Shattered Hearts

by Coral McCallum

  Out on stage, Jake felt a fresh wave of nerves creeping through him. Stalling for some time, he took a few mouthfuls of water then turned his attention back to the auditorium.

  “That young lady is the future,” he predicted with a knowing smile. “Now, to something I wrote for another special lady. This was on the debut Silver Lake record. This is Stronger Within.”

  Deliberately, Jake kept his gaze on the Silver Lakers in the front row, not daring to risk a glance into the wings. If he looked and Lori wasn’t there, he would lose it; if he looked and Lori was there, he would lose it.

  In his heart, he was wishing he’d thought the emotional toll of his short set through. Deep down, he’d held onto the fragile hope that Lori would be there to watch. Now, he was riddled with fears that she wouldn’t be there at all.

  On impulse, he decided to deviate from his planned set. There was no way he could hold it together to play Lady Butterfly and Bonded Souls.

  “Thank you,” he said humbly as Stronger Within came to a close. “I’ve three more for you but I’m going to mix up the plan.”

  Reaching for his resonator, Jake continued, “Before we secured our record deal Silver Lake played weddings…… a lot of weddings. This one was frequently requested by the happy couple. I’ve not played it in a while so this could crash and burn spectacularly. This is Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N Roses.”

  Hidden in the shadows, Lori was barely keeping her emotions under control. Watching Jake perform, she could sense his nerves. His personal pain was written all over his face but he was doing his best to disguise it. Beside her, a copy of Jake’s planned setlist lay on a transport case and she could see he was supposed to play Lady Butterfly next then Bonded Souls. Her heart almost broke as she realised why he wasn’t sticking with the plan.

  “The boy’s struggling,” observed Jethro softly, as he appeared behind her.

  “I know,” whispered Lori, a tear escaping down her pale cheek. “I just want to reach out to him. He hates doing solo stuff. He must be feeling physically sick out there right now.”

  “He’ll be fine. Let him work his way through this,” counselled Jethro wisely.

  Having regrouped his thoughts out on stage, Jake decided to take another gamble, largely to avoid playing Bonded Souls.

  “Folks, let’s just have a bit of fun for a few minutes. There’s a new Silver Lake record due next spring and I can’t play anything from it for you but, if you don’t tell anyone, I’m going to improvise for a few minutes and there might just be some sections from some of the new material.”

  By opting to play a Delta blues-influenced instrumental, Jake had skilfully bought himself a few minutes to calm his mind before his closing two numbers. The risk of incurring Maddison’s wrath was worth it.

  Keeping his head bowed, he focussed on the vintage resonator and allowed the music to flow from his fingertips. Expertly, he played sections from various Silver Lake and Weigh Station classics then slotted in short snatches of Gone Today Tomorrow Forever, Back In The Day and ended it with a section from Shattered Hearts.

  In front of him, he could sense the die-hard Silver Lake fans hanging on every note trying to figure out which bits were from the new unreleased material.

  “Ok, back on track,” he said, switching back to his favourite acoustic. “Whenever I play for my family, this next song is always the first one my wife requests. It’s not even one I wrote. Lori, this is for you. This is Simple Man.”

  As he began the distinctive intro to the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic, Jake risked a glance towards the side of the stage.

  “Go on,” encourage Jethro, his hand pushing gently on the small of Lori’s back. “The boy needs to know you’re here.”

  Slowly, she stepped forward into a pool of light at the side of the stage.

  His heart swelled and his fingers faltered as he saw Lori standing there.

  “Well mama told me,” began Jake, his voice strong and pure.

  Barely able to tear his eyes from her, he poured every last fragment of his soul into the song.

  “Baby be a simple kind of man,” he sang, allowing the final notes to linger.

  He wasn’t dreaming. Lori really was standing at the side of the stage. Lori was really standing at the side of the stage and she was smiling. With a glance out at the crowd, for a split second, he thought of darting off stage to hug her but he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to let her go if he did.

