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"I was just offered a job writing songs for an artist in San Francisco," she squeals.
My heart sinks because Erica is moving.
"I'm so happy for you," I say, trying to sound excited for her. "When do you leave?"
"I leave in a few days. I need to start packing, but I wanted to share the good news with you first. I don't know how long I'll be gone, but once I'm settled, I'll send you all my information."
"Okay, sounds good, and Erica…congratulations. I'm so proud of you." I hang up the phone with a heavy heart.
We could use this as our excuse to end the engagement. With me doing post-production activities and Erica in San Francisco, it is an excellent ending to our ruse. We will hardly see each other, so what is the point of keeping the lie? I make a note to talk with my PR rep.
Chapter Fourteen
Erica
I'mbeyondoverjoyedatthe request to work with an artist. Admittedly, I thought I would be writing commercial jingles my whole life, which didn't upset me, but also didn't fulfill me. My dream is to be a singer and songwriter. Writing my songs is what gives me purpose and heals me. I'm amazed that someone knows who I am and wants to sing my lyrics. I have an out-of-body experience.
I only got a little information about the artist in the interview. It was her publicist who interviewed me. All I know is that she loves my commercial jingles and feels I have more talent to unleash into the world, and she wants to help me do it.
The start date of the job could be better. I just got back into town, and I'm in the middle of remodeling my condo. I have so much to do before I leave. I call my parents and give them the good news.
"Honey, that's fabulous." I could hear tears in my mom's voice.
"It's a temporary move, so I'll be back, but I don't know when. I'll be back for the holidays." I hear sniffles.
My dad gets on the phone. "Don't worry about us, Erica. We will be fine, and maybe we can also visit you."
"Absolutely," I say.
I have tears in my voice as well. I will miss them, even though they meddle in my life all the time.
Over the next week, I will finish the little jobs around the condo that still need attention and get it ready to rent out while I'm gone. I pack, forward my mail, and drop a spare set of keys off at my parent's house.
****************
I'm at the San Francisco Airport and see the driver with a sign with my name. This is so cool; I've never been met at the airport before. I walk up to him and introduce myself.
"Hi, I'm Erica." I reach out and shake his hand.
"Nice to meet you, Erica. I'm your driver." He drops my hand and starts to walk away.
"I'm just going to wait for my bag, and then I'll be ready to go."
He turns, nods, and waits for me. I spot my bag and grab it off the conveyor belt. The driver takes the load, and I follow him to the car. The windows are blacked out, and while it's not a limo, it's expensive. I get in the backseat, and the smell of new leather greets me like a warm bath. I settle into the seat and watch the scenery go by. I don't remember when I was here last, but I look around like a tourist who has never been here before. Everywhere I look is a body of water and palm trees. It's beautiful here.
The driver takes me to the rental I booked and gives me an address to the studio where I will meet with the artist I'll write for. When I walk in, there is a wine and cheese basket with a note welcoming me to San Francisco and expressing excitement about working with me. I hold the card and dance around the living area with a huge smile.
I pop the cork on one of the reds and pour a half glass. I cut up some cheese and salami and take it to the shaded patio that smells like lilacs. Off in the distance, I can see the beach. My soul is happy.
I call Aaron, tell him I'm safe, and give him my new address.
"I can't believe it. I hope this is the break I've been waiting for," I say, taking a bite of salami and cheese.
I chase it with a sip of wine and close my eyes like I am in paradise.
"You have been sharing your work with me for years, and I have no doubt the artist will love you."
"Thanks, you're the best. How is post-production going?"
