Chapter Thirty-Four

 

The first few days of working, AJ pretty much crashed into bed after dinner. As much as he hated to admit it, even piloting the Wilderness Cruise wore him down.

After the first week or so, his energy slowly returned, and with it, his creativity. The waves crashing on the shore were like a beacon, calling him, but he couldn’t face going there and not seeing her.

His guitar provided the best company. The few songs he’d written since being in the hospital excited him. They were good. So good, he became restless to try them out on an audience. He told his grandfather one night, as they sat on the patio.

Grandpa leaned back on the glider. “You should, then.”

Yeah, he should. But where, in this godforsaken little pinprick on the map? “I guess.”

His grandfather’s scrutiny made AJ uncomfortable. “Did you not declare music to be your passion? The only real livelihood you wished to pursue?”

“Yeah. It is.” He shifted in his seat. It was just like the old man to throw his words back at him.

“Then let nothing stop you, boy.”

AJ set his foot against his knee, and picked at his shoe. “I’m working on some songs. I’m going to record them. But there aren’t a lot of places to play around here, you know?”

Grandpa waved him off. “Pah. All the greats started out small. Even Elvis. In the beginning, he had nothing but a dream. And do you know what he said?”

AJ shook his head.

“‘Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine.’ So rev it up, son.” Grandpa winked.

“Yeah. You’re right.” Elvis had the soul of a dreamer, all right, but knew those dreams had to be powered by something stronger.

Grandpa slapped his hands against his knees. “Why don’t we go out for a beer? While we’re there, we’ll speak to Mel about you performing there.”

“At Mel’s?” Man, the geriatric crowd in that little hole in the wall couldn’t possibly relate to his music.

“Why not? You have to start somewhere.” Grandpa’s optimism was the polar opposite of his normal outlook. But maybe he was trying to make up for coming between him and Cassiopeia.

AJ had nothing to lose. “You’re right. Mel’s is as good a place as any.”

Grandpa stood. “Now you’re talking. We’ll make posters to advertise. I’m sure Tobias would allow you one on the bulletin board. And the grocery store. And the library.”

Sure, the usual places you’d advertise an indie musician. AJ nodded, and let Grandpa lead him to the car.

When they walked into Mel’s, AJ’s heart sunk. Yes, tonight was a Thursday, not exactly the big night out. Only two tables were occupied, and three old men sat at the bar.

AJ was about to tell his grandfather never mind, this was crazy, when Grandpa sat on a bar stool and told him to sit.

Sandra came out of the kitchen and smiled. “Walt and AJ. No table tonight?”

Grandpa smiled. “Not tonight, dear. We’re having a beer.”

Mel braced his hands against the bar top. “Gentlemen, what can I get you?”

His grandfather ordered, then AJ. When Mel set their beers on the counter, Grandpa said, “We also have a proposition for you.”

Mel’s smile never flinched, but his eyes darted from Grandpa to AJ. “A proposition. Uh oh. I don’t like the sound of this.” He chuckled.

Grandpa sat straight. “Nonsense. This is a win-win proposition.”

The two old men on Grandpa’s left listened intently. Already they’d attracted a crowd. Maybe it was a good sign. People here were starved for anything new.

Mel’s smile waned. “Really. I suppose the proof will be in the pudding, but let’s hear it.”

Grandpa laid a hand on AJ’s shoulder. “My grandson is a talented musician. Used to have a successful band in the northeast.”

Mel looked unconvinced. “Is that so.”

“Yes. Unfortunate events led to the breakup of his band. Now that AJ’s here in Florida, he would like to begin performing solo.”

Mel held up his hands. “And what does this have to do with me?”

Grandpa leaned forward. “AJ is willing to play here. For tips only. All you need to provide is a bar stool and a clear space.” He glanced across the room with a critical eye. “Say, that corner. Patrons will get a good view from anywhere they sit.”

Mel blew through his lips. “I don’t know, Walt. My customers aren’t into that kind of music.”

Grandpa argued, “AJ would play after the dinner hour. Say, nine o’clock.” He looked at AJ for confirmation. AJ nodded. Nine was about right. But past the bedtimes of most of Mel’s usuals.

One of the men at the bar said, “I’d like to hear him.”

“You see? He’s already drawn interest.” Grandpa shrugged. “Who knows? It might bring in a new crowd.”

Mel leaned across the bar. “It might. But maybe I don’t want that kind of crowd in my place. I like the older crowd, the slow crowd, the kind who are too slow to fight and cause trouble.” His pleasant smile made AJ uncomfortable. He wasn’t about to give in.

Grandpa chuckled. “Maybe you’re afraid you’d be too slow to keep up with all the orders. Maybe you’re afraid a new patronage would interrupt your breaks.”

The two men engaged in a stare-down. Grandpa made the statement in a lighthearted way, but there was a challenge at its core. Mel knew this, knew it was a way for Grandpa to get what he wanted, but also knew there was an element of truth to it, and his pride hung in the balance.

Mel laughed. “Ah, what the hell. We’ll try it, huh? If it doesn’t work, well, at least we gave it a shot.”

Grandpa nudged AJ. “That’s what I’m always telling my grandson. If you don’t try, you’ll never know.”

AJ peered at his grandfather. “Seems to me, that’s what I’ve been saying to you too.”

Taken aback, Grandpa’s mouth hung agape, then he chuckled. “I suppose we should start listening to one another. Eh?” He clinked his bottle to AJ’s.

Grandpa was probably right. AJ would never have thought to ask Mel about playing here. He had to think more creatively. Like his grandfather. And then teach Grandpa to do the same for himself.