In the Staples Center, security teams meticulously checked every corner of the venue while Lucas, Taylor, and the band wrapped up their final rehearsal.
"Tell me something, girl..." Lucas's voice filled the arena as he and Taylor performed "Shallow" one last time.
Their voices blended perfectly through the final crescendo before fading into silence.
"That was great," Taylor said, taking a sip of water. "Tomorrow's going to be amazing."
Jennifer watched from her spot near the front row, still impressed by their chemistry on stage. She started gathering her things, assuming rehearsal was over, when Lucas spoke into the mic.
"Actually, there's one more song I need to practice," he said, glancing at Taylor. She nodded with a knowing smile and stepped back.
Lucas adjusted his guitar, looking directly at Jennifer. "Mind sticking around? This one's for you."
"I thought we already rehearsed 'Kiss Me'?" Jennifer's voice carried clearly through the empty venue. "You've got a song I don't know about?"
Lucas chuckled. "Yes. I can keep a secret when I want to, and this one's been worth keeping."
"Really?" Jennifer's eyes widened in surprise. "Well, it better be good." She settled into her seat, curiosity evident on her face.
"Don't worry, Jennifer," Taylor interjected. "His song won't disappoint."
Jennifer glanced at Taylor, realization dawning. "Oh, so Taylor already knows about it?" She added with playful jealousy, "So I'm not the first to hear it, huh?"
Taylor quickly waved her hands. "Actually, no. I've only heard bits and pieces - never the whole thing. This'll be my first time hearing it properly too, and I'm just as excited."
Jennifer's soft laughter echoed through the arena. "I'm just teasing you." She turned back to Lucas with a challenging smile. "I'm grateful he prepared a new song for me, but after all this time together, I've heard so many good ones from him. Not sure he can still surprise me anymore."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, his expression playful. "Oh, is that your way of challenging me? You think I can't surprise you anymore, huh?"
Jennifer shrugged, still smiling. "It's true. I've heard so many songs from you. They're all amazing, but I'm getting used to them." She leaned back in her chair. "Now, if you make another great song, I'll be... maybe a little touched, slightly surprised..."
"Well, you better be prepared," Lucas said, testing the piano keys. "Because I've got songs that'll make everything you've heard before seem ordinary."
"Prove it," Jennifer challenged. "Go ahead and sing. But I'm betting it'll just be another 'not bad' from me."
Lucas shook his head as he settled at the piano, unable to hide his smile.
Taylor and the band members exchanged amused glances at the couple's banter, though some caught themselves staring a bit too long.
It was moments like these that made them envious - seeing Lucas and Jennifer's natural chemistry up close. Some had initially suspected their relationship was just for show, but watching them now, those doubts seemed ridiculous.
As Lucas prepared to start, Taylor took a seat next to Jennifer. They shared a quick glance and smile, both falling silent in anticipation.
Then Lucas's fingers found the keys, drawing out a soft, intimate melody that immediately hushed the room. His voice, when it came, carried raw emotion:
"What would I do without your smart mouth?
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
You've got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down"
The simple arrangement let his soulful voice take center stage, filling the empty arena with pure feeling.
The moment Lucas began, everyone in the venue was immediately drawn into the song's spell.
"What's going on in that beautiful mind?
I'm on your magical mystery ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright"
His fingers moved across the piano keys with practiced grace as he continued into the next verse:
"My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind"
The pause before the chorus built perfect tension:
"'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections"
The entire room sat transfixed. Band members exchanged wide-eyed looks, caught off guard by the raw emotion in the performance. Jennifer's earlier playful confidence had completely vanished.
"Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose, I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, oh-oh"
Her earlier claims about being "just a little surprised" by any new song felt foolish now. She sat motionless, watching Lucas lose himself in the performance. The sight of him at the piano, completely immersed in the song he'd written for her, created an almost dreamlike atmosphere - as if the music itself had painted the air around him with sparkling notes and melodies.
The song concluded with a tender:
"I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, oh-oh"
His rich voice carried the final notes perfectly, his signature falsetto adding layers of emotional depth that filled the entire arena.
