Page 52 of True

"It's not a novel. It's nonfiction," Alec said his words slow, measured. He was sitting at the bar, Tyler next to him.

"Oh… I didn't realize," Buddy said with a smile. "Well, you boys have a good night."

Marge waved as they went out the door into the blustery wind.

The bar was much darker with the stage lights off. Bryce was wiping down tables.

"You can go on, Bryce. I'll lock up," Tyler said without turning.

"You don't have to tell me twice," Bryce said, grinning with relief. He tossed the towel behind the bar, grabbed his coat, and made for the door. "Thanks, Ty!"

"You're welcome," he said standing, and then to Alec: "You want another drink?"

"Sure." Alec pushed his margarita glass toward him.

Tyler looked at the glass, contemplated, and then put it in the sink. "How about a beer?"

"Beer's fine."

He got them both a Corona and came back around to his seat.

Alec watched Tyler the whole time, noticing his large hands, thick fingers enveloping the

bottle… how comfortably they had strummed that guitar.

"What're you thinking?" Tyler asked.

"I'm thinking I'm pretty blown away. What you did with those two songs was amazing."

"Aw, you're blowing smoke up my ass."

"No, Tyler. I'm not. I'm no expert, but I am somewhat of a music aficionado. I have never been a fan of country music, but what you did with those two songs, stripping them down, deep vocals… I

mean, those are well-known pop songs, by very famous women."

"Yeah. So?"

"Do you always perform songs by women?"

He shrugged. "Not sure. Maybe. A lot anyway."

"So, you're not conscious of it. I mean… why did you choose these songs?"

Tyler sighed a little. He was looking at Alec, but then his eyes drifted, unfocused with thought.

"Brett was a music lover, always had something on in the house. They're just songs I remember. I like playing them because it keeps Brett alive… with me."

"I'm so sorry," Alec said, sensing Tyler's reticence. "I didn't mean to pry."

"It's OK. Marge told me she told you. It's just… even after five years. It's tough."

"Well, for what it's worth, Brett certainly had good taste in music.

"Yep," Tyler agreed, eyes misty. "He did."

Tyler took a long pull from his Corona and Alec stared. So,thatwas where it came from, the raw earnestness he had felt when Tyler was singing. He was still mourning, wounded from life's harsh indifference. The man sitting before him was in love with the ghost of a dead…

"Wait a minute. Did you sayhe?"