Perfect harmony
Who was the man behind the mystery voice? Kaylee Evans, 34, Port Talbot
Settling back into my deckchair, I took a glug of wine and sighed contentedly. It was March 2020, the first lockdown was under way and I was a single mum, homeschooling my two kids, as well as juggling my admin job. Stressful!
So I relished these rare moments when I could relax at the weekend.
Just then, as if on cue, music and a beautiful voice floated across from a few streets away. Someone was singing. Back when I was a child... It was the Luther Vandross song Dance With My Father – a classic.
I was a singer myself. At school, I’d performed in shows, and I’d gone on to study Musical Theatre.
I still sang at the odd charity event, as a hobby.
While the buzz of the spotlight felt far away these days, I still loved music.
And now, the voice singing from across the way sounded wonderfully deep and tuneful.
I couldn’t resist recording a snippet on my phone and posting it on Instagram.
Who’s this? I asked. A friend texted.
It’s John Gosby singing outside for his neighbours.
I almost dropped my phone. I know that name! John and I had been at school together, we’d even performed in the same shows.
He’d been talented back then, too.
I hadn’t seen him in years, and looked him up on Insta.
John was a professional singer now, on cruise ships before COVID-19 had forced him home.
So he’d just started performing miniconcerts outside his house, to cheer up his neighbours.
And he’d certainly grown up – into a stunner!
Feeling brave, I typed, Fancy a duet?
I thought he’d brush me off, but he replied,
Next weekend?
Nerves jangled...what if I messed up?
When Saturday came, I slipped into a white dress and turned up outside John’s house with my mic stand. ‘I’m nervous!’ I squeaked. ‘We’ll be great,’ he reassured me as neighbours began to appear on their doorsteps.
The music kicked in… Standing a safe distance apart, John and I launched into A Whole New World, from the Disney film Aladdin.
As John winked at me encouragingly, my nerves melted away.
He was right – we were great together. Perfect harmony, indeed! And was there something more between us..?
After the two of us singing five songs, John’s neighbours were cheering at us for an encore.
‘We should do this again,’ he said.
Singing together the following week, there was a definite spark.
John was the loveliest guy. But things moved slowly. No pub trips or meals out. All we could do was go for walks – at a 2m distance! In May 2020, we admitted our feelings, and before long formed a support bubble plus had our first kiss.
I also found old photos from our school play. In one, I was in leggings and crop top and he was in a pirate costume, his arm slung over my shoulder. Both of us grinning. My dream man was there all along!
As restrictions eased, we went on proper dates and even had a holiday in Greece.
A year on, John, 33, and I are so happy. I hope that we make beautiful music together forever.
He winked at me and my nerves melted away...