Burden to Bear Read Online Free

for so long.  She peaked out behind the curtain, too.  “He’s yummy,” Lana said, licking her lips playfully.  “And he looks like he’s rich.  Do you know him?”
    Sarah felt a small twinge of jealousy.  “He’s my date tonight,” she said.
    “Lucky you!” exclaimed Lana.  “Where do I find me a guy like that?”
    “He’s unbelievable, right?” asked Sarah.
    Lana tittered.  “You’re so smitten.  And he’s going to be after he sees you in that dress.”  She smiled reassuringly.  “Are you about ready?”
    “Yeah,” Sarah said. She smoothed her dress.  She’d found one similar to the long slinky deep blue dress she’d been fantasizing about the day in the coffee shop that she’d met Wilson.  She knew that fate dictated she be dressed the very same as she saw herself in her head the moment she met him.  It was meant to be.  She’d even curled her long straight dark hair and piled it atop her head.  All she was missing from that perfect fantasy was the red rose.
    The rest of the band quickly assembled, and the curtain was pulled aside.  The band exploded with perfect resonance into the Elsa Fitzsimmons song, and Sarah launched confidently into the first verse.  Wilson gaped in awe.  When she belted out the chorus, she had the attention of every patron in the place.  Sarah’s spirits rose higher and higher.  Performing was the only time she allowed herself to feel so buoyant and self-confident.  No insecurities tonight.  They all wanted her, but Wilson most of all. 
    The band was caught up in the moment, too.  Lana grinned at her in pure exuberance, and the drummer winked at her when she looked his way.  They were all at peak performance tonight.
    When the song ended, the entire audience leaped to their feet and cheered raucously.  Sarah shouted, “Thank you!  Thank you!” She flashed a triumphant smile to Wilson, who tossed a single red rose on the stage beside her.  She kneeled gracefully to pick it up, and tucked it into the curls on her head.  Then she quickly rose and grabbed the microphone as the band launched into their second song. 
    When their set was finished, Sarah grabbed a white wine from the bar and went out to join Wilson at his table.  She was a little giddy and flushed from all the excitement.  He stretched out his hand across the table and enclosed her inside it. 
    “You are amazing!” he exclaimed sincerely.  “I’m so happy to be with you tonight.”  He squeezed her hand warmly.
    Sarah colored.  “I was thinking of you the entire time,” she said.  “You make me happy, too.”
    Wilson reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved a small box.  “I hope you don’t think it’s too forward, but I bought you a little something to commemorate tonight.  After that performance, you definitely deserve it.”
    He opened the box.  A dainty silver bracelet, bedangled with tiny colored stones, lay inside.  Wilson lifted the bracelet, undid the clasp, and fastened it around her wrist.  Sarah lifted her arm up and studied it in admiration.
    “It’s so beautiful, Wilson,” she breathed.  “Thank you!”  She stood up, leaned over the table, and hugged him fiercely.
    After they finished their drinks, Wilson said, “We’re decked out a bit glamourous tonight.  Especially you.”  He fingered one of Sarah’s long glittering earrings and flicked it playfully.  “But let’s go get something to eat at the diner down the street.  It’s open all night and we can talk.”
    Sarah was pleased.  She had been worried that their night might end when the club closed at two a.m.
    Outside, she began to walk down the block towards the diner when Wilson put his hand on her shoulder to stop her.  “Let’s take my car, even if it’s only a block.”
    He motioned to the bright yellow Ferrari parked on the street outside the club.
    “Wow!” Sarah was flabbergasted.  “You own a Ferrari?”
    Wilson nodded demurely.  “I inherited it.  It has