Playing Our Song

Chapter 3

Chapter 3Jase hadn’t realized how concerned he’d been with the conversation turning awkward when Garrett found out who Jase was. But Garrett’s body relaxed. He sat back, seeming to take Jase’s celebrity status in stride.

Not wanting an uncomfortable silence to ruin it, Jase asked, “Have you played at Record Reunion?”

“No. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of the place.”

“Really?” Jase couldn’t hold back his surprise. “It’s on Acorn Street. It’s a record store. Actual records, not CDs. They have a stage, and local bands play there most nights. I can’t believe you’ve never heard of it.”

“It sounds great. I’ll look into it.”

After checking the time, Jase peered at their empty cups. “If you’re in the mood, we can ride there now? The entertainment should be setting up for tonight’s show.”

Garrett’s eyebrows drew together, and he bit his lip, appearing ready to say no. But, “Yeah. That sounds awesome. Let’s go,” rushed from his mouth.

Once outside, Garrett stopped and turned to Jase. “I’d offer to ride together, but I drove my work truck, and I’m sure you don’t want to smell like the great outdoors.”

Jase wanted to know what Garrett’s job was. But instead of asking, he said, “Why don’t we take my car? I’ll drive you back here later.”

“You don’t mind?” Garrett asked. “Driving back here isn’t out of your way?”

“Nope. I pass here on my way home,” Jase assured him.

“Okay, thanks.” Garrett smiled.

Staring at Garrett, a weird feeling raced through Jase. A weird but good feeling. Too good. Jase frowned and shook his head. What the f**k was that?

Once in the car, Jase pushed the feelings and thoughts associated with them out of his mind. Not allowing them stage time in his brain, he focused on his driving.

They parked the car, and once outside, Jase pulled on a baseball cap and slid a pair of glasses in place. Then they made their way down the block. At the entrance, Garrett did a double take, his gaze flying up and down the road. “I can’t believe I never noticed this place.”

“Me, either.” Jase held the door open for Garrett. Two steps inside, Garrett stopped again. Jase moved next to him and couldn’t help but smile. Garrett’s eyes were huge like cymbals, and his mouth hung open in the shape of an o. He had the same reaction Jase, and the guys had the first time they’d stepped foot in the store. It felt as if they’d experienced a leap back in time. Vinyl records overtook the place—on the walls, in bins, and on shelves. Everywhere your gaze traveled.

People milled around and packed what areas remained. A crowd formed toward the back. The hum of someone, or a few someones, warming up their instruments also came from the rear of the store.

Garrett spun, taking in the place. His smile was contagious. The space wasn’t huge, but each nook and cranny burst at the seams. Jase allowed Garrett to stare for a few minutes. Then he dragged him past the throngs of people to the back of the store. Only one person recognized Jase. Luckily, the masses were focused on their surroundings rather than on him.

They found a spot to stand in the corner that kept Jase somewhat hidden.

“This place is awesome.” Garrett’s words were full of awe.

“Yeah, it is.”

“How did you find it?” Garrett asked.

“This was our band’s first gig.” The memory warmed Jase.

“Really?”

“Yeah.” Jase nodded as a hush fell over the crowd.

One of the band members on stage stood at the microphone. He introduced the band, then took a step back, and the group played. Their first song started slow, and the room became entranced by the music. The group had obvious talent.

Jase and Garrett listened through the end of the set. Both wore smiles on their faces. The band finished, and Jase glanced at Garrett. “What do you think?”

“They’ll go far.”

“What do you think about you performing here?” Jase asked.

Garrett’s face turned red. “I don’t know. I’m used to my audience at The Cove. And they’re somewhat used to me. I can’t play here.”

What the f**k? “You’re kidding, right?”

“No. I mean, people at The Cove come to eat. I’m just a bonus. There’s no food to draw the crowd here. That’d be on me, and I’m not sure if I could pull off something like that.”

Jase might have thought Garrett was kidding, except his slightly slumped posture said he wasn’t. “You’re better than you think you are.”

Garrett’s face turned a deeper hue of red, and his eyebrows furrowed.

“I’m serious.” Jase put his hand on Garrett’s shoulder. “I bet if you asked the people in the restaurant on the nights you’re there why they showed up, I bet more than half would say they came because of you, not the food. That’s the bonus.”

Garrett grimaced, and his gaze fell to the floor. Jase needed Garrett to realize how amazing he was.

