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14
Kris
The phone goes silent, and I look back to Nicolette, who appears completely flustered. “Are you okay?” I raise a brow.
“I—they—no—UGH!”
“Okay—Wanna use your words, please? I don’t—regardless of popular opinion—speak cave dweller.”
“First, I’m not in love with you. That’s what Pop and Pierce took from me, snapping back at Lori. My being upset and leaving had nothing to do with you. It had to do with the fact that at twenty—one, they are still ruling my fucking life and driving me ape shit crazy.” She waves her fork in the air.
“Gotcha—you don’t run your own life, and it sucks. Welcome to showbiz if you're a kid. But you’re old enough as of last night to negotiate your own contracts. At eighteen, you still needed executors. At twenty—one, things change. You can get your own people that don’t have to be your dad or as much as I love Cliff.” I trail off.
“I don’t want to cut them out. I just want to be me. I don’t want them to tell me I have to do auto—tune or all this other shit. I want to write my own music and sing at the Opry with the likes of Lorretta Lynn and Dolly. I want to accomplish what the greats have, but I don’t know how.” She grabs her purse, pulling out jewelry. “I want to be able to go out and have fun without Pop tracking my heart rate and me for that matter. The closest I come to getting excited is fucking horror flicks, and those are starting to bore me. I want to live. I want to eventually fall in love.” She takes a breath before sitting back. “Sorry, it’s been a long day.”
She’s just a little girl…
I clear my throat. “Nicolette, nothing you’re asking for is unattainable. You’ve got the raw talent and, hell, even a basic fanbase to start you off. Ignore the haters and losers. They just mean you got something to envy. If you are willing to put in the work, we can make it happen. I think if we put out a cover in the next couple of weeks, we can jump-start this. Get a ripple started that will last till I get back.”
“Get back? From where?” She looks genuinely lost. “Pierce didn’t say anything about us starting this and then stopping midway through.”
I sigh. “Cliff and I only speak sporadically, and he probably didn’t realize I still go up to the cabin on the lake every season. I leave Memorial Day Weekend and come back the Wednesday after Labor Day.”
“That gives us seven weeks. That isn't much time at all.”
“When most can do an entire demo in twelve, I think we can do one song in seven if it’s something you really know well. It's totally doable. We start Friday and don’t stop till the end of the month.”
“What am I singin’?”
“We have Karaoke and Open Mics all over the place, between here and Nashville. We start at Curb Stomp and keep track of how you do. The best received we pick tracks from for the single. Or possibly singles.”
“So, we just pick a bunch of tracks and see which is the best? Shouldn’t be too hard.”
I nod. “I should probably figure out how we get you home. Suns coming up, and they’re gonna call the cops any time now, I’m sure.” I smile, watching her soak up the last of the real syrup with her pancakes. She may have started this meal healthy, but the syrup was only the best—pure maple.
“I can just walk. I’ll turn my phone on after changing back into my dress and walk.”
“It’s freezing out there at the moment.” Sighing, I stand up, “Alright, so Cliff called, and I went looking. The question is, where the hell did I find you?”
“Um—the wildflower field?”
“Off Cheshire?” She nods at me, and I chuckle. “You realize that is actually just over my fence, right?”
“It explains why I like the smell outside, that cross between citrus, mint, and rose.”
“It’s almost in full bloom. In a couple more weeks and the creek will be ready to fish, swim and kayak again. You can actually get to your place from here too.”
“You tell me this now? I wouldn’t have to walk back and forth.” Nicolette stands and stretches, making the shirt ride up. I saw her in just her panties and push—up bra earlier, but somehow it’s a little different now. Maybe it’s the more intimate conversation we’ve had. I’m not sure, but I am sure that I’m a bit uncomfortable and have to look away or feel like a lecherous old man.
“It’s too cold for that kind of travel, and I won’t be around when it’s warm enough. Anyway, go get dressed. I’ll meet you in the garage.”
“Okay, see you in a few.” She grabs her purse walking away from me.
It takes me about ten minutes to pull it together and get to the garage. Opening the door off the kitchen, I find Nicolette crouched down beside my 2000 Harley Davidson Road King. “My dad bought her when he hit the lotto back in ninety—nine. He only rode it a few times with my mom.”
“I wanted one, but Pop and Pierce said it was too dangerous, meaning I didn’t get one. I mostly get to ride.”
“Have you ever driven anything?” I am astonished that they would keep her so dependent.
“Pop’s some, but not really. I mean, you let me drive yours.” She stands looking at me.
I look at the bike, then at her. “Would you come out to the lake after I settle up there? I’d be happy to take you out on the bike anytime. Let’s get you home. I’ll meet you here at noon Friday. We’ll pick out a set for you and get in some practice. Sounds good?”
“Sounds good.” She starts to walk past me. “Hey Kris, thank you.”
“Nothing to thank me for… Yet.”
