ODAAT: Volume 2, Chapter 20

 

Uncertain Future

We found a small diner at the heart of the city, arriving just before the dinner rush. The restaurant was a cute Italian place with a red and green theme. The staff was dressed in black uniforms, wearing the name of the restaurant in bright red lettering across the chest. It wasn't deserted, either. Most of the tables were full. But, the management came to the front of the house to personally seat us. Frankie gets recognized everywhere we go, after all.

“I'd like a bottle of champagne.” He orders as we're sitting down. The waiter nods, darting off to the bar. The owner comes over to the table with five menus, handing them to each of us. He's an older gentleman in his late 40's. He has graying hair with bald patches on both sides. He's got a well-groomed mustache on his chubby face. He pairs it with a wide smile and sparkling eyes.

“Let me know when you're ready to order.” He announces, heading to another table. There's a lull of conversation at the table, mostly about what everyone is ordering. I'm not hungry, deciding on a salad. Frankie insists on ordering appetizers, because it's a special night. Now, I'm not the only one who seems to be questioning him. Jared shifts uncomfortably in the seat beside me. We didn't plan how we were going to sit, but, it happened anyway. Crystal and Charlie are on one side of the booth. I'm sitting across from Crystal, against the wall. Jared is sitting beside me with Frankie on the outside. After the champagne arrives, Frankie says he's making a toast. Crystal says

“To the New Addition tour?” She asks with a giggle in her voice. Frankie shakes his head and the truth finally comes out.

“Are you fucking serious?” Charlie asks, his hands dropping on the table. Crystal's laughter has suddenly died and she's staring at Frankie with her eyes wide open.

“We’re going to be a real band?” She asks, looking over at Charlie. He's over the moon and it's obvious. Back at the practice space, he said something about buying a guitar when he got home. He had never given music a real thought, figuring it wasn't a real career. So, he sold his guitar and moved on. He said the whole thing was making him miss music.

“You'll be famous by association.” Frankie laughs, putting his hand on Charlie's shoulder. Charlie leans over the table, almost knocking over the champagne glass in front of him. He wraps his arms around Frankie, who laughs as he returns the embrace. Crystal is still sitting quietly, which is unusual for her.

“How would that work?” She finally asks, sipping at her champagne. It seems the initial shock of the announcement has faded and she's interested in the technicalities.

“Well, this is what I'm thinking, but, I'm open to suggestions,” He pauses, looking around the table. The lack of commentary has him continuing with his grand scheme.

“I'm obviously going to sing and play the piano, like I usually do.” He starts. Crystal nods, agreeing. Her hand is slightly shaking from the excitement. A feeling that Charlie seems to share.

“I figure you can sing with me during some of the songs. You can be a back-up vocalist, or we can work on some material and do a back and fourth sort of thing.” He continues. She nods.

“Like, one verse you. The next verse, me?” She clarifies. He nods.

“Then, Charlie can obviously play the guitar. I mean, he needs practice, but, he'll get there, I'm sure of it. The same with you.” He continues, still talking to Crystal.

“For some songs, we'll have you playing the drums. I'm thinking, you and Jared will switch back and fourth. It'll create a nice blend.” He adds, motioning from Crystal to Jared. She nods, seeming to be lost in thought. She's moving her hand around the air, like she's creating a stage in her mind. Then she pauses.

“What about her?” Crystal asks, motioning in my direction. It's the first time I've been a part of this conversation, so I look up suddenly. I was content staring at the checkered print of the table cloth.

“I'm thinking Jared can teach her bass. I mean, it's not a hard instrument to learn. I know a lot of useless musicians who can play.” He jokes. Luke comes to mind. He was a terrible bassist, but everyone loved him because of his presence. You don't have to be talented if you're loved. But I'm neither.

“I think this is great.” Crystal exclaims, clapping her hands together. The manager comes back over to the table and asks what the celebration is about. Frankie boasts about his new band, motioning to everyone at the table. The next thing I know, we're joined by the staff. Then, we're joined by a few random fans. Then, we're surrounded and everyone is cheering and celebrating. The atmosphere is joyous and everyone seems to be having a good time. Except for me and Jared.

I don't think Frankie is thinking this through. After all, what would it mean for his relationship with Jared? He can't let that become public knowledge, because the backlash would be too much to cover. Even with the best PR, his reputation would be ruined. Not because Jared is another man. He'd be willing to cross that bridge. But, because of my inclusion in that relationship. There would be too many questions and a whole new world of pressure. Jared was easing himself into the spotlight by playing at Reggie's. He's not ready to be thrown center stage. That's the reason he hasn't been the opening act, even though that's what Frankie had planned. He didn't want the attention. This is a sudden looming feeling over the two of us. A feeling the rest of our party doesn't share.

But a gift for the two of us, who now share this concern. We are now a unified front about something. I think he realizes the same thing as I do. Under the table, his hand finds mine, squeezing gently. And I squeeze back, letting him know that I'm here. I'm right here with him for this uncertain future of ours. Because it is ours.