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Garrett
I’m awakened by the music of the mountains. It sounds like a pack of coyotes chasing a bobcat. Bobcat squalls are spine-tingling. Foxes can make eerie sounds as well. Near the creek, it’s mostly frogs singing their mating songs with screech owls joining in. I enjoy hearing wildlife as long as I’m safe indoors, but it’s been a while. I didn’t realize I’d missed it until now.
I try to tune everything out and go back to sleep, but as soon as I close my eyes, visions of Ansley in that dress fill my mind.
It’s useless.
I roll over and grab my phone. It’s two in the morning. What does a man do when he can’t sleep? This man grabs the wadded napkins from the café, his guitar, and a notebook.
I make my way to the window that overlooks the water and start to refine the lyrics and transfer them to the notebook. I strum the melody and begin singing the chorus.
It’s good. Better than anything I’ve written in months.
You’ve found your muse again.
It’s the damnedest thing. Every single song on my debut album was inspired by Miss Ansley Humphries. That record just poured out of me like a never-ending fountain. The three I’ve released since were much harder and a lot grittier than the first. I had to fight to get the writing on the page, and I even recorded a few songs from other songwriters. I’m not complaining, as they were all successful, but something was different. The connection I feel to both the music and audience when performing cuts from that first album is missing.
I start jotting down lyrics for a second song.
I’ll be your hiding place.
A refuge when you’re in a confusing space.
By the time the sun rises, I have finished two new songs.
I text Pierce the news, and my phone immediately rings.
“Hey, I wasn’t sure if you were on the East Coast or West,” I greet.
“East Coast today.”
“Any progress with the label?” I ask.
“It’s still a wait-and-see game at this point, but going to them with two new songs for the album will go a long way. Aaron is doing his magic with the press. Your attorneys have reached an agreement with the guy you clocked, and they are working to get the DUI charges down to reckless driving. That one might be tough though with all the evidence. The good thing is, it’s your first offense. The judge might have mercy on you.”
“It’s my last offense too,” I assure him.
“On a brighter note, I’ve booked you to open for Jake Bryant at the Make-a-Wish Foundation Concert at the Garden in November.”
“Am I being demoted?” I ask.
“No, you’re being given a second chance, you jackass.”
“I’m not an opening act, Pierce.”
“You’re a man on a forgiveness tour, and that starts with humbling yourself and doing this for the kids. Do you know how much positive feedback you’ll get, working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation? You should be grateful.”
I sigh.
He’s right.
“Thanks, man. You’re right. It’s about the kids and not my ego. I’ll do the concert.”
“I know you will. Now, you keep doing what you’re doing. Keep your nose clean and keep writing, and I’ll keep you posted on everything else.”
I get dressed, send a text to my brothers, and head to my parents’ home. The conversation with Pierce gave me an idea, and I want to run it by all of them.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about little Theo and the situation his illness has put his family in. A man shouldn’t have to choose between being there for his son’s medical fight and being able to keep his family afloat financially. There has to be something we can do to help. Something I can do to help.
I know I could cover the medical bills, but I want to do more.
I sit down with my parents and brothers, and I lay out my proposal.
“What if we had a charity benefit on their behalf? We could have a day at the festival grounds with vendors, food, and games. We could charge a small admission fee that would go to the family. The vendors could pay for their spot, and that could go to the family. Then, we could end the night with a concert. I could get my band in from Nashville and put on a full show. All proceeds going to the family. Plus, I’d add a personal donation. The businesses in town could pitch in if they’d like. The goal is to cover the medical bills they’ve already accrued and put enough money in the bank for Jesse to be able to join them in Memphis and spend the holidays with his kid without worry.”
Mom looks at Pop once I’ve finished.
“Well, I think that’s a wonderful idea,” she says.
