Still laughing, Rich said, “Go and get cleaned up, then show me what you came up with.”
“Give me half an hour. I think you’ll like this one.”
♫
Life at the beach was far from quiet over the next few days. Having persuaded Rob to drive back down on Friday night, Lucy and the boys decided to stay on. It was the boys’ first real experience of being at the shore and their excited screams and yells filled the house from morning until night. The luxury of being able to run straight off the sand and back indoors for a snack or a juice wasn’t lost on them and it wasn’t too long before you could follow them by their trails of damp sand through the house. Despite having deadlines looming, Lori allowed herself the luxury of afternoons off to spend with Lucy and the boys. The first afternoon had been taken up with a run out to the outlets to buy them all some clothes for the week. On the way home, Lori stopped and treated them all to ice cream before promising that they could make smores on the BBQ after dinner.
For two days Rich and Jake were locked away in the basement, the strains of their creativity serving to drown out the noise of the boys. It was almost a relief to both Lucy and Lori when Jake left for JJL early on Wednesday morning. Having packed a picnic lunch, Lucy headed out not long after her brother with her two sons. She had promised them a full day on the beach further south of the house, leaving Lori in peace to get a few hours work done. With the house suddenly silent, Lori found it difficult to concentrate but, with the help of her iPod, was soon engrossed in the task at hand.
Coffee and cakes from an Italian bakery were the order of the day out at JJL. A routine had been established from the start of the week – Kola brought the pastries down from Philadelphia; Grey brought the coffees. Life in the studio was remarkably calm and laid back. When Jake had driven in on Wednesday, he had played the new song to his fellow band members and Dr Marrs. It needed work. It needed a bass line and a drum track, but there was unanimous agreement that it should replace track twelve on the board. Paul had pulled two late night sessions to record most of the drum tracks. When he heard the new song he nodded approvingly, declared he needed a few hours sleep before working on the drum track then headed out into the lounge.
While the drummer napped on the leather couch in the lounge, Grey began work on the bass line. The three of them worked and tweaked the song for several hours before Kola stopped them for a break. She had taken a run out to the nearest deli, returning with a variety of sandwiches and juice. Both Jake and Rich noted that the sound engineer was subtly a little more attentive to Grey and that he, in turn, kept his eyes on her as she sat quietly in the corner with her sandwich and a rock magazine. Watching them surreptitiously watching each other gave Jake a flash of inspiration for the lyrics that were needed for track fifteen. Excusing himself, he took his sandwich and iced tea outside along with his acoustic guitar and his lyrics journal. He settled himself in the shade round the back of the building, leaning against the back wall of the studio.
“Jake!”
The voice derailed his train of thought.
“Jake!”
“Round the back,” he called back.
A few seconds later Grey came striding round. Standing towering over his friend, the bass player declared, “Your presence is requested inside. Now.”
“On my way,” he replied, getting to his feet. “Has Paul surfaced yet?”
The bass player nodded. “And he’s come up with something sweet.”
“That was quick,” commented Jake, impressed that his friend had supplied the drum track without any drama.
“Jason’s arrived,” stated Grey bluntly as they reached the front door of the studio.
The Englishman was standing in the middle of the studio chatting with Rich when they walked in. After exchanging pleasantries with the band, he asked where Gary was.
“On his way,” replied Kola, before any of the members of Silver Lake could answer. “He’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“Why isn’t he here?” demanded Jason sharply.
“Coffee run,” explained Dr Marrs. “It was his turn.”
“Convenient,” muttered the Englishman under his breath. “I’ve not got long. I need to be back in Philly for six thirty. I’ll cut to the chase. We’ve firmed up the festival dates. There’s six of them for now and I’m waiting word on two more in Canada. I’ve emailed the details to Gary. The record company also wants you to play at an event in Philadelphia on 6th July. It’s a lunchtime slot. Three songs. Two old and one new. I need the single recorded by then if possible.”
Behind them the door creaked open and Gary slipped in carrying a cardboard tray of coffees. It was his first trip to the studio that week, but the band said nothing.
“Sorry, there was a queue,” he apologised. “Jason, I got you a latte.”
