by LuAnn McLane
“Thanks.”
“As you also know, we released the single as Cat Carson and Jeff Greenfield, but as we discussed we’re prepared to make you two a duo as Sweet Harmony. Simply put, this can be a onetime release or even an occasional collaboration between you two, and you keep your separate careers … or we make Sweet Harmony official.”
“What are your thoughts?”
“I think you know, but I’ll say it again.” Rick leaned forward and pressed his fingertips together. “You are both great artists on your own, but you two have the potential for something really special together. We spotted that from the beginning and nothing has changed. Not to mention, this industry is ready for a hot male-and-female duo right now. The timing is right, Jeff, and that doesn’t always happen. This isn’t just about talent. You’re in the right place at the right time.”
“But South Street Riot is divided. It could break the band up if I do this.” Jeff felt so torn that it had been keeping him up at night.
“It shouldn’t break you up, but I understand strong personalities and ego all too well.”
“I can’t really blame them,” Jeff said. “I brought these guys back together with a definite plan in mind. And you know that Christy has interest from Shane McCray for us to open for him, but as Jeff Greenfield and South Street Riot, not Sweet Harmony. Rick, it’s our dream and the goal we’ve been working toward. Shane McCray has been my idol all my life. How can I turn my back on that, especially with this being his farewell tour? But you know all of this already.”
Rick scrubbed a hand down his face. “Yeah, I do. That’s why we’re having this conversation.” He paused and said, “And it’s no secret that you and Cat are seeing each other.”
“It’s not.”
“I’m just going to ask point-blank because we’re family around here. Are you in love with her?”
“Yes, I am.” Jeff no longer felt the need to hide it.
“That raises additional complications. I don’t mean to be a Debbie Downer, but if things happen to, well, go south, it can really get dicey trying to work together, especially on the road. I’ve seen it happen.”
“No doubt.” Jeff couldn’t even fathom ending his relationship with Cat, but the cold, hard reality was that it could happen.
“I guess you have to weigh your options and think about how much of a risk you’re willing to take. Individual careers are the safe way to proceed. And maybe a collaboration here and there. But you don’t seem like a play-it-safe kind of guy.”
“You’re right, and I have the scars to prove it.”
“And would you take the chances all over again?”
“That’s how country boys roll,” Jeff admitted. “But this is different.”
Rick shrugged. “In some ways. With big risks come big rewards.”
“So have you talked to Cat about this?”
“Yes.”
“So, can I ask what Cat’s answer to this is? I mean, when we first met we discussed how we both wanted control of our careers. This opportunity was so unexpected.”
“Honestly, that’s how this industry works. Sudden opportunities. A door opens. Rascal Flatts is an example. Jay and Gary are from Columbus, Ohio, and by chance they met up with Joe Don from Picher, Oklahoma, while playing a gig at a club in Printer’s Alley in Nashville. They immediately knew they had something special and the rest, as they say, is history. Of course, song choice certainly helped. Tyler Hubbard and Bryan Kelley of Florida Georgia Line met through mutual friends while attending college in Nashville. They skyrocketed to stardom with the crossover hit ‘Cruise.’ That song is the bestselling digital country single ever. Those guys simply exploded onto the scene. I think you and Cat have the same kind of potential because you have old-school appeal but with a fresh, young twist. And you have chemistry.”
“It would really help to know how Cat feels so I know what to expect when I approach her with this decision. We really haven’t talked about it all that much. I suppose we should have but I guess we were afraid that it might come between us and so we pretty much tabled it for the time being. But I guess we always knew that time would run out. While I know it’s mutually beneficial, like you said, if it’s not what we ultimately want, it could destroy us in more ways than one. Can you give me a hint?”
Rick shook his head. “It might not seem fair not to answer about Cat’s reaction, but I want you to be honest with yourself. And I also want you to be selfish right now. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but this is about what you want, Jeff, not what your band members want or even what Cat wants.”
“I don’t know how I can separate those considerations. I care about my band, my friends. And I love Cat.”
“Well, you know my story. I made the decision to do what everybody wanted me to do years ago and it was flat-out wrong. The old saying goes that if you try to please everybody, you’ll please nobody. Please yourself. Go with your heart and your gut.”
“Yeah, but the problem is that my heart and gut are conflicted. That’s why I resisted getting involved with Cat to begin with. I mean, I’ll just be honest.”
Rick stood up and walked over to the window. He gazed at the view for a moment and then turned around. “Then I’ll be honest too. I don’t think your heart and gut are conflicted, because the two are connected. I think you’re feeling guilty that this is tearing your band apart.”
“Rick, we’ve been friends all my life. We started South Street Riot back in high school. They’re like brothers to me.”
“I get that. But I want to be clear. This isn’t about money or fame either. Trust me, neither of those things will make you happy. You don’t want to play a role in your life and look back and wonder who in the hell that person even was. My choices ruined my marriage and nearly destroyed my relationship with my son. And the cold, hard fact is that you can’t go back and get what’s already gone.”
“You’re not making this easy.” Jeff really wanted that shot of bourbon.
“Because it isn’t easy. And unfortunately I can’t make you any promises or give you any guarantees, no matter what road you choose. But you have to give me an answer.”
