by Laura Gates
They smiled at each other, and she continued her arrangement. Beau soon began accompanying her as she played and sang. They fed off of each other's emotions during the song. Beau would occasionally adjust his volume so he could hear the violin. At the end of the song, they both sang, “And she’s buying her stairway to heaven,” in octaves. Adrenaline rushed through their veins, and hearts were pumping super fast as silence filled the equipment room with the echo of guitar and violin. "We have got to do that again," Beau said when all was quiet. "Agreed." Evie smiled.
"So, would you teach me the basics for violin?" Beau asked. "Sure," Evie said, walking over to Beau. He sat back down on his stool. Evie turned her violin so that the fingerboard was facing Beau. "So you know how there's an order of strings on the guitar?" Evie asked. Beau nodded. "Okay, well, the order of strings on a violin is different. Instead of starting on E, the lowest string and note on a violin is a G. The next string up is D followed by A and E," Evie taught.
"So instead of moving up in 4ths, it moves up in 5ths?" Beau asked.
"That is correct, but remember, on the guitar, we have one third from G to B," Evie said.
"Yep, got it. How do you tune a violin?" he asked, getting ready to move the pegs.
Evie quickly stopped him. "There are fine tuners that the strings are hooked into," Evie said, pointing to them, "If you move the pegs, the strings unravel."
Beau observed and began adjusting the fine tuners while plucking a string. "Okay, so just like a guitar," he said. Evie smiled. "I figured you would pick up on that part pretty easily. The hardest basic part of the violin is arco," Evie said.
"What's arco?" he asked. Evie handed Beau her violin bow. "Try playing with this," she said. Beau positioned the violin under his chin and began trying to play each string, but the violin sounded like a dying cat.
Evie winced at the sound covering her ears. Beau stopped playing. "Is there some sort of a secret?" he asked, feeling embarrassed by his tone.
"The key to playing with the bow, or arco, is to move only at the elbow and not your shoulder. When you move your shoulder, you create that dying cat sound you produced on my violin," she said. Beau observed as Evie held her violin and played with the bow. He noticed her arm, wrist, and elbow would move, but the shoulder was stationary. Evie handed her violin and bow to Beau and walked behind him.
“May I?” she asked, holding up her hand over his right shoulder. Beau chuckled. “Yes,” he said. Evie placed her hand on Beau’s shoulder. “Okay, move your arm and bend your elbow, but focus on keeping your shoulder steady,” she said. As Beau placed the bow on the E string, he could feel his shoulder staying in one spot, but the wrist did all the work as his arm moved up and down. The electricity came back, but for some reason, the atmosphere was more tender. The E string rang beautifully as Beau held his shoulder steady, adding some vibrato, which impressed Evie. Beau turned to look at Evie, inches from her face. “How’s that?” he asked. Evie smiled, biting her bottom lip a bit. “Perfect,” she said. As she felt her heart rate leap out of her chest again, she walked away from Beau, trying to regain some composure.
"So, do half steps and whole steps work the same on a violin as they do on a guitar?" he asked, trying to regather his faculties as well. "Yep, but we don't have frets. Although, when I first started out, my teacher marked where the first four fingers were supposed to go on the fingerboard," she said.
"Cool. I think I can figure the rest out. So what's it called when you don't use the bow?" he asked. "That is called pizzicato," Evie said as she grabbed her violin again, "You play each string with the thick, beefy part of your right index finger."
Evie proceeded to play an excerpt from Pizzicato Polka. Beau thoroughly enjoyed it. "That was cute," he said. "Pizzicato sounds cute, sometimes," Evie said, "It is also the first technique we learn in Orchestra." Beau absorbed all of the information Evie taught him. Evie knew it wouldn't be long before he would be dazzling audiences everywhere with his new skill.
Evie and Beau enjoyed learning from each other. Evie suddenly had a fantastic idea. "Have you thought about going to some of the schools around here to be a guest teacher in guitar classes? It would probably soften your image," Evie said. Beau thought about that idea. "I haven't, actually," he said. "I know it would appeal to teachers as well as students. Parents might even enjoy the thought of Beau Halstead teaching their kids guitar considering how talented you are, especially with the middle school across the street," Evie said. "If you make the arrangements, I will do it," he said. "Awesome! I will call around and see what I can do," she said.
