The size of the promotional campaign for the release of the album was probably larger than anyone had ever seen. With an enormous amount of capital to hire one of the best PR marketing firms in the country, along with the connections formed by Immortal Angel and the Abelman name, they tapped into every resource available. Prodigy’s debut album landed at number one on opening week, fortifying the predictions of industry professionals. Nothing had ever felt more gratifying.
Lucas re-read a snippet from one of his favorite reviews:
When an unknown band bursts onto the music scene and dominates the charts within a matter of weeks, it leaves one wondering if anything could live up to the success of their first number-one hit. Wonder no more! Prodigy delivered a debut album that proves they are no one-hit wonder. Their self-titled album is a behemoth filled with the authentic hard rock of yesteryear. Prodigy is a true rock and roll band.
“We’re ready to go, Mr. Blade.” The mover stood in the doorway to the mansion and pulled off his worn canvas gloves.
Unused to being addressed so formally, Lucas looked up, almost expecting his father to be standing next to him. “Thanks. I’ll be out in a second. We’re not going far. It’ll only take a few minutes to get there.”
He clicked off his phone and shoved it into his pocket. He’d been looking forward to moving into his new apartment since the day he signed the contract, but now the moment was bittersweet. He looked at the staircase that led to the second floor, remembering the day the wing was added and he and Tessa raced up the stairs to see their finished suites for the first time.
Footsteps made him turn his head to his left, where his mom, dad, and Papi were slowly walking into the entry foyer, ready to say their goodbyes.
“I’m not going to cry,” his mom said emphatically. “You’re 10 minutes away. You’re coming over tomorrow for dinner. I’m visiting in three days after your furniture arrives. My daughter is still here for another week.”
The last sentence did Papi in, and he rushed at Lucas with outstretched arms and enveloped him in a crushing hug. “My boy! I’m going to miss you!”
“It’s OK, Papi.” Lucas patted his back.
“I know.” Papi took a deep breath and wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. “You’re coming over for dinner tomorrow. We’re visiting in three days. Tessa is still here for a week.” He smiled, as he repeated what Lucas’ mom had just said.
“Oh, please.” Tessa walked into the room, dismissing their parents’ sentimental display with the wave of her hand. “With us gone you’ll have the run of the house and can do whatever you want.” She gave Lucas a friendly punch on the arm. “Get out of here big brother. I’m planning on soaking up all the attention once you’re gone.”
Lucas kissed his mom on the cheek, and she held the strong demeanor she always presented. Papi gave him another hug, but wore a teary-eyed smile. Lucas paused when he got to his dad. No words were necessary as they stared at one another for a long moment before embracing in a bear hug. One last look over his shoulder at the only home he’d ever known, and he slipped through the front door. When he sat in the Hummer, it hit him, and a lone tear slipped down his cheek.
A few minutes later, he arrived at his new apartment and carried his most prized possession with him – his dad’s Les Paul. It would always be his dad’s Les Paul, no matter how long he carried it. Sindy had already arrived at the apartment, choosing to skip bearing witness to the heartfelt goodbyes between himself and his parents, and brought two more of his guitars with her. The rest of them would stay in the studio. If he needed them, they were only a few minutes away.
“How’d it go?” she asked, leaving the door open for the movers who would be coming down the hall any minute.
He took a pained breath. “My mom held her own. Papi was just as expected. My dad hid it, but I could read the pain in his eyes. And Tessa was her usual bratty self, telling me to get the hell out.” He looked around his new apartment, which contained no memories. It was a blank slate, an empty page, open and receptive, waiting to absorb every laugh, every milestone, every tear – happy and sad – that would transpire between its walls.
Noise from the hallway indicated that the movers had arrived with Lucas’ things, ready to create his first memory in his new home. He spent less than an hour directing them into different rooms with furniture and boxes before he was officially moved into his new apartment.
“Are you sure they got everything?” Sindy asked, checking the labels on a stack of boxes near the kitchen.
“Yeah, I watched them load everything in the truck.”
“But are you sure they brought everything inside? Maybe they left something in the hallway.”
He held up a sheet of paper. “They gave me an inventory.”
“Let’s check. Just in case.” She opened the apartment door and peeked outside. “See? I told you they forgot to bring some things inside.”
He looked over the checklist again. He’d marked off each item himself as they brought them into his apartment. Puzzled, he stepped into the hallway to see what Sindy was talking about. There were a stack of boxes and three large suitcases against the wall, which he didn’t recognize. “This isn’t my stuff.”
“No. It’s mine.”
He stared at her for a second before a wide smile burst across his lips. “Does this mean you’re moving in with me?”
Sindy laughed and nodded. “Yes. If the offer still stands, roomie.”
