by Lori L. Otto
I rip the headphones off my ears, giving her my attention.
“Hi,” she says to me again.
“Hi.”
“I couldn’t help but notice earlier. You’re a musician?”
“Yeah, I’m into music,” I tell her vaguely.
“Are you from New York?”
“Yeah. I’m in Queens.”
“Brooklyn,” she says.
“We’re practically neighbors,” I joke with her, and she laughs.
“Listen, I’d love to hear you play sometime.”
I nod my head, unsure what to say next. “I’m just… you know, I play casually.”
“That’s awesome,” she responds, handing me an airline-branded napkin with writing on in. “I’d really like to hear you.”
“Cool. Yeah, I’ll call you…” I glance down at the napkin. “Julia. My name’s Will.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Will.” She tucks her hair behind her ear and waves with two fingers, returning to her seat.
I stare after her, stunned. Is it the guitar?
“She’s too old for you,” the lady next to me says, her voice husky and reproachful.
“I mean,” I say to her, “she came on to me, so…” I shrug my shoulders, putting my headphones back on and grinning wildly as I return to my book. I can’t concentrate on anything I’m reading now.
Julia doesn’t wait for me as she gets off the plane, which is a good thing, because the old woman next to me takes her time getting out, which I think is her way of cock-blocking me. I wasn’t going to act on anything, anyway, and think it’s funny that this lady thinks she can influence me in such a way.
I grab my guitar and start to head to baggage claim, walking with my shoulders back and noticing other girls watching me as I walk by. I love this fucking guitar. I loved it when I first saw it. I loved it more when I first strummed it. But this is going to be the thing that changes my luck. That changes my life. I know it. I fucking love it.
As I ride down the escalator, I see Julia on the level above, leaning over the railing and watching me. We smile at one another just before I see a few people I recognize out of the corner of my eye. Two young boys hold a sign that says ROSSER, and Jack Holland, dressed nicely in a suit, as always, stands behind them. I look up at Julia one last time, but she’s gone.
“Max!”
“Is that a guitar?” he asks me.
“Yeah, it is. Come give me a hug.” He barely puts his arm on me, instead reaching out for the instrument case.
“Can I carry it?”
“No,” I tell him directly.
“Welcome back, Will,” Jack says, his tone even.
“Thanks. You didn’t have to pick me up. I was going to take the train.”
“Your mother asked me to. I didn’t know you played the guitar,” he says.
“I’m going to teach myself.”
“Very ambitious,” he says. “Do you have any more luggage?”
“Yeah, a duffel bag.” We walk over to the carousel and wait, Jack and I both watching the muted news channel on the television while Max and Trey talk about people as they pass by.
“Hey, Max, are you ready to be home?”
“Yeah.”
“You ate dinner, I guess?”
“We fed him,” Jack answers. “We kept some aside for you.”
“Oh, I’ll just eat something at home. Thanks, though.”
“You may get hungry before then. We’re taking you back to the house for awhile until your mom gets home.”
“Where is she anyway?”
“A meeting.”
“AA?”
“She didn’t say,” he answers. “And I didn’t ask.”
“Can’t you just drop me off? It’s not that far. I can watch Max.”
“I cannot.”
I stare at him for a few seconds until I see my red duffel coming toward me. I grab it, then press him for more information. “Why not?”
“Your mother asked me to take you to my house.”
“Is something wrong with her?” I ask, suddenly drawing my own conclusions. “What’d she do? Is she in trouble again? Is she drinking again?”
“Shhh…” he says, trying to calm me. “No, Will.” He directs his attention to my brother and Trey. “Boys, let’s go.” He puts his hand on his son’s back and starts guiding him out of the airport. I keep pace with him.
“What is it?”
“You’re apparently grounded, okay?” he says so only I can hear.
“What?” I ask him, pissed off.
He glares at me out of the corner of his eye and doesn’t say anything until we get to his car. He helps Max and Trey into the backseat while I load my things into the trunk. He stops me before getting into the car while all the doors are shut.
“Something about you sneaking out of your aunt’s house, stealing her car and getting drunk?” Jack’s visibly angry.
“Hold it,” I say loudly, putting my hand on Jack’s bicep, then thinking better of myself and removing it. “I didn’t get drunk. I don’t drink. My mom’s the drunk, Jack. Don’t you think I’ve seen enough to know how that shit ruins peoples’ lives?”
He doesn’t say anything.
“I swear, I didn’t drink anything.”
“She mentioned your aunt said you were hungover this morning.”
“I was sick. Sick and hungover are two entirely different things, alright?”
I can tell he believes me. Jon always has said he’s a fair man. “You’re right. I guess an assumption was made. Those things typically go hand-in-hand with delinquency. You haven’t denied the other things.”
“Delinquency,” I laugh, rolling my eyes. He opens the passenger door for me and shuts it after I get in. Once he assumes his seat behind the wheel, I continue softly while the boys talk in the backseat. “Technically, I didn’t steal the car. I borrowed it. I brought it back.”
