Page 25 of Dark Verse

God, it reads like bad poetry if I’m honest.

Did it even make sense to sign a multi-month contract? For the longest time, I thought we were going to be the next great rock crossover band with real staying power. I thought by 37 I’d be a well-established and equally well-respected musical powerhouse. I wanted it all. The labels, the tours, the awards. The sold-out shows in massive amphitheaters and the interviews focused on the music. I wanted to be mentored by the living greats and stay relevant long enough to bring up the next generation of musical talent. Now I’m not sure I want that anymore. These days, it feels like enough just to keep my head above water.

I sigh.

“Well, when I agreed to come out here, I only thought it would be for a few days. But what are you and Unc going to do if I’m not there for the next two or three months?”

“Your Uncle Garth and I can take care of ourselves and each other. He’s got enough hands to keep everything moving through harvest season. You know that as well as I do. And as for me, I’ll be just fine, too.”

“But, Ma,” I object, “Your business is just starting to really pick up. Don’t you want me there to help with fulfillment?”

Ma pauses and a quiet stretches between us. I hear her television through the speaker, her favorite daytime host’s voice almost as familiar to me as her own.

“Knox, you know I can call anyone in this town, and they would come help if I got overwhelmed. And your Aunt Aggie has been here just about every day since you left. She’s been having a ball trying out new smell combinations. It sounds like you might have a chance to play music again, at least for a little while.”

“Yeah…”

I’m honestly more intrigued by the possibility of seeing Raven again than the prospect of playing several nights a week again. It takes a certain kind of stamina to give the Tuesday night crowd just as good a show as the Saturday folks. I haven’t had to play like that since before everything that happened.

“What is it?” Ma asks.

“No, no. You’re right. It’s just been a while for me. Zeke and Via, they are as tight as ever, but I almost sound like an appendage when we sing together.”

“That’s only because you haven’t played with them in so long. You haven’t even really picked up your guitar in over a year. Give it some time, you’ll find it again.”

I smile, feeling soothed by her words and encouragement.

“Yeah, you’re right. Thanks, Ma. I’m going to get off the phone and talk to Zeke and Via, make sure we’re all on the same page about signing that contract.”

“I’m proud of you, Knox.”

“Thanks, Ma. I love you.”

“I love you. We’ll talk soon.”

Already feeling better, I hang up, leaving the bedroom to find the others. I find Via alone in the kitchen, laptop open on the counter.

“Oh, yes! Perfect timing,” she says when she sees me.

“Now that’s my kind of greeting.”

Via rolls her eyes, the action reminding me of Raven.

“I literally just got off the phone with Danica. We got the job!”

I smile, happy for the general confirmation but secretly disappointed Raven didn’t call me.

“Go us.”

“Thank God. I was so nervous. I thought we did a pretty good job at her sister’s wedding, but then she didn’t even acknowledge us really yesterday.”

“I’m guessing she just wanted to keep things fair for the other bands. She probably didn’t want them to be put off by some preserved advantage we had.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. I’m still a little surprised you wanted to sing Love At First Sight. It’s not your usual choice, and we barely rehearsed it.”

“True,” I acknowledge. “But rule number one for any successful band is know thy audience.”

“I guess you’re right. Last-minute song changes aside, it seems to have worked. Danica said she is going to send the contract over in a few minutes.”