Page 1 of Hollow Heart

CHAPTER 1

Duncan

“Fuck,”I curse, as the sounds of blazing horns and road rage surround me on the highway. I’ve been sitting in this damn traffic for at least thirty minutes, though it feels like hours.

This is why I moved from the damn city.

Glancing at the radio, I note it’s been only two minutes since I last checked, hoping somehow, some way, I can turn this car into a damn DeLorean and transport myself to the high-rise where Lou, my former manager, is waiting for me.

Of all days to be late, why today?

I sigh, feeling like things are beyond hopeless at this point. The radio cuts in and out, static filtering through the familiar tune I’d know even if this was the apocalypse and the radio was Morse Code.

Lovin’ On The Run. Hollow Pointe’s biggest fucking hit.

I fight to turn the radio up, not because it’s chintzy, but becauseLovin’ On The Runis practically ingrained in my psyche, despite the fact I haven’t played the tune in damn near thirty years.

The horns around me continue to sing a symphony as I sigh in defeat, the sun heating up my exposed arm hanging out of my truck window.

“Come on!” I yell, into the melody of curses and beeps, as if it’ll make a lick of a difference.

I grab my phone from the cup holder, swiping up to see if Lou’s read my last text yet, the one where I mentioned I was running late.

That was an hour ago.

At this rate, I’m going to get to the office and Lou’s going to be a skeleton peeking out through the blinds.

Don’t be such a pessimist,Marci would say. Well, if she were here, that is. She was always so much more optimistic than me.

I sigh, letting my hand slide down the steering wheel, my heart aching at the thought of her. It’s been ten years already since she passed. I’ll be the first to admit life was so much... easier when she was alive.

Even though there were still struggles, nothing seemed out of reach. With Marci, everything was okay because we had each other, and we had our son. That was all we ever really needed.

The car in front of me finally moves, and I breathe a sigh of relief as I take my foot off the brake.

Maybe I’ll get to the office before Lou decomposes completely.

The city has no life,no vibrancy. Everything is sleek and shiny, devoid of color, and I almost feel like this audition is a waste of time because I’ve been so far removed from the music business for years.

Well, as far as performing goes. I’ve written a bunch of songs over the years for some of Lou’s clients, but that’s a lot different from showing up for rehearsals and touring.

My heart twists at the thought of touring. Of leaving my son.

I know the kid is old enough to take care of himself, and my sister-in-law would be more than happy to come stay with him while I do what I need to. But I’ve never been away from my kid since he was born, and the very thought of spending time away from him makes me feel homesick already.

Not that he’s interested in hanging out with me much now that’s he’s sixteen, and everything else in the world is cooler than me.

Still, with Bobby starting to look at all these big colleges, I know I need this gig.

When I finally get to the office, I shoot Lou a text.

I’m here!

Within an instant, he texts back.

Take the elevator to the 4th floor. I’ll meet you.

I breathe a sigh of relief that he did indeed see my text. I straighten out my clothes, adjusting myself in the parking lot, attempting to shake out the anxiety, the nerves.

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