“See?” Sebastianboasted, puffing his chest out and pointing a finger between Ty and Chad. “Now,where’s the boss man? We’ve got shit to do.”
Devin came in from thehouse shortly after with his father-in-law, Richard. Richard had been the headhoncho at a big recording studio in New York City before he sold the company.Now, he steps out of retirement to work exclusively for Devin, and only whenhe’s recording an album.
Richard greeted us in aprofessional manner, all handshakes and curt nods, despite having known theother guys for years. Devin, on the other hand, opened his arms and invitedTess in for a hug as big as he was, like he’d known her forever.
“You ready to lay somebeautiful shit down?” he asked me, grabbing my hand and pulling me in to clap ahand against my back.
“Yes, sir.”
“Excellent.” He wastedno time, walking into the studio and grabbing a pair of headphones. “Iwannarecord that song you sent me last week.”
“Which one?” I asked,settling into the professionalism I felt when I was with this group of guys.
“The, um …” Slinginghis guitar over his shoulder, he twisted his lips and tapped his toe againstthe floor, covered with area rugs of varied sizes and shapes. “The ‘Goodnight’one. Was that the title?”
“Oh.” I swallowed,knowing the one. “’Tell Me Goodnight.’”
He pointed a finger atme. “That’s it. We’ve been practicing it this week, so we should be good torecord.”
I nodded, feeling animmediate separation between myself and the rest of the band and further solidifyingmy position asthe new guy. Ty andChad didn’t live anywhere near Devin or Sebastian. But they were all staying inthe general vicinity for a while, to work together as a band, while I was stillon Long Island.
I hoped I could one dayfeel more like a part of the bigger picture and I hoped it would happen soonerrather than later. I wanted to feel important. But for now, all I had was this,so I sat down at the keyboard, determined to do the best I possibly could andmake myself invaluable.
“Okay, whenever youguys are ready,” I said, pulling on a pair of headphones and laying my fingersagainst the keys.
Devin took a readycheck, and when all of us confirmed we were good to go, he turned to thewindow. “Rich, you ready?” he asked, and Richard gave him a thumbs-up. “Okay,Jon. It’s all yours, buddy.”
“Recording … now,”Richard spoke through the talkback system, and on cue, I found my zone, mycenter, and pulled the music from my heart and belly and out onto the keys andinto the mic.
Well,it’s been a long time coming.
Wehaven’t spoken for a while.
Ican’t quite remember your voice,
Butevery day, I see your smile.
So,you sit down, I’ll make some tea,
Andlet’s talk for a while.
Heybabe,
Thewalls you haunted become so cold.
Thishole you left is now feeling old.
So,I’m beginning to think it’s time for letting go.
Butwait.
There’rejust some things to say before you leave.
I’vetaken all the time I need to grieve.
So,don’t you go on worrying about me.
I’llbe just fine.
