once. Twice. Three times.
Finally, he answered.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel For Fast Update Or More Novels: 
Join Our WhatsApp Channel For Fast Update Or More Novels: