Page 34 of Strike A Chord
About that time, Stoli and Josh came in. Stoli kissed his man as he walked by and plucked a chunk of bell pepper from the salad bowl. “My man can eat. Not sure there’s anything he doesn’t like.”
“Brussel sprouts.”
“Blech.” Appeared we were all of the same opinion on that vile vegetable.
“Hey, Reagan,” Stoli reached for another chunk. “You said Chaotic played at your bar. Acoustic or amps?”
“Acoustic. We’re in a hotel and have noise ordinances to adhere to.”
“What’s going on in that brain of yours?” Joey asked him. “I can see the wheels turning.”
“I’m thinking it might be fun to have the guys play their new music there. Josh and I were talking, and it sounds like they’ve got enough material to kick out back-to-back CDs. Sal will insist on tours between, but he’ll be happy to hear this. Playing new music in a smaller venue is the best feedback a band can get.”
“True, very true. I see where you’re going.” As soon as Joey agreed, all three focused on me.
“I’m booked out another month, but I’ll bump anyone to get Chaotic back in. Let me know and the floor is yours.”
“Excellent.” Why did I get the mad scientist vibe from Stoli? Possibly the evil smirk and the way he rubbed his hands together.
“Text Jason, Stoli. He’s working directly with Jeremiah on our schedule.” Josh and Stoli moved the food to the table while Joey pulled the steaks off the grill. The conversation easily flowed through dinner from music to movies and everything in between. We shot a couple games of pool before we called it a night and headed home.
“What a truly great night. Thanks for inviting me.” It was awesome to see these masters of music behind the scenes living their everyday lives. Completely different attitudes on stage with the bold cockiness their fans loved. At home, totally chill and down to earth. I immediately felt comfortable in their presence and the nerves faded away.
“Always. This was a major step forward with them and for my career. Stoli will be a great mentor. Hell, he gave me a shit load of strings for my guitars. Had cases of them in their office closet.” Josh was lighter, happier. This was perfect for him and I was glad he was open to it. Had he gone down cocky highway and pitched a fit over it, his career would’ve been over.
“I bet that saves a lot of money. I hope we get to hang out with them again.” It just dawned on me that outside of my employees I had no friends. At least not any I spoke to regularly since college.
“We will. Now the big question left for tonight is your place or mine?”
“I’m not picky as long as we’re together.”
“Good answer.” Josh pulled up to his building and opened the garage he rented. They were meant for storage, I‘m sure, but it made sense to lock his classic car away in it. I hopped out beforehand due to the tightness of the space. He had to park more to one side as it was so he could get out. Helicopters flew overheard and my gut screamed to get inside. As soon as the garage was locked, we pretty much sprinted up the stairs to his apartment and locked the door behind us.
“Is it always like this?”
“Lately it has been. We just got our advances, and I was considering moving. It’s not safe here anymore. Cops are here most nights. All I hear are screams and fighting followed by occasional gunshots.”
Oh, fuck that shit. “When is your lease up?”
“I’m month to month.” That had to cost him a ton in fees.
“How do you feel about my mother?”
“Um, what?”
“Now, hear me out. You’ve done your best through the shit storm you just waded through and now it’s time to move on. Call me a mother hen, but I fear for your safety here. You’re about to embark upon a journey that will not only have you working long hours in the city but traveling, too. Nothing you own will be safe. Your place will be cleared out as soon as they see you walk outside with your luggage. What if,” I paused to make sure I hadn’t lost him. “What if you move in with Mom and me?” He hardly had anything to move. I could clear out the garage to park his car in. I should’ve talked to Mom first, but I had a feeling she’d agree with me once I filled her in.
“Whoa.” Josh fell back on the couch in a daze. “I haven’t lived with anyone in years.”
“I get it and no rush. It’s a lot and a big step for us but I’m not gonna lie, I will worry when you’re here. Not that things can’t happen anywhere but to me this was pushing it.” The sounds of sirens echoed through the apartment. “Would it be a dick move to ask that we go to my house? Now?”
“Nah, I feel ya. Let me pack a bag.”
Thirty minutes later, we were at my place. Mom had already gone to bed, so I made a mental note to talk to her tomorrow morning. Josh and I were curled up on the couch when she came out in her bathrobe. “Hello, boys. How was dinner?”
“Hey, Becky. It was fun.”
“It was. They’re really great guys.”