Just as Evie was walking out of the room, Beau asked, "Have you thought about becoming a guest artist for the San Francisco Symphony or any of the other orchestras around here?" Evie stopped, turned around, and looked at Beau. "Since when do I have time to do that?" she asked. "I don't know. You clearly love playing your violin. You are by far the most talented violinist I have ever seen, and that talent should be shared with the world, or at least the Bay area," Beau said. "It's not that simple," Evie said. "I do have a little pull with the Symphony. We played with them a few years ago," he said. Evie hesitated for a minute. "I don't know. I don't think I have time right now." "Okay, well, when you are ready, let me know," Beau said. He excused himself for a minute to go communicate with the band and use the bathroom.
Evie began playing the concerto again, trying to remember the arduous technique. She had to admit, playing Percival, the name she gave her violin, was by far the happiest she had felt in a long time. Evie used to practice every day for a half-hour while she was teaching, but since moving to San Francisco, Evie hadn't picked up the violin or even her saxophone. She quickly put Percival away and pulled out Dean, her tenor saxophone. Evie wetted the reed, screwed it behind the ligature, put the neck strap on, connected it to the sax, and began playing. It took her a minute to produce a beautiful tone, but she adjusted her embouchure. Evie started playing a few licks she knew from Jazz standards. She soon began noodling some more and soloing. Jazz always brought joy into Evie's life. She decided to watch an old movie that night with some fun Jazz music.
As Beau walked back to the equipment room, he heard a different sound. He felt puzzled but followed the music back to the equipment room, where he found Evie playing her saxophone. Beau leaned against the wall and watched as she played all sorts of riffs, or runs. He wasn't sure what they were called on saxophones. Not only did her fingers move fast on the violin, but they were quick on the horn. He smiled and enjoyed every second of the music she produced. He decided to talk to Kade about letting Evie come jam with them the next time they start playing different Jazz chord progressions. Beau even thought about learning Rhythm changes for once. All of these thoughts popped into his head as he stood and watched Evie play her sax.
After about five minutes of playing, Evie stopped. She turned around and realized Beau was watching her, which made her jump again. Putting her hand over her heart as her sax dangled across her body, she asked, "How long have you been leaning there?" Beau shrugged. I don't know. Not long. You seriously are a talented musician," he said. "Thanks. I appreciate the compliment," she said. She unhooked the sax and began putting it back in the case. "So, do you have any plans tonight?" Beau asked. "Just cooking dinner for my kids, Zumba, and going home, watching an older movie," Evie said. "May I…." "You are more than welcome to come with me anytime. Levi and Harper love having you around," Evie said.
"Well, what about you?" Beau asked.
Evie looked at Beau, trying not to give away her feelings. "I like it when you're around, too. You help me feel like I am not such a huge loser," she said.
"Why would you or I or anyone think that?" Beau asked.
"I feel so overwhelmed at times with work and juggling the kids," Evie said, choosing her words wisely.
"It's okay to be overwhelmed. They are great kids. Levi is progressing in his reading and behavior, and Harper knows her numbers and colors. You are doing better than you think. I
remember when Chloe was learning how to read. It was awesome to watch. Cordell used to run through the house, counting backwards and forwards. He would even sing some of our songs. I absolutely loved watching them learn and grow. Those little things reminded me that maybe I was an okay dad," Beau said, feeling a little twinge in his heart as he thought about his kids. Talking about his kids was still hard for him, but talking with Evie made it easier.
"Thanks," Evie said, smiling, “but I disagree with you.” Beau looked puzzled. “On what?” he asked, feeling a little defensive. “From my observation with my kids, you were an amazing father,” Evie said. Beau smiled, realizing he needed to hear that. “Thanks. That means a lot to me.”
Chapter 9
Beau Bonds With the Kids
Evie, Harper, and Levi were at the Gerstle Park for the late afternoon. They had about an hour and a half before Evie really had to go grocery shopping. Levi held a football occasionally throwing it in the air, and Harper was busy crushing leaves underneath her boots. She giggled every time the leaves made crunching noises. "Can we play catch now, Mom?" Levi asked. "Sure, why not?" Evie said. She stood up off the bench to walk toward Levi. Harper saw her mom walking towards the field, so she followed her.