Jeff closed his eyes for a moment and then rubbed his damp hands on his jeans. “You also have to know that this will affect my relationship with Cat, no matter what I decide.”
“Yes.” Rick chewed on the inside of his bottom lip and then said, “You know, people envy those of us who are in the arts because we get to do what we love for a living. And they would be right. But the downside is that, because it’s a passion, part of who we are, it’s never gone from our brain. There isn’t any real downtime. To do something that’s all-consuming, you have to love it. If not, you should run like hell.”
“My parents are like that with farming. They could have sold out to a big corporation or sold the land to a developer and not had to work another day in their lives, but farming is in their blood.”
“It’s not easy to love something so much,” Rick said. “Or someone …” He paused to look out the window again. “Look, take the rest of the day to make a decision.”
“What should be the defining factor? If I knew what Cat thought about all this, it would be easier. I mean, what if I decide to go for Sweet Harmony and she’s not on board? Can’t you give me some direction? A hint?”
“Sorry, Jeff, but this is all you. Hey, if you want to talk to her about it, go ahead. But know what you want first. Then talk to Cat and your band.”
Jeff stood up and then shoved his fingers through his hair. “Well, this is clear as mud.”
“I think it’s clearer than you know right about now.”
“Care to elaborate?”
“Well, I built this recording studio in Cricket Creek because I fell in love with Maggie McMillan.”
“And Noah built the baseball stadium. Mitch Monroe built Wedding Row for Nicolina. You guys are a hard act to follow.”
“When you love somebody with all your heart, you’ll move mountains
to be with them.”
“Or hike up a mountain to save her,” Jeff said.
“Cat?”
“She finds herself in crazy situations on a regular basis,” he said with a soft chuckle.
“Let me guess … and you like coming to her rescue? Don’t even try to deny it. It’s written all over your face.”
“I’ve been getting that a lot lately.”
“Because you’re in love. It’s pretty damned hard to hide.”
“Yeah, I like coming to Cat’s rescue.” Jeff walked over to gaze out the window with Rick. He grinned when he spotted Maggie sitting on a bench reading a book. “Ah, so that’s the scenery you’ve been looking at?”
“I’m lucky to have Maggie by my side. It sure took me a long-ass time to get it right. And now that I have my son Garret back in my life, everything else is just gravy.”
Jeff looked at Rick. “I haven’t seen Garret in a while.”
“He’s in Nashville scouting for talent.”
“Pretty cool job, making someone’s dream come true. I remember singing for tips and wondering how I was going to pay the rent. But there was something fun about playing to small crowds and just having a blast without all of the pressure.”
“Yeah, I agree. Some of my fondest memories were just playing for friends.” He sighed. “Once you have to go on the road it’s hard to keep the magic. When all of the business crap gets in the way and you wake up not sure what city you’re in, remember the joy your music brings to people and you’ll never get burned out. I can’t imagine a day without music and neither can most people. Remember that, okay?” He clamped a hand on Jeff’s shoulder. “And I’m always around for you to bend my ear, day or night.”
“Thanks, Rick.” He reached over and shook his hand.
“Now you’ve got some thinking to do.”
“I’ll get back to you later.”
“Fair enough.”
After Jeff left the studio he thought about heading to his cabin but ended up sitting on the front porch of his parents’ farmhouse. He thought of Miranda Lambert’s song “The House That Built Me,” and realized it was so true. No matter how lost or confused he was, sitting on this front porch somehow cleared his head and brought him answers.
Jeff sat down on the swing and moved slowly back and forth, waiting for a sense of peace to settle over his jumbled emotions. He looked out over the front yard and smiled at the big oak tree that he’d climbed as a kid. The tire swing was still there waiting for the grandchildren to get big enough to use. He inhaled a deep breath of air filled with his mother’s flowers mixed with the rich, deep scent of turned-up earth.
When he heard the screen door creak open, Jeff looked up and smiled at his mother.
“Well, I heard a truck pull up, but I didn’t expect to see you, Jeffrey.” She wiped her hands on her apron stained with something red. “I was in the middle of making some strawberry freezer jam.”
Jeff stood up and gave his mother a kiss. “Don’t let me leave without some of Susan Greenfield’s legendary jam.”
“I won’t. I’m glad to see you, but you looked troubled. Everything okay?” She sat down in the white wicker rocker and looked at him expectantly.
“I’ve just got some career decisions to make.”
“Ah, can’t help you there.” She smiled. “But I can tell you that we’re all so very proud of you, Jeffrey.”
“Thank you, Mom.”
“Ah, sweetie. I wish we had encouraged you sooner.”
Jeff shook his head. “No, I’m glad that I stayed and worked the farm when you needed me most. Don’t give that another thought.” He moved his arm in an arc. “I was just thinking that my family, this farm, made me who I am. I don’t have any regrets and I don’t want you to either.”
Her eyes filled with tears and since he mother rarely cried Jeff felt the impact of her emotion. “Thank you for that. Your father and I have felt a sense of guilt for a while.”
“Well, then look at it this way. Because I waited, I ended up with My Way Records right here in Cricket Creek. So see? Everything worked out for the best.”
