Page 33 of Together in Harmony
“Live life all-in, or sit to the side.”
“Babe, you are the next T-Switty!” I get out my phone and set it to record. “Again, let's get this down…”
I have to record everything. Note-taking isn’t really in my skill set.
“Oh, don’t record me.”
“Don’t even think about it, come on.” I play the chords, and sing through the words a couple of times. On the third go round, Harmony joins in—very softly. We sing together and I know I am falling in love with this girl.
From the depths of the dark stage, suddenly there is clapping.
“Jolly nice,” says Teddy. “I came out to find you…didn’t know I’d venture onto a beautiful duet.”
Harmony quickly rises to her feet, and I do the same.
“Anyway lovebirds,” he says, "Clara wants to know if you’d like a nightcap in the trailer?”
“Sounds good.” I pull Harmony close.
We walk slowly behind Teddy. People are still milling around. A camera flashes.
“Is that the press?” asks Harmony quickly, ducking her head down.
“Babe, no. It will be the tour photographer. No press back here.”
Teddy doesn’t say anything, but looks at her curiously.
Back at the trailer, Clara opens the door. As she does she sways a little.
I step up and put my arm around her. “You OK, Clar?”
“So silly, dear boy, don’t make a fuss, let’s get those drinks.”
“I’ll get ‘em,” says Teddy, cheerfully.
Clara flops onto the daybed. Under the glare of LED lights she looks gray.
“Clara, what the fuck is going on with you?”
She sighs, and my heart sinks. Clara is my rock. She reaches out a hand to me and I take it.
“Well, dearest Lennox. I’ve had a touch of the old cancer.”
Fuck no! The hand not holding hers makes a fist.
“No fussing,” she snaps. “Let’s have a nightcap, then I’ll fill you in.”
I feel arms go around me. Harmony.
“Sit,” she says, guiding me to the daybed next to Clara. Then she puts a glass of whiskey in my hand. “What can I get you?” she asks Clara.
“More bubbles please, best medicine in the world.”
“Coming right up,” calls out Teddy.
“You shouldn’t be drinking,” I growl at her.
My Clara, my fairy godmother. I don’t want to believe it. When I landed in LA, aged sixteen, she saved me. She made me who I am today. Fuck.