A few seconds of stunned silence followed before Taylor started applauding, the crew quickly joining in.
Jennifer just stared at Lucas, tears threatening to spill. The song had touched her in ways she hadn't expected, its beauty catching her completely off guard.
Rising to join the applause, she watched Lucas take an elegant bow, as humble as any performer. His eyes searched the room until they found hers.
"So, what did you think?" He grinned. "Just a little surprising and 'not bad,' right?"
Everyone chuckled at the callback while Jennifer smiled sheepishly. "I take it back. I shouldn't have doubted you." She shook her head. "That song was incredible. I can still hear it in my head."
"Hey, I warned you to be prepared," Lucas laughed softly.
Jennifer could only smile in response.
With the special performance over, rehearsal wrapped up. While Lucas busied himself with the equipment on stage, Taylor and Jennifer sat talking.
"I'm so jealous," Taylor admitted, watching Jennifer. "Having someone write songs like that for you... and Lucas is just incredibly talented."
Jennifer smiled proudly but tried to stay modest. "There are countless men out there. You'll find someone who'll sing for you too. And even if he can't sing, as long as he truly loves you, that's what matters."
Taylor sighed, glancing at Lucas working on stage. "Not that simple. Finding someone like Lucas... I probably won't see another like him in my lifetime."
"Why look for someone 'like Lucas'?" Jennifer teased. "Find someone you actually click with. Unless..." she nudged Taylor playfully, "you're saying Lucas is your type?"
Taylor fell quiet for a moment, then met Jennifer's
eyes with unexpected honesty. "Actually... I do like him. No point in denying it."
Jennifer's eyes widened. "What?"
Taylor quickly realized how her confession sounded and raised her hands. "No, no, that's not what I mean. Yes, I like him - but I'd never try to come between you two. That's not who I am. You don't need to worry."
Jennifer nodded, keeping her voice steady. "I know you're not that type of person."
While she truly believed Taylor wouldn't actively try anything, a small voice in her head told her to stay alert. They continued chatting until Lucas came over, suggesting they grab coffee.
***
The next day, the Modern Family production team arrived at the venue to rehearse their scenes around Lucas's concert performance.
Lucas greeted the show creators, Christopher and Steven, with genuine warmth. Both men seemed deeply appreciative of his involvement.
"We can't thank you enough for letting us film during such an important moment," Christopher said earnestly.
"Don't even worry about it," Lucas replied. "Modern Family holds a special place in my heart. It feels right having you guys here - plus the concert being featured on the show is perfect."
Steven squeezed Lucas's shoulder. "You're still that same young man we met back then. All this success hasn't changed you one bit. That means something."
Lucas smiled at Steven's comment, then smoothly redirected the conversation to discuss the logistics of the concert shoot.
Before delving into the details, Lucas paused and asked, "I've been hearing rumors about the show ending soon. Is there any truth to that?"
Christopher and Steven exchanged glances. "Well..." Christopher paused. "Hard to say right now. The show's performing better than ever - ratings are strong, social media engagement is huge, merchandise sales are through the roof. Simply put, it's still a goldmine."
Lucas raised his eyebrows as Steven added, "The network definitely won't pull the plug on something this profitable. They've given us creative control over when to end it, but..."
"They're pushing hard for us to keep going," Christopher finished.
Lucas nodded thoughtfully. In his previous life, Modern Family had ended in 2020, and now in 2017, it should've been heading toward that same conclusion. His involvement had apparently made the show even more successful than before, and he wasn't sure if that was a good thing. The original ending had been perfect - now they were in uncharted territory.
His thoughts were interrupted as cast members began arriving. Julie was first, immediately pulling him into a warm hug. She looked around the massive venue, shaking her head in amazement.
"Time really flies," she said with a soft sigh. "I remember when you were just this unknown kid joining the show. Now look at you - preparing for the most anticipated concert of the year."
Lucas smiled, feeling the weight of those memories - both from this life and his previous one.
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All of me - John Legend