She sniffed and then shot him a bright smile. “And you met Cat Carson. You’re bringing her to Sunday dinner, right? I think I’ll make a nice pot roast.”
“Yes,” Jeff replied. “And she’s a little bit nervous.”
“What? Of us?”
Jeff swung back and forth. “Cat and I are from way different backgrounds. She’s an only child. A bit sheltered, I think.”
His mother shrugged. “Pfft. We’re all just people.” She played with the hem of her apron and then said, “I’m guessing that this visit has a lot to do with whether you team up with Cat or stay a front man with South Street Riot. And you’re trying to understand how loving her fits into the equation.”
“Wow … you just nailed it.”
“It wasn’t all that hard to figure out.”
“How do you know I’m in love?” Jeff asked and then raised his palms. “Wait. Are you going to tell me it’s written all over my face?” He really had to do something about that face-reading thing.
“No, Sara told me. She and Reid might be twins, but I think she understands you more than anybody does. And of course nobody understands Braden.”
“Have he and Ronnie been butting heads again?”
“Braden says she spends too much time working at her candy store. The girl is trying to build a business! He can be so hardheaded sometimes. If he’s not careful, he’s gonna lose her and she’s a keeper as far as I can tell.”
“Braden just needs to grow up a little bit. He’s the baby, Mom. We all spoiled him.”
“True. But hey, we were talking about you. Have you made a decision?”
“No. So what do I do, Mom?” He looked across the yard and over to the barn. “I have so many what-ifs running through my brain it isn’t even funny.”
“Sorry, but you get the worry gene from me. Your father is a more go-with-the-flow kind of guy.”
“That’s why you complement each other.”
“Ah, and why we butt heads. Relationships aren’t easy. Love isn’t easy. Life isn’t easy, for that matter.” Susan lifted her palms upward. “And farming sure as shootin’ isn’t easy.”
“I won’t argue.”
“You boys never did argue with me. Ah, but Sara argued enough for the rest of you put together.”
“So do you have any motherly advice?”
“Of course I do.” She reached over and patted his knee. “Make the choice that means the most to you.”
Jeff blinked at his mother. “Say that again.”
Susan smiled. “Make the choice that means the most to you. Not the easy one.” She tapped her chest. “The one that touches you right here.”
“So it’s that simple?” It sure didn’t feel like it.
“You have to consider everything very carefully. But in the end, yes. Yes, it is.” She brushed at another rare tear. “Your father and I were faced with some tough decisions about this farm. We could have sold it, Jeff, and we could be sitting in Florida basking in the sunshine fishing and playing shuffleboard. That was the easy choice.”
“I know.”
“But now we have Old MacDonald’s, where Sara and your father get to teach children about the importance of respecting the land. And Sara has the beautiful barn weddings, which are such a blessing for this town.” She pointed to the tire swing. “And soon I’ll have grandbabies big enough to play in the yard. This old farmhouse might be a money pit but I simply love it.” She put a hand to her chest and closed her eyes. “And I’m so glad that we held on to it all. It wasn’t the easy choice, but it was the one that meant the most to us.”
“So if I choose what means the most to me, the rest will fall into place?”
Susan shook her head. “No, sorry. It’s not nearly that pain-free. Once you make your choice you have to work at it, fight for it, and put everything in its place, Jeffrey. The key to a fulfilling life is waki
ng up every day with a sense of purpose. A goal.” She waited to let him digest her comment. “So, what is your goal with this singing career? Is it making money? Having a number one song?”
“Well, that’s high up there on the list,” Jeff said, but he knew full well where his mother was going with this.
“When I watched you and Cat sing at Sully’s, I looked around the room and saw the joy on the faces of the audience. Everyone was having such a good time. And you have the ability to do that for people. It reminded me of when you’d get your guitar and sit here on the porch and play for us and your friends after a hard day’s work.”
“I was just talking to Rick Ruleman about how I loved those good ol’ days.”
“You’re too young to have good ol’ days,” she scoffed, but then her eyes misted over. “Oh, I do miss those days, though. Sometimes it seems like it was just yesterday when you were in diapers. And you used to like to chase bees, you silly thing.”
“I always did like to flirt with danger.”
“And now you flirt with Cat Carson.”
Jeff chuckled. “Like I said, I like to flirt with danger.”
“Cat doesn’t seem dangerous.”
“No, but she likes to get into dangerous situations.” As Jeff recounted Cat’s failed attempt to break into her cabin, his mother was in stitches.
“Oh my. Well, never a dull moment with that one. She reminds me a little bit of Sara.”
“You’re right.”
“I usually am. Just ask your father.”
Jeff laughed. “I’m so glad I stopped by. I knew you would help.”
“I miss you, sweetie. Like I said, time has just flown by, it seems. I woke up one day and you were all adults.” She raised her hands skyward. “How does that even happen?”
“Time flies when you’re having fun.”
Susan grinned. “More like time flies when you work your tail off. But music … songwriting and singing? It’s a gift you have. Use it wisely.” She tipped her head to the side. “I don’t know where you got it, though. Neither your father nor I can carry a tune in a bucket.”