This one starts out with Miranda and Parker on their way to Maui for their honeymoon, both of them so gooey-eyed and dreamy-in-love, I think I gained five pounds writing the first chapter.
But if you know Miranda, you know things won't stay that way. Especially when she finds out Parker has been keeping secrets from her. What she discovers makes her so mad, she walks out—again. Just like she did in Book I. And in Book II.
And once again, though outraged, Parker ends up with his heart broken.
I don't usually listen to music when I write, I like things quiet. But I recently heard this haunting oldie and thought it perfectly captured what Parker goes through when Miranda leaves him. It's Bill Withers 1971 hit Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone.
I don't know about you, but the lyrics give me goosebumps.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
It's not warm when she's away.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And she's always gone too long
Anytime she goes away.
Wonder this time where she's gone
Wonder if she's gone to stay
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And this house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away.
It's not warm when she's away.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And she's always gone too long
Anytime she goes away.
Wonder this time where she's gone
Wonder if she's gone to stay
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And this house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away.
Bill Withers wrote this song when he was a factory worker making toilet seats for 747s, after he was inspired by the move The Days of Wine and Roses. While Miranda and Parker's relationship is a tad healthier, it goes to show that heartache, like death, doesn't play favorites. It hits both rich and poor.
Take a listen and see what you think. And if you'd like to leave a comment, let me know what you think Parker should do about Miranda's habit of walking out on their relationship.
