“And we have a very special guest with us tonight.”Ellery now turns to Dante and finally allows herself to hold him in the regard she has wanted to for so, so long.“This is Dante Baker.One of the most talented, supportive, creative, and amazing people in the world.And he’s here tonight.For you.”She says it to the crowd but really says it to herself.His smile is warm and full of understanding and comprehension.They have time.For once, they have time.
She turns to the crowd, ignoring her agent Logan shooting daggers at her from the wings.She should have told him to fuck off ages ago.“You are some lucky, lucky people tonight, to hear them as they are meant to be.I’m going to stand back in a moment and let them shine because that’s all they do, on and off stage.But first, I’d like to sing a song none of you have probably ever heard.It’s the first one I ever wrote.”Her gaze flicks from the crowd to Dante.She sees him stiffen, then relax.He knows.“Dante and Selene and Lorraine are the only ones who know it.”She smiles out at the crowd, her tears receding.“And now you get it.Here’s ‘An Ocean Away.’Just for you.”
She turns at the last moment and finds Dante, directing the words at him.“Always for you.”
* * *
Reddit Music Forum
September 29,2022
…For those not luckyenough to be in attendance at the Agora, Elvie blew the non existent roof off the place.Was there an earthquake?No, it was the sounds of musical genius blowing through the hills…
September 29,2022
…I mean, I was high, so at first I thought I was hallucinating but damn, that night was lit.I felt the music in my hair, man.When Selene and Lorraine did that duet of “Shallow?”Or “Ocean Away?”I cried so hard during “Water Teeth” I thought we’d have a flash flood.I wish my phone had been charged.I would have recorded it.I googled the Vendetta the minute I got home, and fuck me, they slayed…
September 29,2022
…don’t @ me, but I’ve never seen someone torpedo their career onstage before.Had to leave early.Who does Elvie think she is?Just because of what happened all those years ago, it’s like nobody remembers that she’s no one special from a flyover state.I mean, really.…
CHAPTER5
Then—Text Message Chain
One and Only Ellery:How’s life at sea?
Dante Baker (rock god): Wavy.
One and Only Ellery: Ha ha.Entertain me with stories of your fascinating life!I’m stuck in midterm land and it suuuuuuucks
Dante Baker (rock god): You’ll be fine.
One and Only Ellery: You’re not even going to tell me where in the world you are?Are you still in Alaska?
Dante Baker (rock god): Yeah.Cruising between Seattle, Vancouver, and the Great North.It’s beautiful here.
One and Only Ellery: I wish I could see it.
…
Dante Baker (rock god): You could come visit.
…
One and Only Ellery: I want to.Really.I just don’t have the $$ right now to fly :(
Dante Baker (rock god): It’s cool.How’s the music?
One and Only Ellery: I wrote a song!First one I’m sort of proud of.I’ll have to play it for you next time we get together.
Dante Baker (rock god): I’d like that.We play a lot of Chicago and the Eagles right now.It’d be cool to sink into something original.
One and Only Ellery: Are you the leader of the band over there?
Dante Baker (rock god): No.Strictly bass, minimal vocals.It’s good.
One and Only Ellery: Loud sigh.Why can’t you accept that you’re front material?The way you sing, the way you play.You’re exceptional.
