Page 64 of New Day at the Beach House

“Her name’s Sierra and I met her at the club today. She’s really sweet. She’s one of the backup singers Jesse wants to use but she’s also a server at the club. That’s why she’s there. To be close to the music side of things.”

Jules nodded. “How old is she?”

“Twenty-six. Plays piano. Has a really good voice, too.” He put up his hands, fingers splayed. “I know what you’re going to say, that she might only have said yes to me because she’s trying to sing backup for you, but she’s cute and I’m a guy and—”

“Nope. All I was going to say was go have fun.” That wasn’t entirely true. She’d been thinking the same thing he’d put into words but she couldn’t very well say anything now that he had. “You’re old enough to decide who you want to go out with. And old enough to figure out a person’s true intentions.”

“I hope so. I mean, maybe I’m wrong but she seemed genuine.”

For his sake, Jules hoped her son was right. “You need some money? You’ve certainly earned some for all the work you did today. I’m already going to have to pay you royalties on Man of the World.”

He laughed. “As much as I hate to say yes, I actually could use a couple of bucks.”

“Maybe I should just hire you as my assistant producer and put you on the payroll for real.” The thought had just come to her, but it wasn’t an impulse. He was helping her out more than she could have imagined possible.

He stared at her for a second, brows raised. “Seriously? Like for real and not just because I’m your son?”

“For real. You’re doing so much for me. And toward making this album a reality. I’d be paying anyone else who was doing it. There’s no reason you should do it for free just because you’re my son.”

“Wow. That would be really great.”

“Come see me before you leave, and I’ll give you an advance on your first paycheck.”

Grinning, he got up and hugged her, sandwiching her guitar between them. “Thanks, Mom.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart, but you earned this.” As he let go, she got up and took her guitar off and set it aside. “See you downstairs, okay?”

“Okay.”

She went out through the sliders and down the spiral steps to the second floor. She didn’t go in just yet, instead settling onto the couch in the screened area. She kicked her feet up onto the coffee table and pulled out her phone to see if she’d missed anything.

Billy, whom she’d called earlier about getting the rights to cover the Johnny Cash song, hadn’t responded yet other than to say he was working on it. She wasn’t surprised. Things like that didn’t happen overnight.

There was a text from Jesse, too. Perfect timing, she thought as she tapped the notification to read it.

Cash did great today. Meant to tell you earlier, but I’ve been swamped.

No worries, Jules typed back. He did great here, too. Helped me write another song for the album. Kind of surprised me with how good it was.

Doesn’t surprise me, Jesse answered. The kid is smart and hard-working. Why didn’t he do better in CA?

Jules shook her head. I don’t know. Except, maybe I do. She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. I think he was trying to follow in his father’s footsteps. Rock and roll.

Now things make sense. He’s got a country soul.

Jules smiled. Yeah, he kind of does.

Cash had always been much more like her than Lars, his dad. Fender, on the other hand, he was his father’s son. Maybe too much, sometimes.

Any chance I’ll get to see you tonight? I could slip out for an hour. Maybe grab some dinner?

I’d love that. Something casual? She had no interest in getting dressed up.

Do you like Korean barbeque? Kang’s is outstanding.

I’ve never had it but I’m game.

It’s closer to you, so meet me there at 7?

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