For the Love of Music (Sixty Minute Romance) Read Free

ground.
    Giorgio was Anne’s work
colleague and also ex-boyfriend. They had called it a day after realising that
Giorgio was never going to give up his job on the frontline. He was happiest
flying all around the world, chasing drugs barons and criminals. Anne was ready
for a quieter life. Being with Giorgio was never going to be quiet. After the
first rush of hormones had died down, they had both realised that they wanted
different things from life. So they had sat down together, given their break up
speeches, and agreed to stay friends. Anne hadn’t seen him since. He hadn’t
even contacted her, and that was four months ago.
    Anne had stayed in her
role as liaison manager, in the civil service office where she worked, but had
requested at her recent job review, that she would never go out in the field
again. This was brought on by the experiences she had witnessed in the Maldives
operation six months previously. Anne thought she could hack it out on
operations with the best, but she was wrong. She also handed in her firearm. It
was a huge relief and she didn’t mind a bit of a pay cut. She was much happier
in herself, not carrying a gun.
    “Who did you meet
yesterday?”  Asked Jayne, who was always looking for the latest gossip.
    “Oh, we did a concert for
some war veterans and one of them wants me to play music with him as part of
his therapy.” Replied Anne on autopilot.
    “Sound interesting, I’d
love to play music with someone, tell me more.” Said Jayne, doing her usual
stirring up routine.
    “There is nothing more to
tell. I’m just helping him out. It’s a favour.”
    “Ok, have it your own
way.” Jayne shrugged her shoulders and left disappointed.
    On the following Monday,
Anne gave Gail a call, to see if she could come with her to see Ed. She had
spent the last five days fretting about it and thought she could use some Dutch
courage from a friend. Gail was very keen to come, as she was hoping to meet some
more soldiers.
    “I do like these men in
uniform! I’ll have to meet you there, as I’m dropping my niece off, at my Nan’s,
on the way” Said Gail.
    “That’s great, I’ll see
you there. Wear something decent will you?” Anne suggested, very relieved she
would not be on her own.
    The next Tuesday afternoon,
she arrived at the Hall, feeling a little apprehensive. She went to reception.
There were lots of photos of other bands and acts who had performed there in
the past.
    “You’re here for Sergeant
Makin, Is that right?” Said the receptionist, looking over the top of her
glasses.
    “I only know his name is
Ed.” Said Anne, suddenly realising that she knew nothing about this man. She
had agreed to meet him and help him, but now she was wondering if the whole
idea was a big mistake.
    “That’s him, Sergeant
Edward Makin. He’s waiting in the main hall, at the end of the corridor.” The
receptionist pointed in the only direction available, other than the front door,
and returned to her work.
    As Anne walked down the
corridor, she could hear some guitar music, coming from the slightly open door
at the end. As she pushed the door further open, she recognized the traditional
Spanish guitar work ‘ Malaguena ’ as the piece of music. She saw Gail,
dressed quite decently, just inside the door and joined her. Gail put her
finger to her lips to say be quiet. They listened to Sergeant Edward Makin play
the simple, haunting piece to perfection. The sound transformed the mundane and
impersonal municipal hall, into a glorious sound filled experience. The notes
were left hanging in the air, as Ed finished the piece. They could have been in
Andalucia.
    Anne and Gail gave Ed a
small, but appreciative, round of applause.
    Anne was so taken aback with
his playing, that she hardly knew what to say. She stepped forward and Ed
turned his head around. She felt like she was caught red handed, doing
something wrong. She apologized for nothing.
    “I thank you for coming. I
honestly didn’t expect you