Page 41 of Whirlwind

“How very Zen of you. That’s something your mother would say.”

“Dad, I grew up watching you run to help Dave, run to get Dave everywhere on time. Lie for him, make excuses for him. Worry about him. I loved Dave, and I’m sorry he didn’t do more to help himself the older he got, what with all the interventions you guys pulled on him. It’s not your fault.”

Dad pressed his lips together. Earlier this year, his band held a reunion concert for a charity in L.A. that had gotten lots of publicity and positive response from the fans. Dave had shown up for all the rehearsals, everything seemed good to go.

But the day of, Dave didn’t show, and someone else had to step in to take his place and the show went on. Dad had gotten so mad at him, I’d never seen him so furious. They didn’t talk after that. A few months later, Dave’s teenage daughter found him dead in his bathtub.

Dad let out a deep breath, but his jawline remained stiff, his shoulders tight.

Time to change the subject.“How’s Astra’s album going?”

“She’s got really good material. It’s shaping up real strong. She’s happy with it, and so am I. She’s such a hard worker. ”

“She is. I’m glad, sounds great.”

“It really is great.” He placed his empty cup beside him. “You’ve got that soundtrack gig in Nashville coming up, right? You little workaholic.”

“I do.”

“You’ve always been so focused, Beck, and that’s good, son. Most people have a hard time with that. Not you. And you’ve achieved a hell of a lot. But now it’s time to pat yourself on the back and let loose a little. You’re allowed.”

I sucked down the last of my espresso.

He slanted his head, a grin perking the edge of his lips. “What? I know that look. Spill.”

“I let loose the other day. I found a girl. Or she found me. Not sure which.”

Dad erupted into soft laughter. “There you go!”

“A girl from Meager.”

His eyebrows hitched in his forehead. “Get out.”

“It’s true.”

His feet paddled slower in the water. “I once knew a girl from Meager.” His voice was suddenly somber.

“You did?”

“Long, long time ago. When I was just starting out, fresh out of high school. And I mean starting out. I was hauling equipment for my cousin Jay and his band, touring the whole damn Midwest, anywhere they could get gigs. And they got ‘em too. They were good. They were on a roll, and I got to experience that climb where everything is still tough but it’s all starting to be worth it, you’re getting somewhere, somewhere good and you feel it.”

“You never talk much about that time. The Silver Tongues, right?”

“That’s right. I’d play guitar—if they let me. Tambourine too.”

“I’d pay to go back in time and see that.”

He let out a dry laugh. “And back up vocals.”

“Back up vocals? You?” Dad had been the front man for his band, and loved everything about being front man.

“Yeah, back up for the most beautiful, talented girl ever.” His voice had gone gentle. “I had a heavy duty crush on her, my girl from Meager.”

“No shit.”

“Yep. The band had taken on a girl to sing lead. She was older than me, had a boyfriend too, some tough as nails outlaw biker from town.”

I let out a loud laugh. “Gee, Dad, I see a pattern here.”

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