"Okay, Levi. Do you see the lace on the football?" Evie asked.
Levi nodded.
"Okay, put this finger," Evie said, wiggling her right middle finger, "in the first lace." Evie demonstrated for Levi as he watched intently.
Levi followed the steps exactly. "Good job. Now, when you throw, let the ball roll off your fingers," she said. "Can you show me?" Levi asked. He handed the football back to his mom, and she did her best to show him how the ball was supposed to roll off the fingers. Even though the ball didn't go precisely straight, it still spiraled in the air. She wished Jude was there at that point because he was really good at throwing a football.
Suddenly, she heard a deep voice call Levi's name. She turned around and saw Beau running towards them. She smiled instantly and looked at her watch. They must have ended early, she thought to herself noticing the time was 3:50. "Hey, guys! May I join you?" he asked. "Yes. Mom is showing me how to throw a football," Levi said. "Your mom can throw a football?" Beau asked, looking over at Evie. "She was a huge tomboy growing up. Grandpa took her hunting, camping, fishing, and she played all sorts of sports including flag football, but kickball was her specialty," Levi said.
A woman of many talents, Beau thought to himself. Evie blushed a little and said, “I’m not very good at throwing a football, and I’m not a fan of camping anymore.” “Whatever , Mom. You still outfish Grandpa when we go visit,” Levi said. He truly believed his mother was the coolest and most perfect mom ever.
"Cool. So, Levi, go down the field a little bit and throw the football," Beau said. Levi did what he was told and threw the football. It didn't spin as well as he had hoped. The ball also went left instead of straight at Beau, but Beau ran and caught the ball. Levi slumped down on the ground, pouting and crying. Evie face-palmed losing her patience with her son. He had been acting out all day.
Beau walked over to Levi carrying the football. He sat down on the ground next to Levi. "What's wrong, Buddy?" Beau asked. "All of my other friends have a dad who can teach them this stuff, but I don't have a dad," Levi sobbed.
Beau put his arm around Levi to hug him. "Guess what, Buddy?" Beau asked.
"What?"
"My parents divorced when I was 14 years old. I didn't really have a dad either because he traveled so much for work. My mom died when I was 17 of cancer, so I had to go live with my older brother. He was the one who taught me all this stuff, and I can teach you if you let me. I even played football in high school until my coach gave me an ultimatum to either cut my hair or quit football," Beau said.
Levi wiped his eyes. "You didn't have a dad, either?" Levi asked.
"Not really, no," Beau said, "but I had an amazing mom just like you do."
"She is pretty awesome," Levi said.
Beau turned around to see Evie with tears in her eyes. "Yes, she is, Buddy."
"You played football?" Levi asked.
"Yes, I did. I was pretty good, too; A wide receiver. I could catch footballs all day long," Beau said.
Levi wiped his eyes. "Could you teach me how to catch as well?" Levi asked, wiping the rest of the tears away from his eyes.
Beau smiled. "Of course."
With that, Beau stood up, grabbed Levi's arms, and pulled him up to standing. Beau proceeded to show Levi different techniques of throwing and catching a football that Evie didn't know about. When Beau kneeled down, Levi wrapped his little arms around Beau's neck.
Evie continued to observe Beau and Levi as Beau wrapped his arms around Levi. Levi's smaller arms squeezed Beau's neck as they hugged it out. She then saw Beau explain a little trick to Levi about how to get the ball to spin faster than before. After the lesson, Evie thought about asking Beau to teach her the method.
"All right, Buddy, go long!" Beau said. Levi ran a few yards away from Beau before stopping. Beau threw the football directly at Levi. Levi tried catching the ball, but the gap between his arms was too big. "Good try, Levi. How about bringing your arms closer like this?" Beau asked, demonstrating with his arms as Levi observed. Levi quickly practiced. "Good, now try throwing the ball to me exactly how I showed you, and then when I throw it back, catch it like that," Beau said. Levi nodded his head before picking the ball back up. "Okay, Levi. Throw it!" Beau shouted with encouragement.