  As the cheers from the fans died down, Jake said, “New York, you’ve been fantastic. It’s been an honour to play for you tonight. Who’s looking forward to hearing Garrett Court in a few minutes?”

  A thunderous roar surged back at him.

  “Just one or two of you,” Jake joked. “A Silver Lake show always ends with Flyin’ High. Seems like a good one to end on. Sing along if you know the words.”

  The capacity crowd didn’t disappoint and Jake was thankful for their support with the vocals. He could feel Lori’s eyes on him; could sense her smile. His emotions were in turmoil as he went into autopilot to finish off his set.

  She had come.

  She was there.

  He still had a chance…….

  “Thank you, New York, and good night,” called out Jake. “You’ve been amazing. Garrett Court’s out next!”

  Without a backward glance towards the fans, Jake rushed straight into the wings.

  For a brief second, he paused then, seeing the tears in Lori’s blue eyes, he wrapped his arms around her, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair and her perfume.

  “I love you, li’l lady,” he whispered into her ear. “And I am so so sorry…”

  “Sh,” she said softly, resting her tear-stained cheek on his warm chest. “Later.”

  Wrapped in each other’s arms, they stood there oblivious to the hive of activity going on around them.

  Feeling Jake’s heart pounding against her cheek, Lori felt herself relax. Even as she’d stood at the side of the stage, she’d harboured doubts that she could truly forgive him for the whole Nicole incident. Wrapped in his arms, she knew in her heart that they could work their way through things.

  “I love you, rock star,” she said quietly, smiling up at him.

  “I love you too, Mz Hyde. I thought you weren’t coming….”

  Jake paused mid-sentence as a realisation struck him.

  Eyes wide, he ran his hand down her ribcage and rested it on her prominent baby bump.

  “Lori!” he gasped. “You’re….”

  “I know,” she giggled nervously.

  Hugging her tight, Jake felt a tear slide down his cheek.

  “How? When?” he asked, struggling to take it all in.

  “If after two kids, you don’t know how,” teased Lori, her own cheeks glistening with fresh tears. “This not so little Power Pack is due in the spring.”

  “But that means you were…… when…” he spluttered.

  “Later,” said Lori, hoping she sounded calmer than she felt. “Plenty of time to talk later. You’ve a show to play first.”

  Reluctantly, Jake took a step back from their embrace but kept one arm protectively around her still slender waist.

  “You promise you’re not going anywhere?”

  “Jake,” she said sincerely. “I’ll be right here. I’m not going anywhere.”

  A cough behind them brought both of them back to reality. It was Jethro.

  “Boys and girls, there’s a show to play,” he said with a mischievous grin. “Jake, you’ve five minutes.”

  Nodding, Jake bent to kiss his wife on the forehead.

  “I’ll be right back.”

  “I’ll be right here,” she said, squeezing his hand. “We’ll be right here.”

  Less than ten minutes later, the house lights dimmed again. In the wings, Jake stood beside Lori, still reluctant to leave her side. Guitar in hand, Garrett was pacing restlessly, his normally tanned face pale and gaunt.

  “I’m going to be sick,” he declared,
passing his guitar to Jake.

  Before anyone could say a thing, the older man had darted down the hallway away from the stage.

  “Is he going to be ok?” asked Grey, staring after their nervous friend.

  “He’ll be fine once he’s out there,” stated Jethro with more conviction than any of them shared. “Give him a minute or two.”

  A couple of minutes later, Jethro gave the nod to start Garrett’s intro music. It worked like a charm. Within a few seconds, Garrett was back at the side of the stage, still looking pale. Without a word, he accepted his guitar back from Jake and walked purposefully out on stage.

  The fans in the auditorium went wild.

  Without looking up, Garrett began to play the opening instrumental. In front of him, the capacity crowd fell silent. At the end of his third number, Garrett finally addressed the audience, “Thank you. It’s an honour to be here tonight in this beautiful theatre.” He paused then said, “I’d like to invite a few friends out here to help me celebrate the album launch. If you’ve not picked up a copy yet, there are some for sale at the merch desk in the foyer.”

