Page 81 of Tracing Holland

“Tyler, I thought you were supposed to be working on inventory?”

Tyler deflates, and my good humor gives way to the inevitable boil of my blood when challenged.“Actually, sir, we requested his assistance.We’re interested in these guitars,” I explain, holding up the Taylor and motioning toward the Martin.

The man gives me a skeptical look.He has no clue who I am, which only encourages me further.Unlike Tyler he doesn’t actually pay attention to what happens in his store.

“Is that so?Did Tyler review the price of that guitar?”

“He did, thanks.Seven thousand nine hundred ninety-nine dollars and it comes with a case.He recommended I go with the Platinum Warranty.Considering the abuse it’ll take on the road, that’s not a bad idea.”

“You tour then?”the manager asks, and I force a polite laugh.

“Oh, right, sorry.”I slide off the stool and approach, holding out my hand.“Luke Craven with Night Shifts Black.That’s my friend Holland Drake from Tracing Holland.We’re actually touring together at the moment.I think she’s interested in that Martin.Right, Holland?”I ask, addressing her.

She nods to us with a smile and holds it up.“It’s a pretty color.”I almost snicker at her joke, but manage to hold it in.

The man just stares at us.And stares.And glances at Tyler.He studies my tattoos for a while, then back to Tyler.

“I see.Well…”

“So, can he ring us up here, or do we do that at the counter?”I add, solely to see his face explode.

It does, and there is no doubt in my mind this will be an eight thousand dollars well-spent.I’m pretty sure Tyler is wetting his pants.

“Um…Tyler can ring you up at the counter.Our computer…he needs the computer.”

“Great!Oh, hey, he’s been great.Does he get credit or anything for this sale?”

The man looks about to pass out before shaking his head.Tyler’s eyes are the size of guitar picks.

“No, our employees are hourly.”

“Oh, really?Well, that’s too bad.Hey, Ty, can you throw in one of those mini clip-on tuners you were showing us earlier?I can’t even tell you how many of those damn things I lose.Thanks.Oh, and an extra set of strings and your favorite strap.”

The manager has to step from the doorway so we can march past.I know Holland’s eyes are glued to me.She has no clue what I’m doing.Hell, I’m not entirely sure at the moment, I just can’t shake this sense that a slight shift in the universe is about to occur.

“Well, if you need anything else, please let me know,” the manager says, and I wave my hand.

“Thanks, but I think Ty’s got it.Right, Ty?We good?You can ring us up?”

“You want the Taylor?”

“That’s the one you like, right?”

He nods.“Yeah, she’s a beauty.”

“You’re sure?I shouldn’t consider a different one?”

“I mean, the Martin you were looking at is nice too, but if it were me, you struck gold with that Taylor.”

I nod.“Perfect.That’s all I need to hear.”

He’s smiling to himself as he processes the transaction, and I cast a quick glance at Holland who’s giving me the death stare.She didn’t bring me here to buy another eight-thousand-dollar guitar I’ll have to fly back to Philadelphia.

“So, it’ll take us a little bit to get it ready for you and adjust anything you need, the action or whatever.Will you be able to come back in about an hour?We’ll have it all polished up and ready for you,” Tyler says as I’m signing the receipt.

I sigh.“Well, I don’t think that’s going to work for me.”

His face falls.“Oh, ok, well, maybe…”