Levi remembered the technique Beau showed him and threw the ball directly at him. The ball spiraled a lot better and straighter than it had before Beau showed him the method. Beau caught the ball. "That was awesome, Buddy! Okay, I'm going to throw it at you, now. Remember to keep your arms closer together and bring the football into your chest," Beau said, demonstrating. Levi nodded.
Beau threw the ball at Levi, and Levi caught it. "Yes!" Levie shouted and began jumping up and down with excitement. Beau immediately ran to Levi, picked him up by the waist, and swung him around. Evie was thrilled to witness that moment. She eventually took videos of Beau and Levi throwing the football back and forth before playing with Harper on the playground, the slide, the swings.
Beau’s heart began to hurt a little bit, realizing he wouldn’t have this moment with Cordell. One of Beau’s memories began playing in his head of his son. Beau had been out of rehab the first time for about two years, and he was jamming with the band as Cordell sat in his dad’s lap as Beau held his guitar. Every now and then, Cordell would smack the guitar, and everyone would laugh. Soon, Phoebe walked in with Chloe. They had just gotten back from Chloe’s ballet class. Beau suddenly felt this darkness cloud his mind, and the itch for his drink of choice started coming back.
Snap out of it, Beau quickly thought to himself. He looked around him and saw Harper walking around and Evie sitting on the grass. Harper wore a cute mint oversize sweater with dark jeggings, and Evie wore an oversized leopard print sweater, black jeans with holes in the knees, and black booties. Evie’s hair was curly today. Harper picked up a feather and brought it to Evie, who proceeded to blow on it. Harper squealed for joy before blowing on the feather herself, taking turns with her mom.
As Evie smiled at her daughter, the sunlight hit her hair just right. Beau’s urges changed, filling his chest with warmth. She really is beautiful inside and out, Beau thought to himself, staring at Evie. Suddenly, Beau heard Levi shout, “I’m gonna get you, Beau!” Beau smirked. “Not if I get you first,” Beau responded before chasing Levi. Levi screamed and bolted the other direction, but Beau caught up to him and pulled him down. The boys began laughing as Beau gave Levi a noogie. You know what, Beau thought to himself, today is a good day.
After about an hour, Evie looked at her smartwatch. "Time to go! We have stuff to do tonight!" Evie said in Levi's direction. Beau, holding the football, walked with Levi to where Evie and Harper were. "What kind of stuff?" Beau asked, walking with the family back to Evie's ca
r. "I have to make some more phone calls to secure the Central and South American portion of the world tour, go grocery shopping, cook dinner, clean my apartment, the list is just never-ending," Evie said. "Mommy, what 'bout our tea party?" Harper asked, sounding sad. "I'm sorry, Baby, but we don't have time today. We can try tomorrow," Evie said with a melancholy tone.
This was the second time Evie had to say no to the tea party. Beau could see that Harper was getting tears in her eyes. Evie watched Beau pick up her little girl. "Maybe you should ask your mom if I can come with you guys, help your mom shop, and I can have a tea party with you while your mom cooks dinner and works," Beau suggested. Harper and Levi looked up at their mom with such excitement and awe, and Beau looked at Evie.
All Evie could do was smile, but there was still sadness in saying yes. She wasn't ready to admit she couldn't do everything by herself, yet, but she knew her kids would be even sadder if she said no. "Yes, Beau may come with us," Evie said caving. "Yay!" both kids shouted. Beau smiled. Evie glanced at Beau with a dejected look in her eyes. "I knew you wouldn't say no if the kids asked you," Beau said, chuckling. Evie smiled and shook her head in disbelief. Beau helped put Harper in the car seat while Evie proceeded to help Levi buckle up.
The four of them drove to Sprouts, where Evie did the majority of her grocery shopping. She tried to buy organic and non-filler foods for herself and her children. Beau noticed some of the items Evie bought including lactose-free milk, kale, the bread, pasta, the different broths, and a bunch of other stuff. Once they were done, they drove across the Golden Gate Bridge to Costco where she bought the typical bulk items. Beau did his best to entertain Levi while Evie picked out the items and Harper rode in the cart basket. Beau helped Evie load the groceries into the car before driving back to Evie's townhouse.