“Yup. You are officially lookin’ at a Sony Music Recording Artist!”
Jameson punched Thomas in the arm as the two left the airport. “So, how did you score the Starwood?” Jameson asked.
“I got this manager, a friend of Candy’s from the Halfway? And oh, man, we had ourselves a party there on Wednesday night. Just like the old days, Jameson. Ladies from wall to wall.”
It didn’t interest Jameson, but he was happy for Thomas. The man looked ten years younger. “So of course you did some sampling.”
“You bet I did. Is it my imagination, or are the women hotter these days? I mean, I was shown things I’ve never even seen in a flick, you know?”
Jameson was nodding, looking at the scenery buzzing by. All of it had been familiar to him at one time, but now it seemed lackluster. He was warming to the bright sun and blue skies in San Diego and to the greens and golds of Sonoma County. Nashville didn’t hold any magic for him now. And something else was different. He was actually nervous.
He remembered Thomas’ performance at his wedding and wanted to ask him the question that had been nagging him. “So you write more lines to that song we started? The one you played at our wedding.”
“As a matter of fact, I did. You’ll see.”
“You’re playing it tonight?”
“Indeed I am.”
This worried Jameson. Thomas should have obeyed the rules of respect between artists and asked him first. One thing to hear it at the wedding, but another to go playing it in front of five thousand people.
“Shouldn’t we have talked about this?”
“I thought you would have when you heard it.”
“I was a little busy trying to romance my bride.”
“We’ll have a little chat after tonight. We should talk about it. I agree.” He began to slow down, the theater coming into view. “So you got a couple songs you can sing, things you might want to peddle?”
“Maybe.”
“You wanna have a chair all by yourself, or do you want some backup? The band’s real first class. I was rehearsing with them yesterday afternoon, when I sobered up.”
“Careful on that, Thomas. You know you can go overboard.”
“Oh hell, Jameson, you don’t regret letting an older guy have a little fun? Who knows, maybe I can save up for a facelift or some tucks here and there.” He extended his chin and rubbed against it with the backs of his fingers. “I just can’t believe my luck.” Thomas kept glancing between the road and Jameson’s expression. “You all right now? I’m sure happy you came out here to help me launch.”
“I’m fine. I’m happily married, Thomas. That’s where my gold is. But I sure do love seeing you hit yours. You’ve worked a long time, played in a lot of places we don’t even want to talk about.”
“Ain’t that the truth? I guess it was worth it.”
“Just pace yourself. Don’t blow it being stupid. You want a long career, not an exceptionally bright and short one. Shooting star and all? Remember that talk you used to give me when things were starting to gel?”
“I still think if you hadn’t met those SEALs you’d have done well for yourself, Jameson. They’re looking for real legitimate songwriters, not just pretty boys to sit up there and croon. Heck, Willie and Waylon—they made more money as old guys than they did when they was young. I’m like a bottle of your fine wine, aged to perfection.”
Jameson chuckled. “More like stewed.”
“Hey! Don’t go doin’ that. No complaints. I paid for your ticket and your room, remember?”
He was right, Jameson thought. A tiny part of him was a bit jealous. When he compared his methodical habits, the work ethic he had about producing new music, keeping himself in shape and not drinking too much on the road—keeping it between the lines with the ladies as much as possible—he was nothing like his best friend sitting next to him in the truck. Those habits didn’t get him a record deal, but they did lead him on the path he was on right now. And that was the real one he wanted. It wasn’t just what he told himself. It was the truth.
“I apologize, Thomas. You’ll have to forgive me if the old green-eyed monster raises his ugly head from time to time. I’ll get over it as soon as I get home and Lizzie gives me that big kiss I’ve been promised.”
“No offense taken, Jameson. I know how it must feel. But to tell the truth, you did the right thing. Your little lady is the prettiest thing I’ve seen. Your daughter is precious. That’s not going to be part of my future. So I’m just kicking up hay while I can.”
