Page 14 of More Than Scars
“Right back at cha. Thanks for letting me tag along. Figured an extra set of hands wouldn’t hurt.”
“Not at all. Nice to have company for the ride too.” Three hours there, time to load, and three hours back will make for one long-ass day. “Let’s roll.”
“I remember when local radio stations were all the rage,” Wolf began as we merged onto I-5. “It’s all about satellite now and how many hits the song gets.”
“Very true. In the day and age of electronics, everything is measurable. Octane is my go-to.” Which just happened to be the current station of choice. “I can’t wait to hear Imminent Dangers’ first song played here.”
“Those boys may take a bit of training. Gotta admit, I’m proud of Joey and Stoli stepping up to the plate as they have. They helped Josh out even after we had to keep them from killing each other,” Wolf sighed. “Long history there, but Josh is getting help with his demons, and the previously feuding rock stars are now friends.”
Masterson had such a deep history for me to learn. “They seem like pretty solid guys.”
“Everyone’s got baggage, everyone’s got demons. It’s how you handle them that will make or break you.”
“No truer words have ever been spoken, my friend.” It wasn’t his place to share their personal backgrounds, as they weren’t his stories to tell, and I wasn’t about to put him in an awkward position by asking. But as far as band antics went, I’m sure over the coming days I’d get an earful.
“So, from IT to music. What had you jumping genres?” Wolf asked.
“Honestly, IT got boring for me. Meetings, group projects, others leaving the tasks to the rest of the team and hogging the accolades. I wanted something I could put my stamp on, nurture, and watch grow. Starting a new band with one of the most widely known industry management companies,” I sighed, “It was a no-brainer for me. I’m still pinching myself over being chosen for the position.”
“Never for a second had I thought about changing companies. Spent my entire career with Sal first and now Easton. Zero regrets.” Wolf tapped away on the side of his cup. His fingers drumming out the beat to Volbeat’s Doc Holliday.
We chatted off and on during the drive, the music filled the void, though not uncomfortably, as we sang along to familiar songs. Wolf had a deep, gruff voice. The kind you knew could launch a wicked growl. When we pulled up in front of Bowie and Tony’s building, they both jogged out to meet us, smiling wide.
“Morning, you guys ready to load?” I’d cleaned out the spare rooms at my house and put fresh linens on the beds. They’d both likely be worn out tonight, and I wanted to make sure they got a good night’s rest. I wasn’t sure what all Joey and Stoli had planned at their house tomorrow, but if they pulled the boys into a jam session, it could prove to be a late night.
Caretaker much?
Ha, just don’t tell my mother she was right.
“Yeah,” Bowie said. “We got as much into Tony’s car as we could. The rest will easily fit in your truck. Thanks again for helping us.”
“No problem. Alright, let’s get to it.” We followed the boys inside. Wolf headed up to the third floor with Tony while I helped Bowie on the second. “Not much here. Are you sure this is it?” A handful of boxes, half a dozen guitars, and a very well-boxed cactus.
“Yeah, I moved out here straight out of high school, didn’t even go to my graduation, just jumped in a van with some friends of mine, and off we went, chasing the dream, ya know. Clearly, we didn’t make it, or I wouldn’t be here now, but we got close once.”
“Are you guys still tight?”
“Naa.”
He left it at that, though the gruff snort he let out suggested a hint of bitterness there. I’d imagine that’s a story for another time.
“Can we put the guitars in your backseat? Just in case?”
“Of course.” Bowie and I loaded up the cases, one more worn than the others. “I take it this one is your favorite?”
He smiled. “Yeah, that’s my old girl. She’s been to every gig with me.” I’ve heard stories over the years, probably more hearsay than anything. But some musicians were a bit superstitious and always traveled with a treasured piece of equipment even if they didn’t use it onstage. It was more of a good luck charm than anything. I wonder if anyone has ever compiled such a list? Bet it would top the literary charts and become a bestseller.
By the time we finished, both vehicles were packed and ready to hit the road.
“Gentlemen, shall we?” Before Bowie could hop in with Tony, Wolf claimed the passenger seat in his car. Tony shrugged, waved, and slid into the driver’s seat. “Guess you and your cactus are with me.”
Carefully, Bowie buckled his cactus in the seat between us and safely secured it in place.
“I take it this cactus is important to you?” Can’t say I’d ever seen another human take such care of a plant.
“More than you know. Me and Percilla have been through a lot together,” Bowie said, and left it at that as he buckled himself in. “So, what’s the plan?”
“Well,” I merged back onto I-5, “food, unload, settle in. All the usual moving things.”