“It okay if we look around a bit?” Garrett asked, ready to change the subject.

“Absolutely.” Jase could explore for hours.

They both strode to the rock section and picked through the albums. They each pointed out bands the other liked, bringing their attention again to how similar their tastes were.

“I don’t think I own a record player anymore.” Garrett laughed. “I have my old albums, but I never gave any thought to where I’d play them. I’m always streaming.”

Jase shook his head. “I still have my turntable. Nothing compares to the sound of vinyl.”

“Now that I know this place exists, I’ll find one,” Garrett said as he continued to flip through the records stopping every few to check one out.

“They still make them. Some even look retro.”

“I really want to get this.” Garrett held a vintage Rolling Stones Album. “I went to their concert. The first one I ever attended.”

“First Stone’s concert, or first concert concert?”

“First concert concert.”

Excitement raced through Jase’s blood. Memories like that were priceless. “They’re an impressive band to start with. You have to buy the album. We’ll find you a turntable.”

Garrett slid the album under his arm and searched for more.

“I’m surprised you don’t already own the album. The band being what popped your cherry and all,” Jase said.

A solemn expression washed over Garrett’s face. It only lasted a second, but Jase hadn’t missed it. “I had the album. My little brother borrowed it without asking. He hid it under his mattress before I caught him. He forgot to take it out when he went to bed. It broke in half by morning.” A strange expression landed on Garrett’s face again, but he schooled his features, then went back to scanning the records.

Jase stood ready to ask where it’d come from, but he thought better of it. They continued their search in companionable silence for another hour. When one spotted something cool, he’d point it out to the other.

“I’ll go pay for these.” Garrett held the Stones’ album and two more he’d found.

Jase smiled. Most times, Jase walked out with an armful of albums too. “You’re done searching?”

“If I spent the week, I’d still need more time.” Garrett’s gaze roamed around the room. “But, yeah, I’m okay for now.”

A girl stopped Jase as he followed Garrett toward the cash register. The man she stood with sneered at her, but once he recognized Jase, a smile crossed his face. Glad they weren’t causing a scene, Jase spoke to them while he waited for Garrett.

The night air—fresh and crisp—was the perfect combination for a walk. But the car sat too close. They could hop in and drive somewhere, but Jase caught sight of the time and scrubbed the idea. Garrett had an early morning, and it was already late.

“That was so great.” Garrett held up his records. “Thanks for taking me there.”

Jase felt the sincerity in Garrett’s words. “I’m glad you liked the place.” Jase’s smile grew.

“How could I not? The store was incredible.”

“That’s where we started,” Jase said.

“Yeah. You mentioned the shop was your first gig.”

“Mr. G had just opened the store, and the guys and I walked in and asked about a record. We got to talking about whom we liked, and then Kiefer, the one with the balls in the group, added our band to the list. Since Mr. G had no clue who we were, he asked about us, and we sold him on our band before we told him they were us.” As Jase put the key in his car door, his excitement ramped up to the next level, which always happened when remembering this story. “When we finished talking, he explained his idea to open part of the old stockroom and make a stage for local bands to play. He told us if we helped ready the room, we’d be the first band.”

“Wow, he must have liked you guys a lot to make the offer without hearing you play.”

Jase laughed. “Yeah, he told us with the way we sold the band, he knew we’d rock the place.”

“That’s daring. Especially for an opening act.”

“Yeah, well, we finished cleaning, and he asked us to play for him. He needed help deciding where to set the stage. The guys agreed that was our audition. If Mr. G hadn’t liked how we sounded, he would’ve changed the deal. He still would’ve done something for us, just not let us play to his first audience.”

“That’s a cool story,” Garrett said.

“It is. And Mr. G is a cool guy.” As Jase went to start the car, an idea came to him, and before he let the thought settle, he turned and faced Garrett. “Mr. G’s birthday is soon. We’re putting together a surprise party, and there’ll be a bunch of bands playing. Do you want to come?”

Garrett nodded, and his smile grew. “Sounds fun. I’ll check if I have to work. Thanks.”

“It’s going to be amazing,” Jase said.

“You guys aren’t playing, are you?” Garrett asked.

“Yeah, we are.”

Garrett’s grin couldn’t be contained. “Holy s**t. That’s awesome. I’ll let work know I’ll be out that night.”

A warm heat engulfed Jase. He loved Garrett’s excitement at seeing Alternative State play.

Jase started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. His smile was so gigantic, his eyes squinted.