“Yeah, well regardless, Will, those stunts get you grounded.”
“Great,” I say. “It would have been nice for Aunt Patty to warn me, but why should I expect any sort of honesty or transparency from a woman?” I mumble to myself.
“What was that?” Jack asks.
“Nothing,” I tell him. “Nothing worth wasting another ounce of energy on.”
As he drives off, I reach into my pocket and remove the napkin, ripping it to shreds. I need some time away from all women right now, but something tells me that when I’m ready, it’s not going to be hard to get what I want.
“Crossroads” Epilogue - 10 Months Later
The blue spotlight makes the white laces on my Vans glow. I focus on them, mesmerized for a few seconds, while I play, listening to Damon sing. His voice was made to sing this song, and I’m happy he asked me to accompany him in the school talent show. It’s the first time I’ve ever played in public. I thought I’d be much more nervous, but taking a back seat to him was a good choice since most of the attention’s on his singing.
I glance up to the second row where Jon and Irene sit. My older brother’s the only person outside of school I invited to the show, and Jon looks stunned. It’s the perfect expression from him, and it makes me smile. Irene is grinning from ear-to-ear and waves at me. I nod, hoping the motion is subtle enough to not distract from Damon, but prominent enough that Irene knows I was acknowledging her.
The popular song’s not an easy one to play–not for most people, anyway–but my fingers memorized their routine after practicing only a handful of times, and started to make the rhythm their own with weeks of thoughtful rehearsals. When I finished with the brief guitar solo, people were cheering and hollering from the audience. I laughed a little at the reaction.
None of my playing requires any thought, though. It all comes natural for me; as naturally as breathing. I can’t explain it to most people. Irene’s the only one who’s ever understood that. She understands because she plays the violin in the same way.
The crowd starts to clap before the final strums
of my guitar, obviously very pleased with Damon’s superior crooning skills. He’s the best singer in the school, no doubt. I set my guitar on the stand and clap for him, as well. I have respect for him as a fellow musician, and we’ve become friends over the past few months.
He backs away from the microphone stand, but still holds the mic. “How about a round of applause for Will Rosser!”
The entire auditorium stands up, yelling. Damon encourages them to continue, laughing and enjoying their enthusiasm. “Can you believe it? Seventeen, and he hasn’t even been playing for a year.”
I shake my head, embarrassed, then motion toward Damon, trying to get the focus back on him. He is, after all, the contender in this talent contest, not me. I say thank you a few times, and once more when my friend hands me the microphone. We shake hands and exit the stage together, giving the mic over to the band director. Since we were the last act, I hear him announce a break as they tabulate the scores.
“That was incredible!” Damon says backstage. “Wow. That’s the best we’ve ever played it.”
“You’re gonna win, Damon!” Paige, one of our classmates, says to him.
“Will, that was awesome!” another girl says.
Before I know it, a crowd of girls has formed around us as I put my guitar away and Damon downs an entire liter of water. We glance at one another, a little impressed by our new-found fans.
A very attractive blonde girl who was in the dance act before us puts her hand on my forearm, the muscle still tensed from playing. She hasn’t changed out of her tight leotard and tiny skirt, and the fringe sways freely every time she moves even the slightest bit. My eyes are all over her.
“You were so good out there,” she says.
“Stacia, isn’t it?” I’ve never spoken to her, and I haven’t had a single class with her, but I know who she is, without a doubt. She’s one of the most popular girls in school who comes with a little bit of a reputation. At my new school, I’ve managed to fit in with just about every group. I get along with everyone, but I haven’t really gotten very close to anyone, except Irene… and that’s just because of the music. I really prefer to be alone, focusing on science and my guitar.
“Yeah,” she answers with a laugh.
“Will Rosser.”
“I know who you are, silly,” she says, leaning into me. “I just never knew what you could do.”
I raise my eyebrows, and she does the same. She starts to chew on a piece of gum, drawing my focus to her lips. “Can you stay here for just a few minutes? Just hold that thought.”
“Of course.” She nods as I squeeze her hand, walking past her down the stairs to the auditorium. Jon and Irene approach me at the side of their row. My brother still looks like he’s in shock.
“Congratulations, Will.” He shakes my hand.
“Oh, I wasn’t entered. That was all for Damon,” I say, brushing off his accolades.
“No, I think that applause was for you.” Irene nods excitedly. “I’m pretty sure Damon’s got this in the bag, but I don’t think he’s going to win that prize fair and square. Seems like he had a ringer.”
I laugh. “Nah.”
The band director breaks in to announce the winner. Damon takes the stage to claim his prize as the crowd cheers for him again. He looks for me in the audience, points me out, and more applause rings through the room as I wave in the spotlight that’s now pointed on me. A few people stop by to congratulate me.
Jon waits for the noise to die down to continue. “I’m serious. You taught yourself to play like that?” he asks.
