A song for him

Chapter 4:

The next few days are amazing and it’s the happiest I have been in years! I work at the restaurant on  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I spend most of my free time with Roan at the lake house. Its  so beautiful. His brother is helping him with the brewery and tries to stay out of our way. 

Jill begs me to join her for drinks on the Friday evening and we head to a bar that’s part of an inn at  the lake. Its so far up the coast, I joke that we’re almost in Canada. 

“So, you’ve been spending a lot of time with Roan.” Jill muses as she downs a shot of tequila. 

“How do you drink that stuff?” I could handle a whisky now and then, but tequila was a recipe for  disaster. 

“Don’t avoid the question. You’re totally into him, huh? I knew it.”  

I smile, “Yes! OK, yes I am. He’s amazing.” 

“He’s a great guy. Here’s to you and Roan!” she says, downing another shot.  “OK, seriously, what’s going on with you?” I ask her. 

“Ex is in town, with his wife.” 

“What? Didn’t you just get divorced earlier this year?”  

She nods her head, “Married the girl he cheated with.”  

“Why the hell is he back here?” 

“His Dad owns the motor repair shop down town. He’s here to take over.”  

“That blows. What are you planning to do?” 

“Right now? Drink!” 

I really feel for Jill and hate that she has to deal with this, but I don’t think her getting blind drunk is  going to help. 

“Hold on! Let’s get you something to eat before you do one more shot.” 

I order us some roast beef sandwiches and she devours it. After that, she has some coffee and I  convince her to leave with me. The ride home in the cab is quiet, but pensively so. She stares out  the window, her hand clutching mine. 

Once we arrive home, she heads to bed and I sit up with a magazine and while I’m reading about the  five yoga poses to do on my lunch break; I spy my guitar sitting in the corner of the room. 

I haven’t played in weeks. I’ve been enjoying my new life so much, I’ve neglected my true love;  music. 

I pick it up and start strumming the opening chords of Ironic by Alanis Morrissett. It always been a  favourite. I hum along softly, eventually breaking into the chorus. 

Promising myself to ask Mike if I can sing the next weekend, I go to sleep with a smile.

Things with Roan are so great; I see him almost every day. He picks me up from the apartment and  we head to the house for breakfast that Sunday. 

We’re out on the deck, watching people walk by along the lake shore.  

“This is such a family home. Don’t you get lonely?” 

He shrugs, “I have you now.” And my heart just melts. God, he’s perfect.  

“And…nothing.” He muses as I sit there with nothing to say. 

I don’t want to rush things and ruin it, I think to myself, but I do like that he’s said that. “Hey. Sorry, I didn’t know you were here, Dillon.” Its Jordan. He’s come from a swim in the lake.

Roan looks annoyed, “Put a shirt on.” 

“Its OK, Roan.” I try to say quietly. I don’t want him being so mean to Jordan. I’ve noticed how he  gets irritated with his brother from time to time. Seems like the typical big brother s***h little  brother relationship, but there is definitely something more. 

“Join us?” I ask him. 

He looks at Roan first and then smiles apologetically, “Uh, no, I think I’ll just grab something later.”  I nudge Roan under the table, “Come on, sit down and eat.”

He sits down opposite me and smiles politely, “I didn’t want to interrupt your date.”  “I didn’t hear you leave this morning.” Roan says almost accusingly. 

“I didn’t leave. Well, I wasn’t home. Slept at a friend’s place. Went straight to the lake.”  Roan just nods. Jordan smiles at me, “You meet Roan at The Livery?” 

“Uh, yeah.” 

“He tell you to leave your number with the hostess?” 

I don’t like where this is going and it seems Roan doesn’t either, “Hey!” he growls at his brother. 

“Kidding! Jeeze!” Jordan says, hands raised in defense. He laughs and then grabs a pastry before  getting up. “See you guys around.” 

I sip my coffee thoughtfully. Roan touches my chin gently, turning my face to look at him.  “Hey, don’t pay him any attention.” 

I nod, “I know. There is something eating at the two of you and you clearly need to talk.”  He just shrugs and drops his hand from my face, “Nah, not doing that s**t with him again.”  

“What s**t? Talking?” 

“Yeah. Let’s just enjoy today. I have to go to Detroit tomorrow. I’ll be back on Tuesday night.”  “How come?” 

“Well, I have a couple of meetings. One with a restaurant chain and the other with an agency to  help me with branding.” 

“Wow. This is becoming quite the business.” I say, impressed with him. 

“You’re not upset I’m going for basically two days?” he asks. He looks hurt. No, wait, its surprise. 

“Its two days and its work. Also, we've just started dating.” 

He looks at me, confused, “OK. Point taken.” 

“So, since we’re talking about careers; I want to do the open mic night tonight.”  

“That’s great! We can do dinner before you go up or after.” 

