by Burke, Dez
Money makes things happen fast.
I knock at the farmhouse front door and then walk right in. With the loud hammering going on, no one could hear my knocking anyway.
“Anyone home?” I yell out.
“In the kitchen!” Cole yells back.
Entering the kitchen, I find Cole standing by the sink having a cup of coffee.
“Someone is relaxed for a change,” I say in surprise.
“A rare moment of solitude, believe me,” he says, chuckling. “It won’t last long.”
“Where’s Lily?”
“She’s at her first ever ballet class in town. They’ll be doing a ballet recital at the end of the month if you want to come. It should be fun. A stage full of four-year-old ballerinas twirling around will be a sight to see.”
“Oh, ballet! That’s a girly activity for our little cowgirl.”
“What can I say? She loves both cowboy boots and tutus. She’s been begging to learn to dance for months, and I’ve finally given in. The classes will give her more time away from the house too. I worry about her getting hurt with the construction going on. She’s a curious girl and is always picking up tools and getting into things she shouldn’t. Plus, she asks the workers a million questions when they’re here.”
“I think ballet is a great idea.” I set the covered baking dish down on the counter. “I brought you dinner. It’s chicken casserole. I hope your dad likes it.”
“Thanks, Annie,” he replies with a grateful smile. “Dad will enjoy it, I’m sure. Mom used to make it a long time ago.”
“How’s the construction project coming along?”
“Great. The bathroom is almost finished, and it’s by far the hardest part. They’re working on the bedroom now. The addition will be bigger than I expected it to be, but Levi seemed to think we might need space for live-in caregivers too at some point. Luckily we have plenty of space on the side of the house to build.”
“How is Edward handling the construction mess?” I ask. “It must be upsetting for him to see things torn up and strangers on the property.”
“Fairly well, considering the noise,” Cole replies. “It’s not an optimum situation having him here during the remodel. We didn’t have a choice. Luckily, the new caregiver keeps him busy most of the day when the construction workers are around. She takes him for long walks through the pecan orchard or drives him into town. Sometimes she just sits with him and they watch game shows together. Having extra help with him has been a godsend. I think he’s enjoying her company and the extra attention.”
“Do you hear much from Levi these days?” I ask. “He’s hard to reach. Our phone calls are getting further and further between.”
“He’s kept in touch better than I expected him to. He texts me quite often instead of calling. He’s concerned about how Dad’s coping with the construction mess.” He lifts his coffee cup gratefully in my direction. “I’ve got you to thank for most of this. You convinced me to take Levi’s offer of money and to involve him in Dad’s care. I was going under doing everything on my own. I appreciate you speaking up and helping me to see the light. Only a true friend would be willing to tell me where I was screwing up.”
“Don’t thank me,” I say. “Levi wanted to help. Sometimes it takes an outside person to see what a family needs the most. You were too close to the situation.”
“You’re right. I was so stressed out I couldn’t see straight. Enough about me though. How are things going with you and Levi? Is everything okay?”
“He’s flying me down to Orlando this weekend to see him in concert,” I say, unwilling to involve Cole in our problems. He has enough on his plate. “Can you believe I’ve never been to one of his shows? I thought about it plenty of times over the years, but never made it happen. I guess I was afraid it would’ve made me feel weird to see the women throwing themselves at him.”
“I’ve never been to one either,” Cole says, a touch of sadness in his voice. “I feel bad about it too. I let him down by not showing him the support he deserves. Would it have killed me to take the time to see one concert? When he first hit it big, I was caught up with the problems in my own failed marriage, and then Lily came along. The next thing I knew Mom was sick and now Dad. I guess I always felt everyone else needed me more than Levi.”
“That’s the funny thing about your brother,” I say. “He keeps things on the inside. If he needed you, you’d never know it. You’re both stubborn when it comes to asking for help or expressing feelings.”
“He needs you,” Cole says, giving me a pointed look. “To keep him grounded and on the right track in life. I hope whatever is going on between the two of you, that you can work it out. As far as we’re all concerned in this house, you’re part of this family and always have been. Dad and Lily feel the same as I do.”
“Thank you, Cole. I feel the same way about all of you too.”
He walks over to the kitchen table and picks up several of Lily’s drawings stacked into an untidy pile.
“Take these to Levi,” he says, handing them to me. “Lily draws a new one for him every day. They’ll be up to the ceiling before long. She’s crazy about him.”
Taking the drawings from him, I take time to carefully study each one. Lily’s scribbles always stick to one main theme: family.
“Lily isn’t the only one who is crazy about Levi,” I say, fighting back tears. “I’ll let you know how things went when I get back from Orlando.”
“For all of our sakes, I hope things work out for you two,” he says.
48
Annie
The short flight to Orlando is uneventful. Since I’ll only be gone a couple of nights, I packed everything into one carryon to keep from checking a suitcase. I don’t want to spend my limited time with Levi searching for lost luggage.