“Thank you, but you’re late, Mr York,” he stated bluntly as he accepted the tall waxed- paper cup. “Now where was I?”
“July 6th,” prompted Jake calmly. “We’ll be ready by then. When’s the first festival gig? Is it the Bethlehem one?”
“Yes. July 27th. You’ve got an hour on stage around six o’clock,” replied Jason. “So, how’s recording going?”
“We’re only into the second week,” began Dr Marrs. “But we’re on schedule. Drum tracks are nearly there. We’ve made a start on the bass tracking this morning. There was a bit of re-writing required and Jake’s substituted a new song in the track twelve slot.”
Jason nodded approvingly as he sipped his latte. “Is Mz Hyde around?”
“No,” said Jake. “She’s working at home.”
“Pity. I’ve some music files for her next project with me.”
“I can pass them on to her.”
He tossed Jake a USB flash drive. “Tell her I’ll call tomorrow morning to discuss it.”
“Sure,” promised Jake as he slipped the flash drive into his jeans pocket. “Want to hear what we’ve been working on so far?”
Silver Lake performed three of their new tracks for Jason, who nodded in approval. While he sat talking animatedly with Gary in the corner of the live room, Jake played and sang the re-worked lyrics for track fifteen. Sitting out in the shade, he had come up with a lyric around moving out of the shadows of grief into the daylight warmth of love. He sang it with a straight forward no frills honest, warm tone to his voice.
“I like that,” approved Rich when his friend was finished. “Could that be our single?”
“Perhaps,” agreed Dr Marrs. “Run through it again.”
On the third run through, Jason interrupted them. “Radio stations will love it. That’s your single, gentlemen.”
“Looks like we’re all agreed,” observed the producer, glancing over at Kola. The sound engineer nodded.
“Glad that’s sorted. Progress. I like that,” Jason stated. “I’m out of here. Gary, call me on Friday with a detailed update. Guys, I’ll see you on 6th July.”
With a slam of the door, he was gone.
Gary slumped back on the couch and sighed.
“Thanks, Kola. I owe you one.”
The sound engineer drew him a look and, on her way out of the live room, hissed, “You need to be on hand more often. You’re slacking.”
The door slammed behind her.
“Are you going to let her speak to me like that?” protested Gary, sounding all too much like a simpering child.
“Yes,” stated Grey, seeking nods of agreement from the others. “You have been slacking. Maddy wouldn’t have let us on such a long leash. Good job we’re professionals with a strong work ethic.”
“Don’t play the Maddy card with me!” snapped their manager angrily.
“And why not?” came a sharp, familiar voice from the doorway.
All of them turned to see Maddison standing there, her face a mask of fury.
“Gary, outside please,” she said coldly, holding the door open to allow him to exit past her. “Paul, I’ll get you outside shortly.”
&
nbsp; Despite the studio’s sound proofing, the band all heard Gary’s dressing down from an irate Maddy. Embarrassed for the guy, Jake tried to block out the raised voices by practicing his solo from one of the heavier tracks. Picking up on his lead, Grey began the bass line, but even when Paul came in on drums Maddy’s shrill New York fury could be heard.
“Let’s call it a day,” suggested Jim Marrs, admitting defeat. “Early start tomorrow. Be here for seven.”
“Fine by me,” said Jake setting his guitar down.
“I’ll be here for nine,” added Grey. “I can’t drop Becky off until day care opens at eight thirty.”
“Bring her over to us tonight,” suggested Jake. “My sister’s still here with the boys. She can sleep over and spend tomorrow at the beach with them.”
“If you’re sure,” Grey replied. “Then I’ll be here for seven, boss.”
“See you all in the morning,” said the producer. “It’ll be a long day tomorrow. We need to catch up after today, so I’m warning you now, boys.”
“We hear you,” acknowledged Rich.
“Hmm and Maddison,” muttered Jake as he lifted his book bag and his jacket before heading for the door.
When Jake walked round to his truck a few moments later, Gary was sitting on an upturned crate at the side of the building. His head was in his hands and he was staring down at his feet. Seeing him looking so dejected bothered Jake.