I kiss him, “Great idea. So, I’ll head home in a bit, so I can practice and then meet you there?”  

“Uh, OK. You don’t want to stay for the day?” 

“No. You need to talk to your brother.” I say, poking him against his delightfully hard chest. I haven’t seen more than his naked upper body since my little trick. I wonder if I should send him off  to Detroit with some happy memories. 

“Yeah, maybe after your gig. I don’t want him putting a damper on your evening.” Roan strokes my  hand and then kisses it. I love the little things he does and I am tempted to stay the entire day, but I  need to practice.

The songs I choose to sing that night is Slide by the Goo Goo Dolls and Punk Rocker by The Automatic. I make sure to not wear a dress that’s too short. I pair the black gypsy smock with some  ankle boots and tie my hair up into a messy bun. 

Jill is working and messages me just after five to say Roan’s there and I’m up in about ten minutes.  “s**t!” I rush around the apartment and grab my guitar and purse. 

I run downstairs and get to the bar to kiss Roan hello all in five minutes, only to have my name called  as soon as I get there. 

I get that nervous rush, but am so used to it by now, that I just close my eyes briefly and breathe in.  I focus on Roan and Jill, who are standing at the back of the bar, where I have banished them to and  smile. 

I immediately launch into Slide and get lost in the song, almost as if I’ve lived it. I’ve sung this song  so many times. I spot Roan smiling at me and I feel as if I am performing just for him. He makes me  feel as if I am ten feet tall. 

After the first applause, I manage to speak, “This next is a bit more upbeat. Maybe some of you  know. Feel free to sing along if you do.” 

“Oh, I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair.  

In seventy-seven and sixty-nine, revolution was in the air.  

I was born to late, into a world that doesn’t care. 

Oh, I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair…” 

By the time I get to the last verse, I even have a few girls singing along. I can’t help, but smile. 

Roan is waiting at the side of the stage when I come down and he has me in his arms, kissing me,  “Just putting a stamp on your ass for when I’m gone.” 

I laugh, “I like your stamps.” 

“That was sensational!” he says, his hands on my shoulders. 

Mike and Jill meet us at the bar. Mike claps his hands, “My God! Woman, you can sing!”  I feel the colour rush to my cheeks, “Thank you.” 

Jill gives me a quick hug, “I now demand that you sing in the shower every morning!” God, these people are so nice. I wonder how I got this lucky, so quickly after the shitty time I’ve had.  

“Come on. Let me buy you dinner.” Roan says kissing me again. 

I notice Jill motion with her eyes at us to Mike and they giggle.  

“OK, we’re leaving!” she laughs. 

“That’d be awesome, thank you.” Roan says with a wink. I love the relationship these three have.  Its so meaningful, but so easy-going. 

“Hey you.” I say, as I lean over to kiss him again when the others leave.

“Back at ya.” 

He looks a bit offish. I hope it isn’t still about his brother.  

“What’s wrong?” 

“I have to stay in Detroit for an extra day. I hate to do this, but I also really have to.” 

I smile at him, trying to get him to look me in they eyes, “Hey. Its OK. I’ve never had someone who  is around as often as you are and its been amazing, but you need to do this!” 

“God, you’re awesome!” and he kisses me again. I feel my lips still tingling long after he’s stopped.  We still haven’t been as intimate as I’ve played over and over in my mind, but I have a feeling its  going to be soon. 

I hear from Roan every day. He’s been ushered around town by the agency handling his brand and  has made strides in meeting a few potential clients. 

He texts me good night the Tuesday evening and I decide to tease him a bit. 

D:*When you get home tomorrow night, do you think you’d be too tired for a sleepover?* 

R:*I thought you’re meant to be tired for a sleepover ;) * 

I laugh out loud. 

D:*OK; guess we’ll just cuddle then.*  

R:*I could attempt a stay-awake.*  

D:*Your place or mine?* 

R:*I actually have a better idea. Pick you up tomorrow evening around 9?*  

D:*I’ll be the one with the sleeping bag.* 

R:*We’re not sleeping. Remember?* 

I don’t reply, but imagine a number of scenarios. They all und up with visions of a sweaty, glistening  torso with a light smattering of hair on the chest. I picture his wickedly sinful grin and can’t contain  my excitement.

I am busy with filing in the back that Wednesday afternoon, with still another hour to go before I can  leave. I’m excited to see Roan and have waxed and groomed every lady bit I can reach. I wonder if  he’s as nervous as I am. 

I go through to the bar area to speak with Mike about an invoice that seems to have been paid  twice. He is speaking with a guy who hands him a card. 

I wait for them to finish. 

“Garrett Barker. Country Crown Records.”  

What? 

“Mike Matthews. Owner.” Mike. He’ll put himself out there one hundred percent of the time. 

“I know. I got word from one of my scouts that she heard someone sing here just this Sunday and  that I needed to get in touch with you.” 