“Fair enough.” The silence was good for them. Thomas had a way of relaxing him, the constant for so many years. He would have done anything for Jameson back before his decision to join the Navy. Jameson had left him out in the cold, on his own. If anyone should be sore, it should be him. But none of that needed to be expressed. It was just understood.
“So, we stop by for a little sound check first, then head over to the suites to get ready.”
“Suites?”
“I got you a nice place, Jameson. Big old jetted tub, king bed, with a view overlooking downtown Nashville. You open those windows and you’ll hear music all night long, if you want.”
“I’ll be sleeping, I’m sure. Been awhile since I’ve been up on stage, for even two songs. And that’s all I’m planning on playing, if it’s okay with you.”
“Fine by me. You want to open?”
“You mean open the opener?”
Thomas laughed. “That’s it. I’ll wander on stage at the end of your second song—which one are you singing?”
“She’s Got My Eyes.”
“Oh, that’s a beauty. You’ll have all the ladies in a stampede.”
“That’s not what I’m here for. How many times do I have to say it, Thomas?” Jameson’s irritation was dampening his mood. “Quit putting that action in my night. I’m not doing anything like that.”
“Oh hell, I was just joking. I know that. I’ll stop teasing you now that I see you’re sensitive about that.”
Jameson didn’t like that Lizzie had to trust him. Was he afraid he’d slip back into his old ways? He didn’t think so, but he wasn’t looking forward to appearing that he did. He wished he didn’t have to perform and look available when he wasn’t. But it was part of how he had to play the game. Give them the fantasy.
“Not sensitive, my friend. Just damn careful. I’m like a teenager with his first car. Been doing nothing but being an old married man and father. But I’m not perfect, and damn, I still like to look.”
“I’ll just bet you do.”
They parked outside a side entrance to the ampitheater. The open-air venue looked like a football stadium in the daytime. At night with all the lights and screaming fans, it would feel smaller. Of course, maybe there wouldn’t be any screaming fans for him. That was his job, to help warm them up.
He followed Thomas through the door, avoiding some young skinny music movers who were hauling in equipment. The hair color and piercings, along with full sleeves of tats told him everything he needed to know about the young star from Calgary. Jameson also knew the crowd would be young, not his usual fans. He was suddenly relieved by that.
“I gotta warn you. They don’t drink. But man, do they smoke weed. They won’t mind if we have a bottle of Jack on the stage, either.
The stage looked like a movie set from a Roman gladiator movie. Huge white imitation stone columns stood in a cluster, one positioned to look like a ruin and was broken, on its side. Large sheets of shiny fabric blew in the wind in deep golds and blue colors. One of the band members was playing with a smoke machine until another handler complained he couldn’t see the hookups he was in charge of getting right.
The band would be on a sloping dais. A brass-colored plate hung from the ceiling at the back, behind where the band would sit. On it were carved the initials SB.
“I don’t get the columns and crap, Thomas. What’s the message here?”
“I don’t know. I remember the da
ys when we had bales of hay and scarecrows—beats me. But the ladies love it. Dramatic. I guess he likes to be Emperor, not king.”
“He an okay guy?”
“Well judge for yourself.” Thomas shook the hand of a skinny boy nearly ten years younger than Jameson was, wearing heavy eye makeup, in tight golden brown pants, silk slippers that curled up in the front and a flowered robe hanging open against his hairless white chest. He wore several earrings on one side, his hair stiff and tufted with gel at all angles.
“Sonny, I’d like you to meet Jameson Daniels, the finest songwriter there is.”
“Thomas here says you got some songs for me to buy. I can’t wait to hear them, man.”
Jameson broke the handshake, hoping he wasn’t looking too obviously angry, but his insides flew into a boil. He wanted to strangle Thomas, hang him by his testicles by one of the light standards.
Sonny left, along with his entourage of other young men, also wearing eye makeup.
“He’s just a kid, Jameson. I brought you out here to play for your producer and a couple other people, not for this punk.”