I shrug. “Yeah. What?”
“That’s incredible. I’m… I’m a little in awe right now, is what I am. You sure physics is what you want to do with your life? Because I think you could have a future in music, too.”
“Music’s just a hobby. Music quiets my brain. Right, Irene?” She understands.
“Exactly.” I give her a sideways hug.
“Did you know he could play like that?” he asks her, having only met her just before the show.
“Yeah,” she answers. “He interrupts my private lessons all the time.”
“She practices at school.”
“My instructor thinks he’s awesome.”
“She’s a classical violinist.”
“He wants to give him lessons, but Will really doesn’t need them.”
“She plays for the city’s junior symphony. She’s very accomplished.”
“Will and I play duets.”
“They’re kind of strange.”
“But they’re us.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “They’re us.”
“Listen,” Jon interrupts our banter, “why don’t I take you two out for dessert to celebrate this victory that you claim isn’t yours? Anything you want. My treat. Irene?”
“Sounds good,” she says, looking eager.
“I can’t,” I tell them both. “I’m sorry. I’ve got math homework.”
“I thought you finished in class.” Irene looks disappointed. She and I finished the assignment together earlier.
“I was going to give that extra credit problem a shot.”
“Oh,” she laughs. “Good luck with that.”
“You sure?” Jon asks. “We can make it brief. The girl wants ice cream, Will. Come on.” He nudges me playfully.
“No, I can’t.” I shake my head.
Jon looks at me like I’m crazy, like I’m passing up some great opportunity, but he has no idea what awaits me backstage; and I’m not about to tell him, either.
“Well, at least let me drop you off.”
“I have a ride. Damon said he’d take me home,” I lie.
“Okay, then,” Jon says, leaning in to give me a hug. “Thanks for letting me come see you play. Really… this was phenomenal, and I’d love to hear you play some more. Livvy would be floored. Please let her come next time.”
“I’ll think about it. Thank you for coming. G’night, Irene. See you in the morning.”
“Bye, Will. You were great.” I hug her goodbye, too, before returning backstage to my guitar and to Stacia and the other girls that are still standing around Damon.
“Congratulations!” Stacia says, and the rest of the group follows. She grips on to one of my hands with both of hers.
“Thanks,” I say. “So… back to before… you never knew what I could do, huh?” I ask her.
“Can you show me more?” She quirks an eyebrow, suggesting something else.
I lean into her, speaking so only she can hear. “Want to come over to my place?”
“That Irene girl’s not your girlfriend?”
“I don’t really have girlfriends,” I tell her. I watch her closely, gauging her reaction. She bites her lip as she smiles, seeming perfectly okay with that.
I’d once told Irene the same thing. Needless to say, her reaction wasn’t the same; I was happy it wasn’t the same. Irene would always be relegated to a friend, and nothing more. She was safe there, and I knew neither of us would get hurt that way.
“So… did you want to come?” I ask Stacia, already knowing her answer.
“Love to,” she answers anxiously as I pick up my guitar. Damon and I exchange a quick handshake.
“Well, then let’s go.”
I knew when I got this guitar that it would change my life.
I may never love another woman, but I know I’m going to love this life.
TO BE CONTINUED… in a spin-off kind of way…
Special Thanks
Nikki Haw
Angela Meyer
Daniela Conde
Christi Allen Curtis
Books by Lori L. Otto
Lost and Found - Emi Lost & Found series : Book One
Time Stands Still - Emi Lost & Found series : Book Two
Never Look Back - Emi Lost & Found series : Book Three
Not Today, But Someday - the prequel to the Emi Lost & Found series
Number Seven (novella) - the prequel to Steven War & P
eace
Contessa - Choisie : Book One
Olivia - Choisie : Book Two
Dear Jon - Choisie : Book Three
Livvy - Choisie : Book Four
Crossroads (novella) - the prequel to Love Will
Love Like We Do (Side A)
Love Like We Do (Side B)
Love Will
About the Author
Inspired by popular fiction and encouraged by close friends, Lori L. Otto returned to writing in the winter of 2008. After a sixteen-year hiatus, she rediscovered her passion for fiction and began writing what would soon become her first series: Emi Lost & Found. Although the books of Nate, Emi and Jack have concluded, other characters from the books continued their own journeys, demanding their stories be told.
Lori is currently working on an Emi Lost & Found series spin-off and a Choisie series spin-off. Crossroads is Lori’s tenth published work and second novella.
Website (check it out for release dates and extras): http://www.loriotto.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lori_otto
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LoriLOtto
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/lori_otto
Chapter headings: Song titles by Cream and Eric Clapton
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Setting
“I’m So Glad”
“Layla”
“Strange Brew”
“Wonderful Tonight”
“Sitting on Top of the World”
“It’s In the Way That You Use It”
“Crossroads” Epilogue - 10 Months Later
Special Thanks
Books by Lori L. Otto
About the Author