Page 26 of Echoes of a Southern Song

The truth is, some nights, when the crowd’s roaring and women are pressing tips into my hands with lingering touches, I imagine Aiden and his crew watching from the back of the room. I picture their shocked faces when they realize the guy they called “loser” is actually worth something.

Maybe I’ll never be a rock star. But I’m already more than they ever thought I’d be. I do have fans. People like to hear me sing.

I take my guitar and notebook outside. The fresh air always helps me think just a little clearer. I need the summer breeze for inspiration. I sit down on the steps and pick up where I left off.

I’m so into playing, I didn’t see Jinnie pull up. I look up to see her approaching, two to-go cups from the bakery in hand. Her hair’s tied up in that messy knot I love, her shorts showing off legs that should be illegal.

“Hi.” She smiles. “I brought you a couple of muffins.”

“You’re an angel.”

“Debatable.” She plops down on my other side, peering at the notebook in my lap. “New song?”

“Yeah. Want to hear it.”

“Uh, duh.” She laughs. “Is this one about me?”

I flash her a cocky smile. “Not every song can be about you.”

“Can’t it?”

“This is about summer.”

“Oh, I’m intrigued. Play it.”

The chords come easily, the melody flowing as I sing the new lyrics. It’s almost there. I can feel it in my fingers.

Jinnie’s eyes light up as I play. “Jack, that’s amazing.”

“Needs something though,” I admit, strumming the last chord. “Feels like it’s missing a verse.”

She tilts her head, thinking. “What if after the chorus, you added something about summer fading into fall. It’ll be a nice finish to the story you’re telling.”

The suggestion clicks instantly. “That’s perfect.”

I scribble in the notebook, the words coming fast.

Jinnie leans against my shoulder, watching me write. “See? Genius.”

“You’re the genius,” I murmur, kissing the top of her head.

“So, you’re saying I’m your muse?”

“I’m saying you’re everything,” I reply without thinking, the words slipping out before I can stop them.

She stills for a moment. Then she looks up at me, her hazel eyes searching mine. “Jack...”

I clear my throat, suddenly feeling exposed. “I mean, you inspire me. You know that.”

She smiles. “You inspire me too.”

I start to play, falling into the melody, picking up for the bridge and when I get to the end, I play the new lyrics.

When I’m done, she starts clapping. “Yes! I love it.”

“Think you can sneak in tonight?” I ask. “I want to play it but you have to be there. I want you to hear the big debut.”

“I’m sure I can sneak in.” She grins. “Don’t tell Aggie, but I do have a fake ID if I need it.”

“Yeah?”

“Shh.” She laughs. “I got it last year. I’ve never used it. Me and a couple of my friends thought we were going to spend a weekend in the city going to clubs. Never happened. The thing is just collecting dust. I paid fifty bucks for it. I may as well dust it off and see if it works.”

“I can’t wait to see you in the crowd.”