Chapter 27 – Caswell
Forever – Ben Harper
AyearlaterandBaylor’s hand is in mine as we walk down another red carpet, and this one might be my favorite ever.
The movie is about to premiere, and Baylor is by my side, which makes everything better, even the nerves that are in my stomach.
I’m wearing another brocade tuxedo in a jade green color, and my hair is slicked back in a way that makes it impossible for Baylor to run his hands through it. Not that he would, but I don’t like knowing he doesn’t have the option.
Baylor himself is wearing a custom suit with wide satin lapels that I picked out and a bow tie that coordinates with my own tux and with his eyes, making the blue look more like an olive green.
One thing to say for the Mann brothers is they sure know how to clean up well when the situation demands it.
We make our way, distracted by each other, but dutifully following the woman leading the way for us.
The movie has received solid reviews so far. The soundtrack, my acting, it’s a lot of me up there on that screen.
And a lot of Baylor, too.
“We have heard so many great things about this movie,” the interviewer is saying,Entertainment Tonight, I think. “Does this mean more movies in the future for Caswell Vaughn?”
I give her a smile I have honed over the years. “Look, it’s opening night. I’m glad the reviews are so positive, and I am proud of the work everyone put into this project. It’s too early to speculate about what the future might hold.”
“Anything you can tell us about your next project?”
I feel a twinge of unease that I always do that I am not working hard enough. I don’t have a next project lined up, and that’s the first time I can say that since I came to LA.
But, Baylor must sense my thoughts because he gives my hand a squeeze and all of my worry melts away. My project is my life. Love. Baylor. Our future together. Those are my projects.
I’ll never quit making music, and I might want to do another movie. But, right now, I want to focus on other things.
To the interviewer, I just nod. “I have an album coming out next year, which will be the focus for the near future.”
And that’s true. An album that is a true collaboration between me and Baylor. More of my words. More of his voice in the background, him playing guitar. And a live version ofLong Way Down, sung as more of a duet than the solo it was when I first released it.
All recorded at our home in Bear Valley. Followed by a tour, most likely, but not one that leaves me on the road for months on end. Not one that happens without Baylor.
Vernon wants to film some of our process and creative sessions for a documentary and we said yes, as long as there was a schedule, so we knew when people would be in our house, and some of the filming could just be us setting up our phones and recording the day without a dozen crew members walking around the place.
The interviewer turns in a way that includes both of us, not just me, in the conversation. I put my hand on the small of Baylor’s back, angling us both to the camera.
“Steven,” she says, using the name Baylor writes under, “the premiere of the film may be tonight, but this album is already at the top of the charts, what do you think makes it resonate with people?”
Baylor smiles and nods as he listens to the question, his arm coming around me as well. I know we make a great picture, and the flash-snaps of the cameras tell me I’m not wrong.
“Here, we are telling someone’s story, and the songs are little pieces of that story made universal. Something that can resonate with anyone.” He smiles. “If you liked the album, then the movie is going to knock your socks off.”
I smile up at him, and seeing him like that, confident and sure even though this isn’t his element, it’s sexy. Although it’s not shyness that kept him from wanting the spotlight, he is still pushing his boundaries for me. And we are doing it together. The way I always wanted it to be.
I push up the little bit of distance between our heights to land a soft kiss on his lips, and his big hand comes to steady my face — even just for the quick brush of lips.
“One more question, Steven,” the interviewer says, knowing she has a killer sound bite to put in the can. “I know you have been to some advance screenings. How is Cas’s acting in this movie?”
“Cas is amazing. I can’t wait for everyone to see him,” Baylor says, and I kiss him again.
We move down the line, and the next guy we are led to doesn’t seem to recognize Baylor as easily as the first interviewer did. He gives a wary gaze like he should know who Baylor is but is coming up short.
Bee’s life got the focus one could expect after quietly being seen together. There are the big events, like this one, where it is obvious we are together, but we still have never confirmed or denied anything. No interviews on our personal life, but I did take my rightful place next to Baylor in the most recent picture at the anniversary of Summit House.