  Wrestling with his nerves, Garrett said, “Mr Power, get your butt back out here!”

  With a final squeeze of Lori’s hand, Jake bounded out on stage to a warm welcome from the fans.

  “This is Darkest Of Nights,” said Jake as he took up his position at the mic stand to Garrett’s left.

  At the side of the stage, Grey and Paul stood beside Lori, waiting for their cue to join Jake and Garrett. To one side, Riley sat crouched against the wall looking almost as nervous as Garrett had a few minutes before.

  “You ok?” Grey asked Lori as he rested his hand on her shoulder.

  “I think so,” she replied with a weak smile. “I just want to sit down and talk to him.”

  “Plenty of time to talk after the show.”

  “But there’s the reception back at the gothic palace,” countered Lori, her tone anxious and more than a little unsure.

  “And it's big enough for you both to find a quiet corner to talk,” assured Grey warmly.

  With a smile, Lori nodded, knowing he was right.

  On stage, Jake had slipped into “music mode” and was focused on supporting his friend. Methodically, they played through the next couple of songs and, gradually, he watched Garrett begin to relax and look as though he was enjoying the set.

  “Folks,” began Garrett, smiling for the first time since he’d taken to the stage. “Give a warm New York welcome to my next guest. Please give it up for my favourite little green rock goddess, Miss Riley Johnson!”

  Bursting with energy, Riley ran out on stage, her own nerves set aside. Grinning from ear to ear, she took up her position to Garrett’s right.

  “Folks, this is Black Heart Dark Mind,” introduced Garrett.

  As soon as Riley began to sing, Lori recognised both the song and the vocalist from the album. Black Heart Dark Mind had been one of her favourite tracks from the first time she’d heard it but, watching it being performed live, she was struck by how young Riley looked. The maturity and power in her voice was a rare talent indeed.

  “That girl’s the future,” declared Maddy, appearing to stand beside Lori at the side of the stage. “Wait till you hear her singing Being Silent.”

  “She’s amazing,” agreed Lori, smiling as she watched Jake glancing across at her.

  “You ok?” checked Maddy, spotting Jake’s smile.

  “I think so,” sighed Lori.

  “He loves you so much,” began Maddy sincerely.

  “Stop. You’ll have me crying again,” interrupted Lori, feeling fresh tears stinging her eyes. “Let’s just enjoy Garrett’s big night.”

  Out on stage, the trio had reached the final chorus. As Riley hit the last, long, breathy note, the fans began to cheer enthusiastically, blown away by the big voice that had come from the tiny songbird.

  “Thank you,” said Garrett as the cheers began to ebb. “Riley’s going to stay out here with us for the rest of the show.”

  This news was the cue for more rapturous applause.

  “We’d like to welcome two more friends out now. New York, please give it up for Paul Edwards and Grey Cooper! Silver Lake’s powerhouse.”

  Almost an hour later, with only two songs left on the main set, Garrett welcomed his final guest out on stage. Both Paul and Grey had slipped off stage after Ebony Eyes, almost unnoticed by the audience.

  “Folks, Mikey from Weigh Station had been scheduled to join us this evening for the last two numbers but his flight’s been delayed and he’s still in London,” apologised Garrett. “I’m delighted to welcome my last-minute final guest out here. New York, give this young man a huge cheer for stepping in at two hours’ notice. Todd Denby, get out here!”

  Picking up a hastily borrowed guitar, Todd walked on stage grinning out at the crowd.

  “You ready for this?” checked Jake as he stole a quiet word with his former protégé.

  “I hope so,” replied Todd with an anxious smile. “I’ve been practising backstage.”

  “New York, this is Same Strings New Vision,” called out Garrett, before counting the two guitarists in.

  Thanks to the intense backstage rehearsal, Todd played the complex song flawlessly then repeated the feat on set closer Young Eyes Old Soul. Beside him, Jake was positioned between him and Riley, keeping a protective eye on both of them. To their right, Garrett was in full flow, glowing with sweat from the heat of the lights. With the final notes of the song still reverberating round, Garrett said simply, “Thank you and safe journey home.”

