Sublime Karma

by Peyton Garver

  Chapter 4

  Jake watched Teagan pull her books out of her backpack at the kitchen table. “Whatcha got for homework?” He moved the boiled macaroni from the hot burner and slid the frying pan over in its place.

  Teagan plopped down onto a chair and surveyed the pile of books on the kitchen table. “Math, and then I have to read the first act of Romeo and Juliet for my English class.”

  “Shakespeare?” He grinned. “Fie! Art thou saying we are taking the same class?”

  “Well, we just started. Are you really reading Romeo and Juliet, too? And, what does fie mean anyway?”

  “Fie?” he sniggered. “I guess in text, it would mean WTF.” The bacon Jake dropped into the hot pan sizzled instantly.

  “Really?” She giggled.

  “That would be my best guess. And, no, we’re not reading Romeo and Juliet. We just started Much Ado about Nothing.” His thoughts drifted back to his sixth period class. Mr. Rosenberg was cool, but he could be such a dweeb sometimes. What had he said to Brie as he motioned toward Jake? Oh, yeah. “Ah, yes, mine new student. Wh’ref’re, thou may’st have a seat in front of that handsome young maneth o’r thith’r.” And then? He assigns the lead roles, Benedick and Beatrice, to him and Brie for the class reading. That ought to be interesting. But, it didn’t make a difference in seventh period. She totally blew me off.

  “Earth calling Jake!” Teagan called from the table.

  “Sorry, what?” He turned the strips of bacon.

  “What’re you making for dinner, BLTs? The bacon smells good.”

  “No, mac and cheese topped with bacon.”

  “Real or boxed?” She turned away from her math homework to look at him over her shoulder.

  “Real.”

  “So, I guess you making dinner means Dad’s going to be late again.”

  “Yeah, he left a note this morning. He gave his manager the night off, so he’s closing tonight. So, since Dad won’t be here, you mind if the guys come over to practice?”

  “Will Kurt come?”

  “Uh, yeah,” Jake laughed. “He’s too old for you, Teag, and he’s married. Find yourself a nice sixth grader.”

  “Ewww! I don’t want Kurt for a boyfriend. I just like the way he sings. Oh, and by the way, I’m in seventh grade, not sixth. Did you know Dad moved the drum kit to the basement so he could pull his car into the garage when it starts getting cold?”

  “Yeah, I know. He moved them last weekend, but I had to set them back up. Anyway, that’s why I asked you, it’ll get kinda loud in here.” He slid the baking dish into the oven and checked the time on his phone, then he set several bowls and forks on the table.

  “You mean it’s up to me if everyone comes over?”

  “Yup.”

  “I guess it’ll be okay.” She waited. “Well?”

  “Well, what?”

  “Aren’t you going to call everyone, and tell them I gave you my permission?”

  He laughed. “All right smartass, you got me. I already made plans. But, I knew you’d be okay with it. We’ll be done by ten. Besides, Julia’s coming.” He folded his arms and leaned against the counter.

  Her eyes widened with her smile. “Really? Awesome.”

  Jake grinned. Julia was Teagan’s stylist. He had found out about the band a few months ago, in the summer, when he had taken his sister to get her haircut. Julia intrigued him. In her twenties, she was different than the girls at school. He liked hanging out and talking with her while she cut Teagan’s hair. Though he still wasn’t sure what had attracted him most, her quiet self-confidence or her appearance.

  He’d been gazing into the mirror at Julia’s dark brown eyes set over high cheekbones. His lips had twitched when she smiled. He knew she was aware he was studying her, but she continued her task. Her discreet acknowledgement encouraged him.

  Not exactly curvy like his ex, Sarah, Julia was slender with well-toned arms. He’d leaned forward so he could see her right arm better. What puzzled him was her unfinished sleeve. She usually covered her tattooed arm, but that day she hadn’t, and his eyes were drawn to the art. She must have known his focus changed to her ink, but she acted oblivious, absorbed in her work.

