Chapter 22 Sydney – One More Request
Chapter 22
Sydney – One More Request
I worked the early shift at the bookstore and came home in the evening to read in my hammock. My parents invested in season tickets to the local theater, and they were out to see a play tonight. I got lost in my book, swinging and enjoying the peace and quiet of an empty house. At around eight, my phone buzzed.
Austin. There was a time when I would’ve groaned in agony at this guy reaching out to me. Who would’ve guessed a group project could lead to such an unlikely friendship?
“Hi, Austin. What’s up?”
“Not much. Can I swing by your house? I need to ask you about something.”
“Can we talk on the phone? I’m home alone for one blessed evening.”
“I need to speak with you in person. Is it okay for me to come over?”
I thought for a moment. I estimated my parents wouldn’t be home until at least ten o’clock. “Sure, that’s fine. I’m out on the back deck. See you soon.”
“Roger that.” He hung up.
He didn’t want to talk about it on the phone? My brain jumped to the thought that Renee might be pregnant. Shit. We had three pregnant girls in my senior class when I graduated high school. After we finish tipping cows, we don’t have much to do in the Midwest. Geez—even four years later, I knew I wasn’t ready for that kind of responsibility.
I tried to get a few more pages read in my book, but I couldn’t concentrate. The night sounds filled my ears, and I closed my eyes. The creek bubbled in the backyard and the frogs called to one another. We lived in a prefab three-bedroom split-level home in an older subdivision. The deck showcased our small backyard and the miles of woods beyond. I loved sitting out here.
A car door shut in the distance. Austin’s boots clomping on the wooden deck announced his appearance.
“Hey, Sydney! Thanks for letting me come over.”
“I didn’t have a hot date with Danny. What’s going on?”
He sat down on a lawn chair facing me, then leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees. “I don’t know where to begin.”
“How about you start talking, and I will ask questions if I need to?”
“Okay. I can do that.” He ran his hand through his perfect hair and took a shot. “I got a call from Venus Anderson today.”
I jumped on that. “I knew that check was too much! Great. Pretty crummy to come asking for some if it back.”
He shook his head. “No. The check is fine.”
“Oh. Go on….”
“She wants us to come to L.A.”
“Why? Did something go wrong with the demo?”
“No, nothing like that. She wants us to work for the studio. As songwriters.”
I think the top of my head blew right off with the shock. Us , professional songwriters? I didn’t know what to say. “For … for how long? I already accepted a teaching position at the elementary school.”
“She wasn’t specific about a time frame. All she told me is this bigshot executive likes us and wants us on his songwriting team. And that he usually gets what he wants.”
I didn’t expect this. I made allowances for a one-time gig, not a full-time career. Being a teacher meant the world to me, and I wanted to make a difference. I couldn’t do that from a recording studio in Los Angeles.
I bit my lower lip. Austin wanted this. I saw the desire and expectation on his face. This is where he thrived, in that creative, artistic space. I wrote for myself. I didn’t want to feel like a dancing chicken while someone cranked up the heat under my feet.
“Austin, this doesn’t interest me. I have other plans that don’t involve cranking out hit songs. Why didn’t Venus call me, too?”
“She wasn’t sure you’d jump on board. I’m not sure you will either. Yes, of course, I want to do this! At least give it a shot. The worst thing that could happen is that I end up back here slinging ice cream for minimum wage. We’d be foolish not to take this shot.”
It was a lot to process. I peeled myself out of the hammock without tripping and stood in front of him. “It’s not something I considered. I need a day to think about it. Did Venus give you a time frame when she needs an answer?”
He rubbed his chin with his hand. “Not that I can recall. I told her I’d call her back once I spoke with you. That’s where we left it.” He stood up in front of me. “Don’t do it for me. Do it because you want to. I’m going to leave now before you boot me to the curb.” He chuckled.
I followed him out to the sidewalk and watched him saunter to his car. Once his taillights had disappeared around the corner, I went to my room. I needed to talk this out with someone. I plucked my phone out of my pocket and called my sounding board.
“Hey, Sissy! Can we talk?”
“I’ve always got time for my baby sister. I was about to start my nighttime skin care routine. Do you mind if I put you on speakerphone?” Abby asked.
“Not at all. Moisturize away. I got a job offer.”
“Interesting. Spill.”
I told her about Venus’s job offer. When I finished, she asked, “Did you want me to listen, or do you want my opinion?”
“I would like your opinion. There’s a lot I don’t know.”
“I think you should do it. You’re young. You have lots of time to try new things and make mistakes. There’s no harm in giving it a chance.”
I waited for Abby to continue. When she didn’t, I piped up, “Abby, are you still there?”
“Yes. But my turn’s done. Opinion offered. It’s your decision, not mine.”
