Page 80 of Making the Call
I state the obvious. “I take it you’re in my fan group.”
Jennifer’s smile widens. “Yeah, I have been for years. I don’t think I’ve introduced myself. I’m Jennifer.” She reaches out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you in person, Charlotte.”
Now that she says her name, and I look closer at her, I recognize her as being one of my fans from the beginning. “Wow, Jennifer, it’s a pleasure to meet you, too. Have you always lived around Nashville?”
“Yep, born and raised. My cousin went to school with Luke Leighton. I’m so happy the two of you are together.” Seriously, the world keeps getting smaller and smaller.
At first, I think it might be awkward to talk with Jennifer, but I quickly find that isn’t the case. She tells me she’s finishing her bachelor’s at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro this spring. We discuss what she’ll do after graduation, since her major is in communications and minor is marketing. We also discuss our love for all things in the book industry. Our conversation quickly turns to our favorite authors. We both wholeheartedly agree we love books that have amazing characters, combustible chemistry, and enough suspense to keep us burning through the pages.
When her break is over, she asks, “Do you mind taking a selfie with me? This just totally made my day.”
“Of course not!” I notice we get some looks from surrounding customers, but I try not to think about it. I pull out my phone as well and after we’re done, I post in my reader’s group, it was so nice to meet her and wish her the best of luck in school.
By the time I settle into writing some more, my alarm signals, telling me it’s time to leave. Shit. I don’t want to be late to meet his family. They probably already think I’m a freak for leaving so early to get some writing done. Well, I attempted to write, but no such luck. I quickly gather my things and head to the car. I guess I’ll have to make it up later. Who needs sleep, right?
When I arrive, the girls are dressed and waiting to play tour guide. They let me drop off my things then rush me out to the car. I’d arrived earlier than expected, but Mona insists we get started if we’re to see everything I want to today. After finding a place to park near the Country Music Hall of Fame, Becca suggests we walk down Broadway first. I’m in awe of the amount of people here on a weekday. As we walk along the street, music can be heard everywhere. It has a magical feel as we bop along between the shops and bars. When the music hits us, we stop into several bars along the way to enjoy the atmosphere.
When Marie suggests we stop for some lunch, we all pile into a crowded bar and sit at one of the high-top tables to enjoy the performance on stage. The band takes requests and from what I can tell, they play just about every genre out there. When we walked in, they were playing an old Merle Haggard song, then they switched it up to Luke Bryan.
Becca calls out, “Play some Taylor Swift,” as a joke and sure enough, they break into “Shake it off,” like it was something they play daily. It’s impressive how they can switch gears so fast.
Mona, Marie, and Becca are easy to get along with. The fear I’d had is put to rest, and I quickly find myself swaying to the music and singing along to the songs I know in my mind. The atmosphere’s something I’ve never experienced. The crowd in the bar is filled with humor, and everyone just wants to have a good time.
After we finish our lunch, Mona suggests, “The Grand Ole’ Opry is on the next block, let’s go in there.”
We quickly purchase our tickets, and my heart races as I eagerly wait to see the museum and the stage itself. I’ve watched performances over the years, and I’m eager to see what it really looks like.
“Oh my goodness, can you believe Dolly Parton is that tiny?” Marie points out a petite costume display Dolly once wore. She’s much shorter and skinnier than I could have ever imagined. Down to her beautifully designed shoes, Dolly Parton has class and style.
When we walk into the auditorium itself for the Opry stage, I’m blown away at how quaint it feels. From television, you can never tell how big the hall is, but it’s much smaller than I expect. The acoustics must be amazing to see a live show.
Mona settles in beside me and mentions, “I remember a time when Luke and Marie would put on shows in our living room.”
“Really?” I ask in disbelief. “Luke never mentioned anything about being musical.”
“That’s only because I made him,” Marie pipes in. “He plays the guitar better than me, but obviously, he loved football more.”
Surely, I’ve heard her wrong. “Luke plays the guitar?” I’ve never seen one at his house.
Marie nods. “Yeah, you should have him play sometime. He’s got a great voice, too.”
Why did I not know this? Is there anything the man can’t do?
“I think I still have his old guitar at the house.” Mona looks as if she’s trying to remember something. “I’m not sure he’s played much since college. He claims he hasn’t had the time.”
“Now, I’m intrigued,” I admit.
“Oh, make sure you have him play ‘Lovebug’ by George Strait. It was his ‘go-to’ song to get the ladies back in the day.” Becca giggles.
“I doubt he had trouble getting girls,” I deadpan. But inside, I’m curious.
“Do you remember the time he entered that talent show contest and played that for the girl he’d been crushing on?” Becca asks.
“Ohmigod, yes!” Marie gushes. “The poor boy thought he’d impress her, but she only had eyes for Bobby Jacobs.”
Marie adds, “I felt so bad for him. But I have to say, he got a lot of attention from others after that. Then when he made the team as a varsity starter his freshman year, all the girls came out of the woodwork, including that Sarah. I was glad to see he was over her by then. I don’t remember him playing guitar much after football took over his life.”
I’m dying to know more, but Becca changes the subject by pointing out another display on the far side of the room. and we rush off to see it. I can’t wait to confront Luke about his musical abilities when I see him next.
By the time we get back to Luke’s parents, I’m burnt out. My feet ache, and I know more about country music than I ever expected. I’ve always had a wide taste for music, but I didn’t know how influential it was until I went to the Country Music Hall of Fame and my walk through Nashville. I could’ve spent days there, rather than mere hours.
My favorite part about the day was getting to know tidbits about Luke and his family. I was filled in on many family stories as they reminisced throughout the day. Even Becca had funny stories to share and felt no need to hold back her thoughts on Luke throughout the day.
When I walk into his parents’ living room, my energy returns at the sight of Luke and his dad, watching what looks like a game tape. My pulse races, and I pick up my pace to close the distance between us.
“There you are,” Luke announces as he turns off the television and stands to wrap me in a hug. “I hope you’re still talking to me after hearing God knows what from these two.” He gestures to Marie and Becca, who suddenly look as if they’re the cat who’s eaten the canary and won’t make eye contact with anyone.
“Oh, it wasn’t that bad,” I offer.
“Are you tired, or would you be up for a little tour from me?” Luke’s eyes fill with delight and even if I have to drag myself, I know without a doubt, I’d follow him anywhere.