  Julia took a section from each side of Teagan’s face and slid her fingers down the wet strands to make sure both sides were even. If she had known, Teagan would have been embarrassed at his boldness. He remembered looking into the mirror for his sister’s eyes, confirming she hadn’t been able to see him. That’s when a small ad taped to Julia’s mirror had caught his attention.

  Wanted:

  Lead Guitar Player for Established Rock Band.

  Call Kurt Shaw or Alec McDermott.

  At the bottom of the notice were strips with the phone number. Jake tore one off. “What do you know about this band?”

  Julia grinned and started drying Teagan’s hair. “That’s my boyfriend’s band. The lead guitarist is dropping out, moving to California.”

  “Your boyfriend’s band?”

  She bit her lip in a teasing smile, and her eyes had darted to Jake. “Yeah, why? Do you play?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Do you play? Guitar?” She tucked a strand of her glossy black hair behind her ear.

  He averted his eyes from her hands back to the striking features of her face. “Yeah.”

  “He’s really good.” Teagan offered.

  “I’m sure he is.” Julia leaned down looking straight at Teagan’s face to trim her bangs. “Can you sing, too?”

  “Yeah, I guess.” He shrugged.

  “You don’t sound too confident,” she said.

  “They need a singer?”

  “Mmm, just to change it up sometimes, and for backup.” Pausing, she studied him. “Call Alec. I’ll tell him about you. They’re auditioning a couple guys this weekend.”

  “How come you never finished it?” he lifted his chin toward her tattooed arm.

  She glanced at her arm. “Lifestyle change.”

  “Do you ever regret it?”

  “Getting it, or not finishing it?”

  “Getting it.”

  “Not really, it kind of reminds me where I came from. And, what I have now. I’m okay with it. I’m glad I didn’t go much further, and that this is all. So, I guess that means I don’t regret not finishing it either.” With a quick smile, she glanced toward him and then focused on Teagan. “I don’t have any other body art, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

  He shrugged. “No, I mean, I like it.”

  Julia rubbed serum between her hands, applied it to Teagan’s hair, and then finished blow-drying it. “I met Alec at a low point in both our lives. He helped me turn things around. Other than Elisi, he was the first person in my life I could really count on.”

  “Ay-lee-si?”

  “Cherokee, for grandmother.”

  Cherokee?

  “There you go, hon.” Julia gave Teagan a hand mirror. “You like?”

  “Yes, I do. Thanks.” Teagan chirped back, looking from all angles before handing back the mirror and sliding out of the chair.

  Julia turned to Jake. “So, you’ll call him, right?”

  Jake was glad he had called. Smiling to himself, he turned off the oven, took out the hot baking dish, and served some macaroni and cheese to Teagan. He checked the time on his phone, And, right on time, he heard a knock on the door. Although they knocked, they didn’t wait for an answer. Alec, Lamb, and Julia all sauntered in together.

  “Where’s the drums?” Lamb asked. “They’re not in the garage.”

  “Relax, they’re in the basement with the rest of the equipment, the amps, mics, guitars. Everything’s down there. I’ve already set it all up.”

  “What about your old man?” />
  “He’s the one who put them down there.” Jake shrugged. “He needs the garage space. Besides, he’s working late tonight.”

  Alec’s arm was around Julia, his hand stuck in her back pocket as they followed Lamb into the house. “Do I smell bacon?”

  Straddling a chair, Jake sat at the table. “Yeah, it’s on the mac and cheese. Help yourself.”

  Justin Lambert served himself a large helping. “I got us another gig, if we want it. I know it’s short notice. But, if we step in? It could turn into a regular thing. This Saturday, Market Street Tap House. Whatever they had lined up cancelled.”

  Jake grinned. “A regular gig? Are you kidding?”

  “I kid you not. Now all we gotta do is work on your old man, and we could be playing at The Corner Pub, too.”

  Jake hesitated. Adam Gordon—his own father—owned The Corner Pub off Market Street.