“You ok, buddy?” he asked, laying a hand on Gary’s shoulder.
“I’ll survive,” muttered the band’s manager without looking up.
“Do you want to talk?” offered Jake hesitantly. “Looks like you need a friend.”
“I’ve been offered another tour,” Gary stated plainly. “An eight-week gig through Europe. I’ve tried to work out a way I can still manage you guys until Maddy’s back on board and do the tour. I had hoped to spend time in Europe and catch up with my family. I miss them. Guess I’ve just spread myself too thin.”
“And Maddy found out?”
“She sure did. I grossly underestimated the reach of her circle of friends,” sighed Gary. “I need to choose. She says she’s not coming back on board full time anytime soon.”
“Is she going to say anything to Jason?”
“She already has,” confessed Gary sounding completely defeated. “Now I need to make a decision before tomorrow.”
“Well, it’s your choice at the end of the day. You need to go with what feels right for you,” began Jake sincerely. “Personally, I’d hate to see you leave us. You bring a sense of balance to proceedings. We need that. Don’t rush the decision, my friend.”
“Thanks, Jake. Appreciate the support.”
“If you need to talk, you know where I am. I’ll see you back out here tomorrow.”
“Bright and early,” promised Gary forcing a smile. “I’ll bring breakfast.”
When he pulled into the driveway almost an hour later, Jake could hear his nephews laughing and squealing round the back of the house. The two boys were wrestling with each other on the sun deck as he came round from the side of the house.
“Hey, guys!” shouted Jake startling them. “Save that for down on the beach, please.”
“Sorry, Uncle Jake,” said Sam scrambling to his feet.
“Give me a few minutes to get changed and I’ll take you both down to the beach before dinner,” suggested Jake. “I feel like a swim.”
Jake found Lori and his sister in the kitchen preparing marinated chicken to be grilled on the BBQ and a large bowl of pasta salad.
“I said I’d take the boys down to the beach for a while,” said Jake as he kissed Lori at the nape of her neck. “I need a swim.”
“Long day, rock star?” Lori asked, noting the strained look on his face.
“Something like that,” he replied, then fishing the flash drive out of his pocket added, “Gift from Lord Jason. He’ll call you tomorrow morning about it.”
“Thanks,” said Lori. “Leave it on my desk, will you? Don’t be too long. Grey called and said he’d be here with Becky within the hour.”
“Ah, I meant to tell you about that.”
“It's fine,” she assured him warmly. “They are joining us for dinner.”
“You’re an amazing woman, Mz Hyde.”
As he loped off down the hall to get changed, Lucy commented “You two are fabulous together. My mom would’ve loved to see him this happy.”
“Mine too,” admitted Lori, a hint of sadness in her voice. “She always worried about me.”
“Part of the job description,” said Lucy with a wistful smile. “I still miss her.”
“I still miss my mom too,” confessed Lori quietly. “I was eighteen when she died.”
“Oh, that’s young,” exclaimed Lucy with sympathy. “I was just glad my mom got to hold Sam before she passed away. That was an important moment for me. Precious memory.”
“I wonder what she would have had to say about Jake’s success?” mused Lori in an attempt to lighten the mood.
“Oh, that’s easy!” laughed Lucy. “She was his biggest fan. She always believed he would succeed. She would want to be front row for every show!”
A gentle breeze blew in from the ocean, causing the flames of the citronella candles to flicker, casting dancing shadows around the deck and across the table. The glow from the dying embers of the charcoal was just visible. Beside the grill lay the discarded skewers, marshmallows and Graham crackers. The kids had finished the chocolate. At the table, Jake was finishing off his last mouthful of smores while his sister herded the three youngsters indoors to get cleaned up for bed. Pouring them all some wine, Grey commented, “That was quite some beating Gary took today?”
“Sure was,” agreed Jake, licking his fingers. “He’s got a lot on his mind.”
“Did you try to talk to him?” asked the bass player.
“Briefly,” replied Jake before adding, “He’s thinking about leaving us.”
“Who’s leaving?” asked Lori as she came back out onto the deck carrying a bowl of tortilla chips.
