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ONE
Erin
It’sthe last Friday before Halloween, and I’m speed-scrolling through my social media feed while Chloe does her homework when something catches my eye.
Echo of Defiance.
This band was part of my youth.Back in the days before life got complicated.I look over at my daughter, hunched over the table, scribbling away.Yeah, life is complicated—thanks to a holiday fling oopsy-baby—but I wouldn’t trade even a minute of the last nine years.
I’d stumbled upon their page a few months ago when a friend of a friend liked it.The post is one of thosewhere are they nowthings.
I skim through the list of former band members, but there’s only one name that interests me.I’m saddened to see a few of those who had been part of Echo of Defiance had passed on, but grateful he isn’t among them.Although I wouldn’t have been surprised.He’d always been a risk-taker.
I finally spot his name near the bottom: Mick Russell, currently with Rogue’s Union.It’s been more than fifteen years since I last saw him.
I do a quick search for Mick’s new band and find their fan page.Well, not so new.Apparently, he’s been with them for years.
Here in Canada.
“I’m all done, Mumma,” Chloe shouts as she runs into the living room waving her homework.
I lock my phone—since Chloe has taken to snooping and hijacking my social media—and toss it on the sofa.I’m dying to know more about my first love, but curiosity will have to wait until later.Right now, I have to wear my parent hat.
“Good job,” I tell her after checking her work and finding it all correct.I’m not a fan of homework in elementary school, and I’ve spent every one of the seven years I’ve been in Sin Valley convincing the other teachers to stop assigning it.The kids will get more than enough once they hit high school and beyond.It’s been an uphill battle, but it’s one I think I’m mostly winning.
Except for Chloe’s teacher.
She’s one of those who believes that if she had to do it, so should everyone else.To say she’s resistant to change is an understatement.She’s close to retirement now, so with luck, we’ll get someone more progressive to take her place.Meanwhile, Chloe does homework like the rest of her class.I’m just grateful she finds school easy and doesn’t put up a fight.
“Now, go put that back in your backpack.I’ve packed your overnight bag and riding gear, so grab whatever else you think you’ll need.It’s nearly time to go.”
“And try on my Halloween costume.Auntie Ruth promised it would be ready today.”
“Indeed, she did.”
Two hours later, after a hearty meal of beef stew and dumplings, Chloe is watching TV, and I’m relaxed in the living room with Ruth and Sam.
“So, I heard Cam Parker has a new hand working out at the Lazy 8,” Sam says.“And he’s single.”
“Oh stop it, you meddling old codger,” Ruth admonishes.“Dating in a small town can get messy.And besides, if Erin wants a man, she can find one easily enough with her phone.”
She’s not wrong on either count.Dating local could be a total disaster.And the apps on my phone make it really easy to find a man when I want one.But I only use them when I’m in Vancouver.
As soon asI get home, I grab a glass of wine, and take a few minutes to check out Rogue’s Union.
Their website is the top hit, and when I click on the link, music blares through my speakers.Damn, I hate it when that happens.It’s jarring, and just plain rude.But the tune is catchy and I bob my head to the beat as I explore their site, starting with the photo gallery.
There are loads of pictures of the guitarists, but only a few shots of Mick.
He’s has changed a fair bit over the years.Filled out a little.Grown a beard.He’d always been clean-shaven when we were together.If I’d had any idea how sexy he looked in a nicely trimmed beard?—
I cut that thought off and click through to their tour dates.And then I wish I hadn’t.They are playing in Vancouver over Christmas break.
I shut my laptop and call Molly.
I’ve just about resigned myself to leaving her a message when she finally answers.
“Hang on a sec,” she huffs into the phone.