“What would you do in this situation? ”
“It doesn’t matter what I would do. I think you already know the answer for you, but you’re afraid to pull the trigger. Sissy, sometimes you have to take the leap and work out the details after you jump.”
“I suppose you’re right,” I muttered.
She laughed. “Aren’t I always?”
“That’s debatable.”
“Sissy, I love you. I know you’re going to decide what’s right for you. Now get off the phone—I’ve got to get some beauty sleep. Five o’clock comes early.”
“I love you, too.”
I lay on my bed, contemplating her words. Not many people could say that Hollywood had come calling for them. And Abby had a fair argument—now was the time to take chances. So what was the problem, really?
That I couldn’t crank out hit songs on a regular basis. Or at least often enough to please the whims of a studio executive. That was the problem.
I didn’t write my poems for other people. Quite the opposite.
I thought this song with Austin was a one-time deal. If I took this opportunity, I’d have to give up my teaching position. I’d spent four years working towards being a music teacher. This is not the kind of music I thought I would be working on in my career. It was a lot to think about, and although I wanted their input, I knew from previous experience that my parents wouldn’t be helpful. So, I speed-dialed Meghan for reinforcements. What else are best friends for?
The night before I left, my dad pulled me outside on the deck for a chat. He had a glass of lemonade in each hand. I couldn’t say no. We sat down at the glass patio table and leaned back in our comfy cushioned chairs. The sun still lingered in the sky, but the night sounds were already in full symphonic mode, with crickets and our resident hoot owl joining forces in a serenade. I knew I would miss getting to sit out here at night.
My dad spoke. “I wanted to talk with you. Your mother and I don’t see you much these days, with all of us working in different directions and you spending time with your friends.” He paused. “We support you in the decisions you make, even though we may not always agree.”
“Yes, Dad. I know. ”
“It’s natural at this age for you to want to find your own way. We’ve tried to give you and your sisters a good foundation for tackling the world. We’re not perfect, but we love all three of you. You each have your own unique personalities, and although we tried our best, I’m sure we could have done things differently.”
“I know you love me, Dad. I never doubt that for a second.” I sipped on my lemonade.
“Okay, good. I know we don’t do things like wear matching family pajamas at Christmas breakfast.”
“Trust me, Dad. I don’t need matching pajamas.” The image of all of us dressed like candy canes popped into my head.
“Your mother and I got you something for graduation. I’m going to drive a car out for you next week after you’ve settled in. You won’t have a car payment. In addition, your mother and I will keep it on our insurance policy for a full calendar year.”
This turn of events surprised me. But then I remember that my parents gave Brooke a car since she won lots of scholarship money. Then they paid for Abby’s first six months of rent in New York City to save her from potential nightmare roommates. They loved us, even if we didn’t get tons of affection from them.
“I appreciate this. I know this wasn’t my original plan.”
He deflected with humor to avoid getting sentimental. “Don’t get too excited. Whoever makes it to the altar first gets help with their wedding. The other two get bupkis.” He slapped the table, then picked up his lemonade and took a long swig.
“Great, Dad. I’ll alert the media.” I chuckled. “Any other surprises you want to spring on me?”
He thought for a moment, then slapped his hand against his knee. “Nope. I’m fresh out.” He stood up and ruffled the top of my head. Then he kissed it. “I’m going to watch car shows in the basement. Don’t stay up too late. You and Austin have lots of driving to do tomorrow.”
I stayed outside to watch the last few rays of sunlight fade, then took my glass inside with me. Tomorrow, everything was going to change .
Journal Entry
My dad surprised me this evening. He and Mom bought me a car and will be paying for my car insurance for a year. It was completely unexpected and incredibly generous. I had saved most of my two checks from the recording studio, which paid for half a security deposit and the first month’s rent on a townhouse. Austin paid the other half, and we will be roommates while we get ourselves established in Los Angeles.
I still can’t quite believe that I’m doing this. I usually take the predictable, safe path. I felt bad when I called the school principal and resigned my music teacher position before I’d even gotten started. There’s comfort in the fact that he probably has at least a handful of qualified backup candidates waiting in the wings.
Danny isn’t thrilled with my unscheduled departure. He gets cheated out of some hot sex with me, but the Navy already has him on borrowed time. We decided to part ways amicably instead of attempting a long-distance relationship. It seems like the most logical path.
Once again, my parents did not have much to say about my change of plans. I know it’s bugging my mother, but I don’t entertain any of her backhanded comments about throwing my education down the drain. She had her chance to voice her concerns when Venus showed up and didn’t take it. I had doubts of my own, but the opportunities seem to outweigh them now.
The road trip ahead excites me even more than the destination. We’re stopping at the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and other spots on our way to L.A. Austin and I agreed to add a couple extra travel days to take a more leisurely pace. I tried to keep my luggage down to a minimum, but it still seems like I overpacked. Better safe than sorry. L.A.—here we come!