Musician and bad boy of the family Nick falls in love with Justine, a college senior with big heart and a big voice to match. But while attracted to Nick, Justine has determined that Nick's big brother Joe, the teacher, is better husband material. When the couple experiences infertility problems a few years into the marriage, Joe asks his brother for one big — and unthinkable — favor, without telling his wife.
PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS
Before he handed her the microphone, he said, “Wait. Let me introduce you. What’s your name?”
“Justine. Justine Miller. Like the beer.” She finished off the brown bottle she was still holding. “For courage.”
“Yeah.” Nick introduced her and handed her the mike. The din in the smoky bar didn’t subside at first, but gradually The Place became quiet as Justine’s rich voice swelled through it. Nick watched in amazement as even some of the hard-edged punksters paired off and shuffled in place as she sang.
“Now I need a place to hide away.” Justine leaned against a barstool as she sang, pushing damp hair from her forehead with the back of one hand. Her face was pale now, as if she’d dunked it in confectioners sugar. As the last notes of the song died away, he ran to the stool to catch her just as she threatened to topple off the stage. Her hands clasped around his neck. She murmured, “Thanks again” and gave him another wet kiss.
“Looks like those piano lessons are finally starting to pay off,” Curly said, slapping Nick on the back.
“Yeah,” he said, his hands tangled in her chiffon scarf as Justine clung to him. “But what now?”
“Finders keepers,” Curly told him and left with the others through the back door.