“We have open mic night on a Sunday. Any idea of who it was?” 

Please don’t say the kid with the freckles! One less Justin Bieber wannabe in the world would be  awesome. 

“A girl. Blond. Legs for days.” 

“Ah. I know exactly who you’re talking about.” 

I quickly make myself visible and Mike smiles at me, “Here she is.” 

The guy from the record company is tall, with ginger hair and a stomach that probably keeps him  from seeing his toes.

I stick out my hand, “Dillon Tate.” 

“Ah-ha. Easy on the eye too.” Ew. Is this guy forreal?  

I try to smile politely, “Thank you. I sing too.” 

He gets my sarcasm, “OK. Point taken. Look, I won’t beat around the bush. Apparently you’re good,  but I need to hear it for myself. Can you come out to the Callum Hotel at the edge of town this  evening?” 

Shit! Roan. 

“Uh, sure. What time?” 

“Six. Don’t be late. I’ll meet you in the dining room.” 

I would usually be concerned, but we’re meeting in a dining room and I have a good feeling about  this. 

“OK Mr Barker.” I say, beaming. 

Mike pats me on the back as Mr Barker leaves, “When you make it; you know where to say you were  discovered.” He kids, but I know Mike well enough now to know that he doesn’t miss an  opportunity to sell himself. 

Jill comes in for her shift and I share the news with her. Of course she is elated, but then her face falls, “You’ll leave here soon, I guess.” 

“Well, he hasn’t heard me sing.” 

Mike let’s me leave early so I can go and get ready for dinner. I’m sure it won’t be longer than a  couple of hours. It gives me enough time to meet up with Roan. 

I’ll just message him to tell him I’ll meet him at his place instead. My mind is racing with excitement.  I pick out a black and grey patterned dress with some heels. Its dinner appropriate, but also fun enough to not look like I am trying too hard. Its also great for my date after. 

I’m ready by five-thirty and head to the hotel. It’s the nicest hotel the town has to offer without  being garish. Its an old lake mansion that was converted into a hotel not long after the Second  World War. There are wicker chairs on the wrap around porch and ferns at the entrance. I hand my  keys to the valet and he winks at me, “Now this is a classic.” 

I would’ve decked him had he not just winked his eye in jest. I love my little Rabbit, but I knew she  was old news. 

The concierge directs me to the dining area, which is under a veranda and resembles something out  of a bygone era; with chandeliers and waiters and short dinner jackets. Its very upmarket and  definitely something I’m not used to. 

Mr Barker waves a hand to signal where he is. He is with two other guests, a man and a very coiffed  blond woman. 

When I get to the table, I’m caught off guard by his fellow diners.

“Hi. You must be Dillon. I’m Jesse Lee and this is my husband, Reese Lee.” I am faced with two of  country’s biggest stars. I’m not necessarily a country music buff, but I think the entire United States  would know who they were. 

“Yes, I know who you both are. Wow.” I say. My mouth must be agape, but wow! I’m about to  have dinner with music royalty. 

“Dillon, please, sit.” Mr Barker says.  

“Uh, thank you.” 

“So, it was Jesse who heard you sing on Sunday.” He muses. 

“What? How? No one noticed you. I mean, no one picked up we had a star in our midst.” 

She laughs, “I can go unnoticed if I want to. Besides, it was date night for us.” She smiles at her  husband. 

They’re such a beautiful couple. I can’t stop staring at them. 

“Dillon, Jesse thinks you’re amazing! I do too.” 

Reese speaks up, “We told Garrett he had to hear  you.” 

“In fact, I recorded you on Sunday.” She looks at me with a hint of embarrassment.  

“That’s fine.” I say, realising that Jesse Lee thinks I’m amazing. 

“Jesse has begun producing and we’re looking for something more folky. Basically, we’re branching  out for lack of a better term.” Mr Barker explains. 

“OK.” 

“We want you to come and try out a couple of songs Reese and I have written in the studio.”  “Oh my God. Yes!” 

“Great! We leave tomorrow. Could you be in Nashville by Friday?”  

Nashville? Friday? I have a shift on Friday, I think dumbly to myself. 

“Think about it. It’s a great opportunity.” Jesse says, touching my hand. Oh my God, she touched  my hand. 

“Unless you like dive bars and grill houses.” Mr Barker adds. I don’t like this man very much. 

I ignore his comment and focus on Jesse and how she is building her brand and giving back to the  music community. We end up having a couple of beers after dinner at the bar and I am enjoying her company so much, I lose track of time. 

I only check my phone after she suggests we take a selfie. I can’t wait to show Jill and Roan. s**t!  Roan! 

Its just after nine. I quickly take the photo with Jesse and then make my apologies. “I’m looking forward to working with you, Dillon.” She says, giving me a hug. 

“This is just surreal! Thank you.”