Chapter 13
‡
On the way home, Lizzie took Charlotte to her favorite pancake house. The morning was still young. They took their time. She didn’t want to go home to the empty house just yet. She needed a bit of space to experience the fact that Jameson was gone, not permanently, but her Friday night would be alone with Charlotte, just like all the old days when it was just the two of them. It would be so again tonight. She was used to it, but that didn’t stop her from feeling sad.
They visited a children’s clothing store, and she bought Charlotte a cute flowered dress with matching watermelon hat. Both were on sale. Spending money made her feel good, but it was an extravagance they couldn’t do very often. Seeing how much her daughter loved the dress and especially the hat brightened her day.
On the way back, she decided to stop by Kyle and Christy’s house to ask about what to bring for the farewell beach party. As she was turning off the car, she got the text she’d been hoping for. Jameson had touched down in Nashville.
Sounds of kids screaming in the background gave her second thoughts. But she’d already decided she needed the support of the wife of her husband’s platoon leader. In a way, she was following orders that had been handed down. This was what you did when you were missing your man. You found someone else who had been through it before, and you’d talk.
She rang the doorbell and the kid’s voices quieted, but Christy was shouting orders.
When the door opened, Lizzie remarked how put together Christy looked, even watching children. She was dressed in a suit and high heels, her blonde hair done up in a twisted roll fastened with a jewel-studded comb.
“Lizzie! And Charlotte!” She stepped onto the porch and gave her a big hug, then bent down and gave one to Charlotte too. Before following her two guests inside, Christy checked the street. “The damned sitter is late again.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Listen, I won’t be long. Just stopped by to let you know I put Jameson on the plane this morning. He’s already arrived in Nashville.”
Christy stared into her like she could see all the way through. “How you holding up?”
“I’m fine.”
“That’s a naughty word around here. Fine means you’re lying.” Christy grabbed her in another hug. “Oh sweetie. It gets better. But for your very first deployment, you should be with your man. I didn’t approve of Kyle’s decision.”
The beautiful Realtor had her hands on her hips. A tall light brown-haired boy with a missing front tooth and freckles appeared to her side. “Mom. They want to do the Slip-N-Slide. Can I set it up?”
“No, Brandon, not until Cassie comes.” Christy opened the door and checked again. “She’s usually on time.” Then she focused on the kids. Brandon appeared to be the oldest. The middle child was a girl wearing a cotton skirt over a bathing suit and hot pink dress-up high heels. She looked to be about Charlotte’s age, between three and four. “Brandon, this is Courtney. She’s Jameson’s daughter. You remember? Daddy’s friend who plays the guitar?”
“Yea. He said he’d teach me.”
“That sounds like Jameson.” Lizzie watched as the two girls walked toward each other.
“Isn’t that funny how that happens? It’s like the kids know they’re special.”
The girls introduced themselves without the adults. “I better get her before she doesn’t want to come home.”
“Let her stay and play for awhile. No harm.” She checked slim diamond watch, turning her wrist over to read the dial on the underside, just like some of the guys did when they wore unnecessary timepieces. “Guess I better give her a call.”
Just then they heard a car pull up.
“Oh good. She’s here.” Christy opened the door. “I was beginning to wonder, Cassie.”
“I’m so sorry Mrs. Lansdowne. I got a late start this morning. We just moved into our apartment last month and I still can’t find everything.”
“No worries.” Christy gave the young woman a hug as well. “This is Lizzie, married to one of our Team guys. That little cutie over there is Charlotte, their daughter.”
“Oh she’s an angel.”
“A very precocious angel.”
“I love kids like that. Keeps you on your toes, though. Will she be staying?”
Christy said yes, as Lizzie said no.
Christy added, “I told her to let her stay for awhile. You can see she’s good for Stephie. Look how they’re playing already.”
“I should go. Christy, I think I’m holding you up.”
“Nonsense. Don’t be silly.” Then she addressed Cassie, “Could you watch them for a bit while I have a quick chat with Lizzie?”