  The older musician led them off stage to deafening applause and cries for more. Once in the wings, Jake grabbed a bottle of water then hurried over to Lori.

  “Still here, li’l lady?” he checked with a smile, still not truly believing she was there.

  “Still here,” she replied. “That was fabulous. I’d forgotten how good Garrett was live.”

  “Once we got him out there,” laughed Jake, glancing over at his friend.

  “And that little green-haired girl is amazing!”

  “Riley’s awesome,” agreed Jake, watching for their cue to go back out. “I’ll introduce you later. You’ll love her.”

  “Mr Power,” called over Jethro. “When you’re ready.”

  Placing a soft kiss on the top of Lori’s head, Jake said, “I’ll be five minutes. You’ll like this one.”

  The drumkit had been swiftly moved to the side, leaving the back of the stage in darkness. Soft tendrils of smoke wafted across the open space, swirling out towards the front few rows. Two stools had been brought on stage and, as Jake and Garrett settled themselves to play, the older musician said, “New York, you’ve been amazing. Tonight has been huge for me, so thank you for being here to share it. I’d like to thank all of my guests for being here to support me.”

  He paused to allow the applause to die down.

  “We have one final song for you. This is Being Silent.”

  The lights dimmed and two white spotlights illuminated Jake and Garrett as they played the long, delicately intricate acoustic intro. Around them, the smoke swirled like mist. A third spotlight was trained on a point centre stage. Softly at first but growing in power, a crystal-clear note rang out from the shadows at the back of the stage. Slowly, Riley walked forward, holding the note steady till she reached her mark. Keeping her voice clear and pure, she sang the intense lyrics of Being Silent.

  As she watched, Lori felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand to attention. Much as she admired the clarity of Ellen Lloyd’s voice, in her eyes, young Riley was outclassing the After Life vocalist, who had recorded the album version.

  The entire crowd had fallen silent, captivated by the intensity and the emotion of the performance. Several of the diehard Silver Lake fans had tears in their eyes as they drew a different message from the song. Being Silent’s lyrics told of Garrett’s struggles in the days after his partner’s death. To Jake and
the various members of the Silver Lake family, it echoed the emotional journey they had travelled after losing Rich.

  It was a fitting, if emotional, climax to the evening. There were tears in the eyes of all three of them as they stepped off stage for the final time.

  Ignoring the congratulations and chaos around him, Jake headed straight towards his wife. Maintaining his focus on the set had been beyond challenging. All he wanted to do was escape from the crowd and talk to Lori, praying he could pick up the pieces of his shattered life.

  “That was incredible,” said Lori sincerely as Jake approached chugging on a bottle of water. “Being Silent was breathtaking.”

  “Quite something, isn’t it?”

  “The album version is awesome but that was mind-blowing,” gushed Lori, still partially overcome by the emotions of the encore. “Where did Garrett find that girl?”

  “He didn’t. I did,” revealed Jake with more than a hint of pride. “She was one of my workshop students. Jim and Jethro are taking her under their wings but I’m hoping Garrett’s going to step in too. Long story.”

  “Jake!” yelled Maddy sharply. “Move it out. Time to get cleaned up and over to the gothic palace. You have press commitments first though.”

  “Shit,” muttered Jake. “I’d forgotten.”

  “Go,” said Lori, understanding that he was still needed elsewhere for a little longer. “Plenty time to talk later.”

  “Jake!” yelled Maddy a second time.

  “Maddison,” he growled. “I heard you.”

  The green room was packed when Lori limped in behind Jake. While Garrett and the others had been on stage, several journalists had been allowed entry with the promise of time with Garrett and his guests. Protectively, Jethro was hovering in the background as several of the press cornered Riley, keen to get an exclusive interview with the new rock goddess. Three British journalists had surrounded Garrett, who looked anxious and keen to escape.

  Before they had made it as far as the table where there were bottles of juice and water and beers, two journalists had whisked Jake back out into the hallway, promising to only detain him for a few minutes.