  “You haven’t asked him yet? I’m tellin’ ya, brother, if we could play there it’ll bring a shitload of business to him on the weekend. I mean, Hood College is right there, man.” Lamb glanced at Teagan. “Sorry for the language, Tigger,” he gave her a wink. When Teagan shrugged, Lamb grinned and looked back to Jake.

  “No. I mean, I know. I actually did bring it up. He’s worried about underage drinking, mostly because of the college. He’s not sure he can control it if it gets crowded. He can’t afford to lose his liquor license.”

  “Hey, I’m just sayin’. It’s a shoo-in. A win-win, for him and us.”

  “Lamb, it’s a risk. My dad can’t . . . if he loses the pub, or even the liquor license—”

  “No sweat. Back off, Lamb.” Alec looked from Lamb and pointed at his empty bowl with his fork. “That was damn good, by the way.”

  “Thanks, man,” Jake swept his hair back off his face with his fingers.

  “Jake, I’ll do the dishes tonight,” Teagan said.

  Julia stood up and patted Alec’s shoulder. “I’ll help her. You guys go get started.” Picking up the dirty bowls, she followed Teagan into the kitchen.

  Standing, Jake nodded. “A’right, Teag, when Kurt gets here, can you show him the way?”

  “Yep.” she called after them, just as Jake’s text alert sounded.

  “Go ahead. I’ll be right down.” He waved Alec and Lamb on, then checked his phone. Hey sorry can’t come over my mom had to pick up a nightshift at the hospital I gotta watch Trevor

  Ari! Crap, I forgot. No problem leave your window unlocked I’ll come over tonight after they leave

  Uh how about no

  Ari come on just to talk I promise I need your advice

  Whatever alright

  He heard Lamb tap out a rhythm on the drums, followed by a symbol crash. Next, Alec’s voice came over the mic. “Gordon, turn your cell phone off and get your ass down here.”

  Jake grinned. “On my way!” He sent one more message. Ok gtg see you later tonight

  Jake followed Kurt out of the house after the others had gone. “I’m kinda nervous. I mean this’ll be my first show. I don’t want to screw it up for you guys.”

  Kurt stuck his guitar in the back seat of his beat-up, old Suburban. He hesitated. “You’re ready. That was a great session tonight. This is our big break. Some people never get over the nerves, but once we start playing you’ll be fine. A’right?” He climbed into the Suburban and started it up.

  “A’right,” Jake nodded and pushed the door shut.

  He watched Kurt drive away then walked toward the back of Ari’s house and looked up.

  The lights were off, and her window was closed. He checked the time on his phone. Damn. It’s later than I thought it’d be. Staring at the roof just under her back bedroom window, a feeling of nostalgia washed over him. Why now? He swallowed the lump in his throat and felt the quick palpitations in his chest. I was such an ass to let her go. He looked up at the night sky. There was a light breeze, and he could hear the crickets, but other than that it was quiet. This was exactly like it had been the last time they had been star gazing together, laying there, on that roof under her window. That was two-and-a-half years ago. It was the night she told him to go home. Just go home, Jake, she had said.

  He walked to the tree and rubbed his hands together. He looked up at the lowest branch. He remembered it being higher. On his toes, he could almost touch it now. Almost. He jumped up, grabbed the lowest branch, and pulled himself up. From there, he climbed up the tree to the level of the porch roof and stepped on. Just like old times.

  He pushed up on the frame. Yes. Sliding the window up, he felt his triumphant smile grow. He crouched down, and trying to fit in the opening, hit his head on the sash and fell clumsily to the floor. “Ouch! Shit,” he rasped, gingerly touching his head. “Hey, you awake?” he asked, flopping down on the bed next to her. He scooted back to lean against the headboard, still massaging his tender scalp.

  “Hey, yourself. It’s late. I’m tired. I’m sleeping.” She rolled over, turning away from him.

  “No, you’re not.” He switched on the lamp on the nightstand next to him.

  She sat up. “Okay . . . correction. I was sleeping until you made your grand entrance. You said you were coming over last night, not this morning.”

  “That’s a technicality.” He showed her his best lopsided, dimpled smile.