“Sure, no problem, Mrs. Lansdowne.” She herded them away from the living room, down the hallway. “Let’s go into Stephie’s room.”
They both heard Brandon say, “I’m not playing with dolls. Luke and I—” his stubborn little boy voice was shut behind a closed door.
“Come on. Sit.” Christy took her hand and sat next to her on the sofa. “So let’s talk about this fine thing.”
“It’s okay, Christy. I’m still learning the ropes though I’ve been down here a few months.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. Takes awhile. But then you’ll be good to go, and you’ll be helping some of the newer wives cope with their new lives. It isn’t for everyone.”
“Oh, I’m not complaining. Really. We’ve been separated before, but it’s just—” Despite her efforts, tears started trickling down her cheeks.
“That damned husband of mine doesn’t have a clue sometimes when he’s dealing with men and their wives. I give him a hard time all the time. He’s like a kid. He never should have allowed Jameson to go out there without you.”
“Well, that’s part of the thing, we really can’t afford it. If Thomas—that’s Jameson’s best friend—if Thomas hadn’t sent him the ticket, we wouldn’t have been able to do it. I think that’s the main reason he said no.”
“Hmmm. Would you go if I could get you a ticket?”
“No, Christy, you don’t have to do that.”
Christy’s smile was broad and patient. “I know I don’t have to do that, but that’s not the question I asked you. If I got you a free ticket, would you take it?”
“You mean join him in Nashville?”
“Yes, silly. What did you think I meant?”
“Well, I really don’t want to take Charlotte, and—”
“You can leave her here with me. First, let me see if I can get a ticket. That’s the first thing.”
Christy hit a button on her cell phone and spoke with someone who gave her another number to call. “Hi Rogena. I’m Kyle Lansdowne’s wife, Christy.” She nodded to the room. “Yes, I enjoyed that too. Thank you so much. Listen, I know that in some cases you can get discounted tickets for emergency leave for our boys—” She listened again and looked down at L
izzie seated on the couch. “Well it is. You see, one of our new guys has to fly back to Nashville—it’s a family thing.” Christy scrunched up her nose at the lie she’d just told. “And these guys are due to deploy next Wednesday. They’re newly married, and this is their last weekend together. She didn’t go with him because his ticket was provided, but hers was not, and, well you know how they are, just starting out.”
She held her fingers crossed, pursed her lips and closed her eyes. When her eyes flew open and Christy broke into a big smile, Lizzie knew she had scored the tickets.
“Oh my god! Are you sure? What luck. They’re leaving today? Oh, thank you! Do I call them? How do I get these to her?”
Christy nodded her head, her right hand flying through the air. At last she started dancing, her gold Trident bouncing on her chest.
“Good. I’ll check my email in five minutes then. You sure there’s space?” After confirmation, she hung up. Lizzie stood up and the two women embraced again. “There’s some kind of a celebration in Nashville and we had six guys going from Coronado to speak to the crowd. One of them has a wife in labor and can’t go. You’re in, Lizzie!”
“So when is it?”
She checked her cell phone. “Oh my God. You’ll have to hurry. The flight leaves in three hours.”
Lizzie did the math. If she got back on the freeway, she could just make it, and the early afternoon commuter traffic wouldn’t start for another two hours. “Okay. If I leave Charlotte here—”
“Done! I’ll just put her in Stephie’s clothes. Anything at your house you need me to handle for you while you’re gone?”
“Well, I am coming right back, right?”
“I didn’t even ask. Don’t worry about that. I’m sure you could take an earlier flight on Sunday, maybe try to get the same one he’s on.”
“You sure they’ll accept a name change?”
“We do it all the time, switch guys around. They’re used to us here. Southwest is very military friendly.”
“Okay, then. Should I call Jameson?” Lizzie’s nerves were frazzled. She was picking herself emotionally off the floor, coming from a slightly depressed state to now avid anticipation. She couldn’t believe her good luck.
Nashville SEAL: Jameson: Nashville SEALs Page 9