Okay God, I know that verse, but now? I’m tired. I just want to eat my sandwich and lay on my futon as soon as possible. I still have to walk like a mile home…Maggie countered.
Another Bible verse followed.For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink.
Maggie looked down sadly at her sandwich and turned back to the homeless man. His gaze met hers as she approached. "Do you like either of these things?" she asked.
"Sure, thank you,” he reached out eagerly to take the sandwich and drink.
"What's your name?" Maggie asked.
"John."
Her heart softened as she looked into John’s eyes and shook his hand.
He asked in return, “What’s your name?”
"I’m Maggie. God bless you, John." She wished she had something more to offer him, but she was too tired to think deeply.
As she walked home, she was struck by the fact that John was also her dad’s name. That guy might have been someone's dad. He was for sure someone's son. Maggie felt tears welling in her eyes. The simple interaction touched her deeply. However, her stomach grumbled unsatisfied. Selfishly, a part of her still wanted that egg salad sandwich.
Chapter 15
Chase
Chasestyledhishairwith a tiny bit of gel and then gazed at his appearance in the mirror. He had moved to LA in order to escape the country scene and his Southern roots, and yet, here he was—dressing like an urban cowboy.What am I doing? This is not who I want to be. But, maybe what dad used to say is true… You can take a boy out of the country but you can’t take the country out of a boy.
The thought of his dad caused a piercing pain in his chest. Chase walked to his bed and picked up his guitar. Memories knocked on the door of his mind. To keep them at bay, he quickly grabbed his phone and pulled up the chords to “Sold” by John Michael Montgomery.
As he began playing and singing, he imagined himself performing country at the ultra trendy Onyx and cringed.Will people laugh? Or worse, walk out and leave? Why does Maggie have to like 90s honky-tonk country? Why couldn’t she be a die-hard fan of rock or pop?Setting his guitar down, he glanced at the time on his phone. It was time to head to the venue.
As Chase and Arlo set down the gear, Chase noticed The Onyx bar manager talking to a guy in a fancy suit. The Rolex on his wrist screamed high roller.
“Hey, who’s that guy?” Chase asked Arlo. As a rising star in the DJ scene, Arlo seemed to know everyone or at least knowofeveryone in the LA music scene.
“Oh that’s Leeland Banks. You know him, right?”
“The name sounds familiar.”
“We gotta get you out of the Westside more. He’s big time. He manages the Hollywood Theater.”
Chase gulped. “TheHollywood Theater… and he’s the booking manager?”
“Yep.”
No wonder his name sounded familiar. Chase knew that playing a show at the Hollywood Theater was a way to fast track your career. Everyone who was anyone came to those shows. It was a huge honor and accomplishment to play there. Glancing discreetly in Leeland’s direction, Chase saw him sitting comfortably on a bar stool.
Arlo seemed to read Chase’s mind, “Looks like he’s staying. This could be your chance at a big break… no pressure.”
“Thanks,” Chase managed. This was his chance to prove to himself. And to prove to his family that he wasn’t just a pathetic dreamer, but a serious musician. He wanted to show them he could make it in the music industry—that he wasn’t destined to be a bartender the rest of his life, that he was someone they should be proud of.No pressure?This is huge.
At that moment, Maggie appeared. She glanced around and Chase gave her a wave. She looked adorable in her black converse, ripped jeans, and white T-shirt. Her simple style might make others overlook her, but it had the opposite effect on Chase. To him, Maggie looked like an emerald among a heap of wannabe diamonds.I can’t disappoint her, but I can’t play country tonight in front of Leeland. If I want to be more than bar entertainment, I have to stick to the LA music scene, right?
“Hey, how’s it going?” Maggie asked with her signature, friendly smile that unveiled two subtle dimples.
“Ah, it’s going.” Chase nodded and forced himself to convey calm.
“What’s up?”
“Leeland Banks is here.” Chase nodded toward the bar. Maggie followed his gaze. “He’s the booking manager for the Hollywood Theater. Have you heard of it?”