“Gary, possibly,” said Jake. “He’s been offered a tour with another band and he’s tempted.”
“Who?”
“Doesn’t matter, Grey,” continued Jake. “I never asked and he never said. Someone told Maddy and she’s told Jason. He’s to make a decision by tomorrow. What a mess.”
“What did you say to him?” asked Grey, taking a handful of chips.
“Told him it was his decision, but that I’d be sorry to see him go. He’s good for us. Brings a bit of balance to the party. Personally, I’d miss him.”
“Likewise,” agreed Grey getting to his feet. “I’ll maybe give him a call when I get home. Anyway, thanks again for dinner, Lori. And for watching Becky. I’m going to say good night to her then head home.”
“Pleasure, Grey,” replied Lori smiling.
“See you out at JJL in the morning, Jake.”
“Night,” called back Jake, sounding distracted.
After they’d heard the roar of Grey’s truck heading off along East Lake Drive, Lori asked Jake if he thought their young manager would leave.
“I’ve honestly no idea,” he sighed, then added, “Come here, li’l lady and sit on my knee.”
“Am I in trouble, rock star?” she giggled as she sat on his denim clad legs.
“I got a message from Danny. Asked if I wanted to book the appointment slot after yours.”
“Oh!” exclaimed Lori blushing. “Do you?”
“Not this time,” he teased. “So tell me more, li’l lady?”
“Friday morning,” replied Lori. “And that’s all I’m telling you.”
“Still your foot?”
“I’m not saying,” she stated with a giggle. “You’ll have to wait and see.”
All week Lucy had promised her sons that she would take them for a trip on the Lewes ferry. First thing on Friday morning, Lori drove them to the ferry terminal, promising to collect them late a
fternoon. Traffic was light and she made good time back to Rehoboth, arriving at Danny’s tattoo parlour half an hour early. Having parked at the rear of the building, Lori went across to the deli to buy two coffees as instructed by the diminutive ink artist. Cardboard tray in hand, she returned to the tattoo parlour. Carefully she opened the door, smiling as the wind chimes tinkled musically.
“Good morning, princess,” called Danny brightly.
The small tattoo artist was working on a client, inking an angel onto the woman’s shoulder.
“Sorry I’m early,” apologised Lori, setting the tray down on the bench.
“Skinny latte there for me?” enquired Danny.
“Of course,” she replied with a smile. “As you ordered, sir.”
“I’ll be with you in ten minutes. Maybe fifteen,” he replied, pausing his work to collect his coffee cup.
Fifteen minutes became an hour and, when his client finally closed the door behind her, Danny apologised profusely for keeping Lori waiting for so long.
“Its fine,” she assured him. “I was intrigued watching you work. It’s an amazing skill you have there.”
“Why thank you, princess,” he said with a theatrical bow. “Now pick your throne.”
As before, Lori opted for the middle chair, sitting down somewhat nervously. Pulling over a stool, Danny sat down beside her.
“Now, you sent me two designs. Are we doing both?” he asked hopefully. “I’ve prepared the transfers for both.”
“Just the one,” replied Lori. “I’m still undecided about the other one.”
“They’re both beautiful. So feminine. So delicate,” commented Danny, subtly trying to coax her into both.
“Let’s do the ankle one and I’ll see how I feel after that,” compromised Lori.
“Sounds fair. The ankle design is intricate. It may take longer than I’d originally allowed for. Fine work can’t be rushed.”
“I’ve got all day, Danny. I don’t need to be in Lewes until four thirty.”
The design that Lori had eventually decided upon was a fine chain draped round her ankle with a small selection of music notes on varying lengths of chain cascading down the outside of her foot. When he had seen the design for the chain links, Danny knew these would be tricky, but he loved the overall delicacy and simplicity of the design. Once the template was drawn on and Lori was satisfied with it, he suggested they take a break. His assistant had arrived at the shop while he had been drawing on the template and Danny promptly despatched him to fetch some coffees and, realising the time, some sandwiches for lunch.
Impossible Depths (Silver Lake series Book 2) Page 11