Levi had told me he’d be stuck in rehearsals right up until the eight pm showtime. Since he’s unable to pick me up from the airport, he hired a limo service to deliver me straight to the arena. Once I arrive, I’m handed off smoothly to Janet, his personal assistant, who escorts me backstage. She chats non-stop while we navigate our way through the busy hallways.
“Levi is excited you’re here,” she says to me. “If you need anything while in town, let me know. I’m here to take care of you.”
“I will,” I say, hurrying to keep up with her. “Where are we going?”
“Levi told me to bring you straight to him as soon as you arrive,” she says. “He’s on stage now, rehearsing with the band. You can watch from the side stage if you want.”
“Sure,” I say, nodding eagerly. I can’t wait to see Levi again. “I’d love to watch if it won’t disturb him.”
We reach a secure area, and she holds up a hand for me to stop walking. After speaking to the security guard standing by the stage and showing the name tag hanging around her neck, she turns to point at me.
The uniformed security guard glances at me then runs a finger down a list on a clipboard. Once we’re clear, he nods and waves us on by.
Janet pulls back the edge of a heavy curtain and beckons for me to step closer until we’re both standing at the rear corner of the stage. She smiles at me in encouragement and moves a couple of steps back so I can move forward for a better view.
Levi’s back is to me, and he doesn’t know I’m here.
He’s sitting on a stool in front of the microphone with his guitar slung over one shoulder. He’s softly playing the chords of a new song I don’t recognize. As usual, he’s dressed in one of his worn t-shirts and jeans along with his favorite pair of cowboy boots.
He turns toward his backup singer and spots me. Immediately, his face breaks out into a wide grin. He jumps off the stool and strides toward me.
“Levi!” His guitarist calls out to Levi’s back. “Where the hell are you going? We’re halfway through the song.”
“To see my girl,” Levi answers over his shoulder.
When he reaches me, he slings his guitar off and hands it
to Janet to hold. Wrapping his muscular arms around me, he picks me up off my feet and squeezes me tight in a big bear hug.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” he says, swinging me around. “God! I’m so glad to see you.” He buries his face in my neck. “You smell like sunshine and those yellow roses you love so much.”
“Put me down, Levi,” I say, laughing up at him. “You’re making me dizzy swinging me around.”
He reluctantly sets me back down on my feet, but doesn’t let me go. Instead he stares deep into my eyes, not caring who is watching.
“I missed you,” he says. “It feels like forever since we were together.”
Gazing up into his handsome face, I don’t know how I managed to make it this long without him. I cup his face with my hands on both sides, feeling the soft texture of his beard beneath my fingertips.
“Too long,” I say.
“I can’t wait to introduce you to my band. Come on over. They’re dying to meet you.”
He takes my hand and leads me first over to his guitarist, who grins up at me. “This is Maverick,” Levi says. “He’s my right-hand guy and the crazy one in the bunch.”
Maverick stands up to politely shake my hand. “Nice to meet you, Annie,” he says. “I’ve heard a lot about you. In fact, Levi never stops talking about you. I mean, never, ever.”
“All good, I hope,” I say, praying he hasn’t heard all the bad rumors about me that were spread in the magazines.
“Nothing but good,” he replies. “From what I hear, the sun rises and sets on you.”
Levi leads me to the drummer next and then on to the backup singers, taking time to introduce me by name to each one. He’s careful to treat his crew with respect. Their reciprocal love and respect for him is evident too.
They greet me warmly with big smiles all around. After I’ve met everyone sitting on the stage, Levi gives them a fifteen-minute break. When we’re completely alone, he leads me over to the stool in front of the microphone. Sitting down, he tugs me onto his lap.
“What are you doing?” I ask, wrapping my arms around his neck and feeling a bit silly.
He motions to the massive auditorium of empty seats in front of us. There are two levels. I can barely see the nosebleed seats in the rear on the upper deck.
“Take a good look,” he says. “In another couple of hours, every one of these seats will be filled with country music fans raring to have a loud, rowdy good time.”
“This place is huge,” I say, taking in both decks. “Do you ever get nervous when you see all this space? I’m overwhelmed just thinking about it.”
“Not anymore. The first few times, it was a little tough. I was scared to death that my voice would shake, or I’d sing out of tune. Or that my voice would be so weak that the people sitting way up there in the top section wouldn’t be able to hear me. These days performing comes to me as naturally as breathing once I step up on this stage. I’m comfortable here. This is my world.”
“You love music,” I say simply, running my hand up and down his muscular arm. Now that I’m here, I can’t stop touching him.
“Music isn’t all I love. I love you too,” he replies in a serious voice, drawing me closer and kissing me softly on the lips.
I draw back slightly and run my fingers through the hair grazing the edge of his collar. He’s let it grow longer since I last saw him.
“Levi, there’s something I want to say to you before tonight,” I begin. “I need to tell you something.”
He touches my lips with his fingertips to hush me.
“I know you want to talk, and we should. Can we wait until after the show? For once in my life, I want to perform in front of the girl who has been my inspiration for as long as I can remember. Will you let me do that? I’m asking you to give me this one thing. Talking can wait.”
I draw back slightly and gaze into his serious eyes. If he’s asking, it must be important to him.
