41. Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-One
Laredo
“ B est day of my life,” an exhausted Adam whispers in my ear, arm wrapped around my shoulder as we stare through the glass window of the music studio.
For the last four hours, we’ve been teaching and rehearsing with over sixty artists, taking them through Adam’s song “Better Together,” and the time has finally arrived. We’re ready to record.
“You ready for this?” I nod and wave through the glass at Ricco, who’s entertaining everyone on their last five-minute break with another hilarious tale from his career. I would say the man should write a book, but he already has.
“Are you?” Adam returns, blowing a kiss at Ariel, whose gaze always seems to be on him. “You didn’t have to give up your solo for Ariel. I wrote it for you. This song is going to get a lot of attention. It would’ve shined a spotlight on you. It might’ve led to a record deal.”
I feel no remorse. “This is bigger than me. It’s for the food pantry. With Ricco and Ariel playing front, it will shine the light where it belongs.”
We turn when the door to the studio opens. Mr. Durant and the film crew from the local high school. One of the many last-minute additions. Once word spread, everyone in town showed up offering whatever help they could. The high schoolers have recorded the entire unscripted evening. The director from the local production of Jesus Christ Superstar has volunteered his services to edit the raw footage into a documentary.
All night long, deliveries have arrived. Snacks, sandwiches, and enough coffee to keep a bear awake all winter. The ladies from the local spa have set up massage tables on the sidewalk outside the studio for the artists during their breaks.
“One last surprise before we make history.” Mr. Durant beams and strides toward the door.
Betty enters, her hand hanging low behind her, tugging along Miss Irene. “I dragged her out of her bed. She had to be here.” She pulls her into a tight hug. “You mean so much to so many people. Everyone is here tonight for you and to support what you’ve built for this community. You had to see how much everyone loves you.”
Miss Irene’s face lights up with an appreciative smile. “There is so much to take in.”
“Thank you,” Betty starts. “For carrying this heavy load on your shoulders by yourself for decades. After tonight, you get to rest, and the pantry gets a fresh start. We are here to honor your legacy.”
“This is so overwhelming. Thank you.”
Mr. Durant wraps his arms around the two women hugging. “I guess that’s our cue.”
Adam flips the switch on the console, and I take a deep breath. It’s time. “Positions. This one is for the record books. Ready in thirty seconds.” He cuts the mic to the studio, a wide grin spreading across his face.
I’m proud of him.
“Bro?” Even with all the surrounding chaos, he gives me his complete attention. “I do have one favor to ask.”
“Anything.”
I point to his instrument that has been leaning against the wall all evening. It has special meaning for him, and it’s the last thing he’d expect me to play on a night like tonight.
“You sure?”
I snicker. “There’s over sixty people crammed into that room. I doubt anyone will notice.”
“I will,” Betty says over my shoulder. She must’ve been listening the entire time. “I’m proud of you, Zekiel.”
Adam does a double take, his brows pinching. “Wait? You told her?”
I chuckle. “Yeah, I’m showing her all of me.”
“And I’m loving all of it,” Betty chimes back. I scoop up Adam’s instrument and give Betty a quick kiss before exiting the console room. Maneuvering through the packed hallway, I can feel the excitement in the air. Eventually, I make my way into the main studio and position myself at the back of the room, next to two of the kids from the band Plot Twist. They arrived at the studio straight from a wildly successful performance on the Sunday festival stage.
“Laredo Williams, I know you aren’t hiding in the back of the room.” Ricco’s booming voice fills the room, and everyone in the room turns to face me. Artists make room as Ricco strides toward me with Ariel two steps behind him.
“You should be in the front. You are the mastermind of this operation,” Ricco adds and waves an arm toward the front of the room.
I lift Adam’s instrument and shake it high above my head. “I’m good. I’m right where I need to be.”
The jingle of the cymbals on the tambourine causes Ricco to chuckle.
He gets it.
The crackle from the speakers snaps everyone’s attention. As everyone returns to their position, I pause and feel the weight of the tambourine against my side.
We are about to make history. A song that will spread positivity and foster a sense of togetherness in this community. Something bigger than myself.
And I’m holding a tambourine.
A week ago, I would have insisted on being at the front of the room. I would have somehow found a way to insert a three-minute solo.
But it’s not about me. I find more joy in standing at the back of the room, rhythmically banging a tambourine that goes unnoticed, than I ever did standing center stage with the weight of an entitlement I never earned.
As the beautiful chorus fills the room, I enthusiastically bang the tambourine against my hip. I watch from the back of the room, and I see all the things I’ve always missed.
Love, respect, support, communication.
Ricco shredding his guitar in perfect synchronization with eight other guitarists. Dax calling out the entry for the trumpet player, who is supported by flutes, two saxophones, and a trombone. Back to the chorus is led by a different set of voices, my directions to make sure everyone in the studio has a moment in the spotlight.
I catch Adam’s prideful gaze on the other side of the glass. Mr. Durant’s hand rests on his shoulder. Adam takes a short step forward, his nose pressing against the glass, and I know why.
Ariel.
She mirrors his movement as she plays the only solo in the song. The one Adam wrote for me. I’ve never been happier to step aside when I see the look of love in their eyes. She finishes the short solo and blows a kiss at Adam.
It’s perfect.
Everything about tonight has been perfect.
In this studio, I have everything I need.
Friends, family, community, music, and love.
I’ve finally figured out a way to have it all.