Page 4 of Beneath a Tennessee Sky

I freeze. “What?”

“You’ve been somewhere else all day,” she says softly. “Don’t deny it. I can feel it. What’s going on? Is it your dad?”

I don’t answer right away. I don’t know how to say it. We just finally got her free of her ex. Things were just starting to get good.

She sits up straighter. “Jack.”

“Remember the blonde lady from the other night?” I ask her.

“How could I forget?” she mutters.

“She’s a talent scout.”

Jinnie’s eyes widen. “A talent scout? From where?”

“Rockline Records in Memphis,” I say, feeling a strange mix of pride and dread wash over me. “Her name’s Liz Belfer.”

“Wait, what?” Jinnie pulls away slightly to look at my face. “Jack, that’s huge! Why didn’t you say something?”

“She wants to sign me. Full deal. Studio time. Tour. The whole package.”

“Holy crap! Really?!” Jinnie’s face lights up. “Jack! This is amazing! It’s what you’ve always wanted!”

Her excitement makes it worse somehow. I look away. “Yeah.”

“Why aren’t you jumping up and down? This is incredible news!” She searches my face, then her smile falters. “Unless you don’t want it?”

“No, I do. I think.” I stand up, needing to move. “I’ve dreamed about this since I was a kid. But now...”

“Now what?”

I pace across her small living room. “Now there’s you. I don’t want to ruin things. We’ve finally got peace. You’re free, we’re good, and then this thing drops in my lap and I don’t want to mess it all up. Your life is here. Your family. Your job. I would have to be in Memphis.”

She doesn’t yell. Doesn’t get up. I see reality sinking in. That was my same reaction.

“Are you going to leave me?” she asks.