“Of course I will. I’ve waited my whole life to see you up on a stage this big. There’s nothing I would enjoy more.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
“Where will I be sitting during the concert?” I ask. “Backstage?”
“Hell no! You’ll be right up front, sweetheart,” he says, pointing out a roped-off section in front of the stage. “Where I can sing every song straight to you.”
49
Levi
I wasn’t being honest when I told Annie I never get butterflies in my stomach when I’m up on stage. Tonight, I’m a nervous wreck.
All because my Annie will be in the crowd.
More than anything else, I want her to be proud of me. It doesn’t matter what the fans think or what the newspapers write. I’m only seeking one person’s approval tonight.
My show this evening will be the most important performance of my life.
Not because I’ll be doing something spectacular like singing at the Country Music Awards or doing the half-time show at the Super Bowl. My concert tonight isn’t about checking off an item on my music career bucket list.
What I’ll be doing will be much more meaningful and important.
I’ll be singing my heart out to Annie.
I’m praying that she’ll hear all the things I want to say through the lyrics of my songs. Lately I’ve sensed our future is hanging by a thread, and it’s up to me to turn things around fast.
If I can’t, we’re screwed.
And it will be nobody’s fault but my own.
“Would you stop pacing back and forth like a caged tiger?” Maverick says in irritation, glancing up from his guitar. “I’m trying to focus here. To get into my Zen groove before the show. Your hyperactivity is getting on my last nerve. Please, for everyone’s sake, take a deep breath and go do some yoga or a shot of whiskey.”
I abruptly stop walking and sit down beside him on the edge of the worn sofa in the backstage dressing room.
“Sorry,” I say. “I’m just anxious to get out there on stage. This is the first time Annie will see me in concert, and you know how keyed up I can be before a show. I’m restless and raring to go.”
Maverick raises his eyebrows at me. “Yeah, I know how you are before a concert. Right now, you’re all that times ten. Are you on speed or something?” He points to my leg. “What’s up with your leg bouncing up and down like a hyperactive jackrabbit? I’ve never seen you in this shape.” He lays a hand on my leg to stop the shaking. “Calm the fuck down and stop worrying. I promise you, Annie will love the show. You’re getting worked up for nothing.”
“I hope you’re right,” I say, jumping to my feet again, unable to sit still.
“For the love of God, Levi!” Maverick says in exasperation. “I can’t take this anymore. I’m leaving to hunt down a quiet corner somewhere. You’re driving me nuts. We’ve got a full crowd out there, so you need to bring your A-game out on stage. Snap out of it!” He grasps my shoulder in encouragement as he moves past me toward the door. “She loves you, man. Everything will be fine.”
“I sure as hell hope so,” I reply, wishing I could be as confident as he is.
50
Levi
“Gather around, folks! Hurry up!” I yell to the crew and motion with my hands for everyone to form a circle. They’re all standing around backstage waiting for my signal. “It’s time to say our prayer and hit the stage.”
The crew members move closer and huddle up around me. We join hands and bow our heads before I lead them in a quick prayer. We’ve been doing this before every performance since my first time on stage.
Once at the beginning of my career, Harry had the unbelievable gall to tell me the prayer might be inappropriate. I politely told him to kiss my ass, and that was the last time he mentioned it.
It’s a crazy world out there. If someone doesn’t like me praying for my band’s safety, then they can always leave and find another damn job.
“Amen!” we all say together when I’m finished praying. My assistant, Janet,
hands me my guitar and I sling it over one shoulder.
“Is Annie here?” I ask. “Is she happy and doing okay?”
Janet gives me a reassuring smile. “She’s sitting front row, just like you wanted. I took her back to your hotel room to freshen up and change clothes then brought her back about an hour ago. We have two of your security guys with her for crowd control in case someone decides to body surf their way onto the stage. Don’t worry, she’ll be fine. Good luck tonight!”
“Thank you, I’ll need it.”
Taking one last deep breath, I run out on stage. The crowd of ninety thousand fans jump to their feet, clapping wildly and cheering. It takes me a moment for my eyes to adjust to the blinding, bright lights shining straight down on me.
When my vision clears, I see the glow coming from tens of thousands of cellphones pointed straight at me like paper lanterns floating in a night sky.
My eyes go straight to the front row and I search for Annie.
And there she is.
The same as in my dreams.
She’s standing directly in front of my microphone in the center of the front row. Like most of the other women in the crowd, she’s decked out for the country music concert in cut-off blue jean shorts, a black low-cut frilly blouse, and leather cowboy boots that come up mid-calf.
The sight of her causes me to catch my breath. I can’t believe she’s here in the audience for the very first time.
I can’t tear my eyes from her.
She’s every bit as gorgeous as she was back in high school. Her skin is glowing from the golden tan of the Georgia sun and her long blonde hair is shining and free. On her wrist is a simple leather bracelet I gave her this summer before I went back to Nashville.
She’s excited and is already on her feet.
I walk over to the microphone and settle down on the simple wooden stool placed behind it. A hush settles over the crowd while they wait for me to begin the first song.