Page 46 of Just Between Us

Turning, I shoot her a grin. “Yes, ma’am, I’m trying…or about to be,” I say.

Then she surprises the hell out of me with something I never saw coming. She gives a jaunty little wink and slaps me on the ass. The shock of it rattles a laugh out of me, and I shoot her a wink right back causing her to cackle.

“Well, good luck to ya, sugar pie.”

I pay the cashier and leave the store feeling lighter than when I went in, shaking my head as I tuck the bag away in my backpack. Who knew having Mrs. Koonce slap my ass would be the highlight of my day?

Up next is the studio. My solace, my sanctuary.

There are only two places where I feel fully myself. Out in nature, and sitting in the studio with an instrument in my hands. Dad’s been in the band since before I was born, so there’s never been a version of me that didn’t include this place. Even after all these years, it still holds something close to magic for me.

Letting myself in, I flip on lights, illuminating the way until I’m standing in the live room, surrounded by instruments.

I breathe out a slow, centering breath.

We’ve got a few upcoming recordings scheduled where I’m slated to play bass. By now, I’ve already listened to the demo plenty, but since I’m here, it can’t hurt to run through it a couple more times for good measure. I quickly get the fuses changed out on the amp and return to my guitar.

Lacing my fingers together, I stretch them out, cracking each knuckle before strapping the Fender over my head. When I play, I always do so with my eyes closed. It’s easier that way. Easier to feel the music instead of thinking about it, to let it settle into me until it stops being something I’m playing and starts being something Iam.

When the song comes to an end, I don’t stop. I tap the screen and start it over. I do this again and again until my transitions come smoothly and I’m satisfied with the sound. By the eighth or ninth run through I could play it in my sleep. I let the song loop one last time, just to be sure, a lazy smile lifting the corners of my mouth as the final notes fade.

As I’m setting the bass onto its stand, I glance at the old Coca-Cola clock mounted on the wall and blink.

Shit. Is that the time?

Peeking out into the hallway, the view outside the windowstells me I’ve been here longer than I thought. The sun has set and a huge harvest moon is just rising into the sky. Stepping back into the room, I grab my keys and flip off the amps and lights, ready to head to the bar.

Before I leave though, I pause in the doorway and look back once more, giving a quiet thanks to whatever magic happens in here.

Cassie, Penny, and Josie are probably already at the bar waiting. I wonder if Penny has the faintest clue what’s happening tonight. I haven’t talked to Cassie since I dropped her off, so I’m pretty much in the dark, but if I had to guess, I’d say Austin is either already in Singing River, or damn near close.

Even though I just bought patches and gum, out of habit, I light up a a cigarette as I approach the bar. I can already hear music and voices spilling out into the night air before I’ve even entered, but when I swing open the door, the size of the crowd tonight surprises me. Taking a long drag, I let my eyes adjust and scan the room.

Then I spot long brown hair standing at the bar. Cassie is talking to Sheila, laughing at something one of them has said. Despite the distance I tried to create this morning, I’m drawn to her like a moth to the prettiest fucking flame, knowing damn well what a flame can do. Each step I take her way loosens the tightness that’s sat like a boulder in my chest all day.

Shouldering my way through the crowd, I’m almost to her, but I’m stopped when someone grabs my arm.

“Holy shit, man! Long time no see!”

I stop to chat, because it’s the polite thing to do, but when the conversation comes to a natural pause, I pat him on the arm and tell him I better be getting to my table.

Cassie hasn’t noticed me yet. She’s still at the bar, completely unaware I’m standing five feet away trying not to stare. Sheila steps away to take care of another customer and Cassie makes her way back to the table. I watch as she, Josie, and Penny clink their glasses together and I wonder what they’re toasting to.None of them have spotted me yet, and I waste no time heading to them.

“Mind if I sit?” I ask, already pulling out the chair beside Cassie.

Cassie’s eyes flick to the cigarette I forgot I was even holding. Shit.

“Only if you’ll put that cancer stick out,” she demands.

Yes, ma’am.

Without a second thought I walk backward, my eyes never leaving her face as I reach for the ashtray perched on the bar. Cigarette stubbed out, I rejoin the ladies. All three of them wear matching smiles, like there’s a secret I’m not in on.

“Care to share with the class? You three look like you’re up to something.”

“I was just saying…” Josie begins, and then she jumps like she’s been kicked under the table. “Motherfucker,” she murmurs under her breath. “All I was going to say is we had so much fun with Cassie the other night.”

Yeah, no. That’s not at all what Josie planned on saying.