Page 31

Levi was at the bar early, waiting for a new act to audition. He’d done this countless times in the last few weeks, searching for a regular artist to fill in when needed and ensure they had music consistently every night. He didn’t know if it would work, but he didn’t think it could hurt. Word had been spreading, and he had seen a decline in business on the nights when no one was performing.

With Jon’s help, he had taken the search online. The number of responses had been amazing, but most had proven to be flaky. This guy had rescheduled twice already. Levi tried to be understanding, he had a day job, so they agreed to meet while he was at lunch. He was already ten minutes late when he heard the door open.

“You’re late.”

“A surprise is never late,” Jon replied. “I take it I didn’t miss the show. I figured I’d come down and bring you lunch and offer a second opinion.”

Levi smiled. “I appreciate it. I’ve not heard anything from him today. Honestly, I’m beginning to think he’s not interested.”

“That sucks. He seemed so excited to have the opportunity.”

“Yeah, well, if he isn’t here before you head home, I’m not even going to give him a shot. I need somebody dependable.”

A noise from the entrance interrupted them. A young man rushed in, fighting to drag a guitar case through the door.

“I am so sorry I’m late.” He was out of breath and sweating profusely. “I had a flat in the parking lot at work and told myself that I wouldn’t reschedule again, so I just grabbed my case and ran over here as fast as I could!”

Levi took a moment to get a good look at the young man struggling to catch his breath. He was closer to Jon’s age than his, but looked like he had worked hard his entire life.

“It’s ok, but if you get the gig, you’ll have to be on time.”

“Yes sir! I’ll be early every night. Can’t play my best if I’m rushing onstage.”

Jon stood. “Let me get you a glass of water.”

“Good thinking, Jon.” Levi turned back to the young man. “What was your name again?”

“Jeff.”

“Well Jeff, I’m Levi. Why don’t you get set up while he gets that water? It’ll give you a chance to catch your breath.”

Jeff looked down with a sheepish grin. He rested his case on the edge of the stage and sat beside it. Levi watched as he opened the case and pulled out his guitar and started tuning. Jon returned from the kitchen. He handed the water to Jeff before taking a seat.

“I’m on my lunch too. Would it bother you if we eat while you play?”

“Not at all. You do whatever you need to do, and I’ll do whatever y’all need me to.”

Levi smiled as he took a seat beside Jon. “Go ahead. Show us what you’ve got. You know most of what we hear in the bar is blues, but variety is good. So just play whatever you feel like would give us an idea of your range and skill. It’s completely up to you.”

He downed the glass of water and wiped his hand on his jeans.

“You got it.”

He started playing. Levi thought he recognized the riff immediately, even though it was obvious Jeff had arranged it himself as an acoustic solo. When the lyrics started though, it was obvious that this young man was more talented than his demeanor and response to Levi’s ad had led him to believe. As he went deeper into his rendition of “Going to California”, Levi found himself lost in the lyrics and their longing for a fresh start. He felt Jon put his arm around him. He knew Jon had decided.

When he had finished the song, Jeff looked at them and asked. “So what’s the verdict?”

Before Levi could open his mouth, Jon spoke up. “I liked it, but can you play another while we discuss? Maybe something different?”

Levi looked at him and raised an eyebrow.

“What? Like you said. Variety .” He let out a contagious laugh. Even Jeff joined in, though Levi thought he might collapse under the pressure of his anxiety. To his credit, he regained his composure quickly and started playing. It was an instrumental piece. Levi didn’t know it, but he liked it.

Levi whispered, “So what do you think, Jon?”

“I think you should give him a shot. You said those nights are slow anyway, and if it doesn’t work out, no loss and you can keep looking without really scrambling.”

Levi grunted. “I guess. I just hope he’ll actually show up.”

Jon chuckled softly. “I know. I’ve gotta head out here in a minute, and I’ll bet he does, too.”

Levi smiled. “Jeff! I think that’s enough. You still want the gig?”

“Hell yes.” His eyes widened. “I mean yes, sir!”

Levi shook his head. “No worries. And stop calling me ‘sir’. Makes me feel old. Can you start tomorrow night?”

“Absolutely sir. I mean Levi.”

Jon was stifling a laugh. “How much time have you got left on your lunch?”

Jeff looked at his watch. “SHIT! It took me twenty minutes to get here, and I’ve gotta be back in fifteen.” He rushed to get his guitar in the case.

“Don’t worry about it. I drove over, and I’ve probably got a little more wiggle room in my lunch than you do. I’ll drop you off on my way home.” Jon leaned in and whispered to Levi. “I can see if he’s telling the truth about the tire.”

Levi shook his head as he watched them leave. He locked the door behind them and headed to the office to prepare for the night ahead. He couldn’t help but think about the song Jeff had played. How it fit his life, even though leaving wasn’t his choice. Not to mention that he hadn’t made it to California. He smiled at that. Gus had thrown him a lifeline, but he hadn’t really been living before. Life put him in the position to help Jon when he needed it, and in doing so, had found out love really exists.