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Kathy Kellenberger

Give me a lifetime of promises and a world of dreams
Speak a language of love like you know what it means
And you can't be wrong
Take my heart and make it strong
You're simply the best
            Simply The Best -- Tina Turner

   The crowd roared and chanted for more after Hutch finished jamming with a local street band that hung out at Huggy's.

   It was Starsky's birthday, and after a lot of coercing and a lot of alcohol, Hutch reluctantly agreed to join in on the gig and used an extra guitar the band had standing by to sing a couple of songs...for his best friend. Hutch was a fantastic guitar player and had a beautiful voice to accompany it. He had even written a few of his own songs, but would only ever share them with Starsky. Starsky encouraged him multiple times to share his talent with the world, and to send a tape to one or more of the agents at local recording studios. Hutch always backed down nicely, telling Starsky that he appreciated the encouragement, but loved writing music, playing the guitar and singing too much to have rejection knock him down. He feared it would no longer be fun if it were a job and not just a passionate hobby. Starsky also knew that Hutch's shyness was holding him back. That would need to change. The wheels in Starsky's head were turning faster than the Torino's on a high-speed chase.

   "Hutch, you were great tonight! It was one of the best birthday's I've ever had and ya know why? It was because of you, blondie! You gotta do something with that talent of yours, Hutch. Don't let a gift like that go to waste. You've got what it takes, sunshine!"

   "Starsk...you know I can't. I only made myself do that for you tonight... Well, you and the free drinks."

   "But Hutch..."

   "No Starsk, no buts... you know I can't play for the public, I'm not that good anyway, you're just saying that because you're my friend and you're drunk."

   "Yeah? And?"

   "Well, stop it. You're not gonna make me feel guilty on this one. I'll play for you and me, and no one else."

   "Hutch, did you see the way the crowd reacted to you? If they heard the songs you wrote and the feeling you put into them...well, there's no telling where it could take you. I mean, you couldn't stop being my partner, but you could pull a few gigs on the side. I know how much your music means to you. I know how much you love it, and I know how much others would love it, too, not just me. I'm not just saying that because I'm your friend, and I'm not drunk."

   "I'm going to bed, Starsk. sleep here on the couch, will you? You've had too much alcohol to drive home and it's late... Well, early."

   "Okay, but this conversation isn't over. Now go to bed... And, hey, Hutch? Thanks for a terrific birthday... You're the best, ya know?"

   "Yeah, yeah, I love you too... Night, Starsk."

   "Night Jim Croce."

   "Go to sleep. You're not gonna remember this conversation in the morning anyway."

    Starsky ducked as Hutch threw Starsky's blanket and pillow at him from the closet.

~~~~~~~~~~

   Starsky did remember the conversation from the evening before and was now on a mission to have Hutch's talents recognized. He had always loved the way his friend could sing and played magic with his guitar, but last night, hearing and seeing how the audience reacted, had made him realize that other doors could open up to his friend.

~~~~~~~~~~

   "Hutch?"

   "The answer is NO. Last night was just for fun. End of conversation, buddy."

   "Will you at least do me a favor and sing me that song you wrote for us after we had that stupid argument?"

   "You're kidding? That was a pretty stupid argument, wasn't it? Okay, just for you... I'll do the song one time. What should I call that song, anyway? Never did name it."

   "I don't know, Hutch. You wrote something about 'losing your head last night' and 'not making the wrong seem right, the future isn't just one night' and something about 'not giving up on us'... I know! I've got it, Hutch!"

   "Well, you gonna keep babbling, or are ya gonna name this song for us?"

   "Okay, Hutch... I want your honest opinion... Why don't you call it: 'DON'T GIVE UP ON US'?"

   "Hey, I knew I was keeping you around for a good reason... I like it. 'Don't Give Up on Us' it is."

   Little did Hutch know that Starsky had a hidden tape recorder and was preparing to capture his friend's talent for purposes unknown to his partner.

   "Thanks, Hutch, that was terrific! I'm gonna walk to the mailbox while you take a shower. Got something I need to send off. I'll be right back."

   Starsky bounced to the mailbox and discretely deposited the tape addressed to one of the most well known agents in LA. He gave instructions only to contact him with any feedback, just in case, but he knew all along there would be nothing for Hutch to worry about. Starsky daydreamed of seeing his partner up on stage in front of hundreds, maybe thousands of people. Of course, he saw himself there with his partner, not knowing what he would be doing, but they would always need to stick together. They were partners all the way.

You're simply the best
Better than all the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I've ever met
            Simply The Best -- Tina Turner

THE END