  “No, actually it’s not. After midnight, it’s morning. And, stop looking at me like that.” She smacked him with her pillow. His smile broadened as he snatched it from her.

  Laughing, he held the pillow across her chest with one arm, and tickled her with his free hand. He leaned his face close to hers. “Say mercy.”

  “Get off, Jake.” She writhed and pushed at him, unable to hold back her own laugh. “Stop. I can’t breathe! Stop it.”

  “You mean mercy?”

  “Okay, yes. Mercy. Get off!” Laughing, she swatted at him until he rolled off. “You’re an ass.”

  “Yeah, maybe,” he swept his hair back with his fingers. His eyes dropped to her chest. “You’re wearing my baseball shirt.” He let his head fall back against the headboard. “You’re killin’ me Amato. That is so hot.”

  “Ugh! Really?” She rolled her eyes. “It’s not yours anymore. Your dad gave it to my mom with a bunch of hand-me-downs for Trevor. He won’t fit into it for another five years. So, actually, it’s mine now.”

  “Yeah, but knowing it was mine still makes it hot.” He flashed his eyebrows at her.

  “Why are you here, Jake?” She sounded annoyed.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, why are you here? You said you wanted my advice. The last time you asked for my advice, you didn’t take it. You hooked up with Sarah.”

  He pondered. “I didn’t actually ask for advice. I asked you if you knew anything about her. Had I asked for your advice, I could have saved myself from two-and-a-half years of manipulation.”

  “I told you what she was like. It didn’t matter. If I had given you advice, you wouldn’t have listened to that, either. Now you know firsthand. She’s a bitch.”

  He scoffed. “Yeah, that’s a pretty accurate assessment.”

  “Well? Who is it this time?”

  His voice softened. “What if I said it was you?”

  “I’d say you’re a liar. Stop playing with my head, Jake. I’m not fourteen anymore. You know I’m dating Greg, and I’m not breaking up with him.”

  He sighed. “I’m glad we’re friends again.” He leaned back against the headboard and looked at her.

  “Me, too. So?”

  “So, what?”

  “The advice you wanted?”

  “It’s nothin’.” He shook his head. His jovial façade gone.

  “Okay then. I’m glad we cleared that up.” She reached across him to swit
ch off the light, and when she did, he drew in a sharp breath.

  She hesitated across him. “Just go home, Jake,” she whispered.

  Even from her whisper, he could tell she had been affected by their contact. The fact that he had been, disturbed him. Why did everything have to be so confusing? He slid off her bed. “See ya tomorrow, Amato.”

  She didn’t answer.

  Chapter 5

  Bounding down the steps, Jake checked his messages to see if Ari texted him. Not yet. She’s still pissed at me. But, why? He pocketed his phone and looked up. Mmmm. He smelled the aroma of breakfast wafting through the house. Dad must still be in a good mood. Jake smiled at his secret.

  “Milk or orange juice?” Teagan asked, pulling open the refrigerator door.

  “Coffee,” they answered in unison.

  Jake grinned. His eyes shot to his dad. Yeah, I bet you want some coffee. He scraped the floor with his chair as he pulled it from the table. “Pancakes and sausage? You must be in a good mood. A good night at the pub?” Jake winked at his father.

  His dad’s double-take directly met Jake’s mischievous eyes. “As a matter of fact, it was a good night.”

  “—at the pub.” Jake added, wryly.

  His dad’s eyes narrowed.

  “What’s going on? Did I miss something?” Teagan put down the coffee mugs, looking from her father’s quizzical expression to her brother’s wolfish grin.

  “Nah,” Jake cleared his throat. “I asked Ari over last night to hang out with my band.” He took a couple of pancakes off the stack and passed the serving plate to Teagan. “She couldn’t come over.”

  Jake drizzled some syrup over his pancakes, looking back at his dad. He waited for him to look up, then continued. “Wouldn’t ya know it? Her mom had to work late, too. She evidently had to pick up a shift at the hospital last night.” Jake’s lazy grin turned to a full on smile. “Oh my God! Your ears are turning red.”