“I can’t, Dante.I can’t ask you to stay.”
She watched as the words sank into him, needled into his skin.He nodded once, twice, then turned, pressed a swift, warm kiss to her forehead, and left.
CHAPTER32
Reviews of Elvie’sDark Watersalbum
Five stars (@sugarcaneluvsmusic)
…Elvie knocks it out of the park.From the moody and atmospheric “Black Moan Rising” to the heartbreaking, Cat Stevens-style “Water Teeth,” this tribute to her family soars.They say creativity can emerge from grief, and Elvie here grips hers and runs with it…
One star (@Anonymouscardigan)
…could she pick one genre and stick with it?She’s not fucking Adele.It’s one thing to write songs that grate on my eardrums, and it’s totally another to use your family tragedy to make you famous.Could she be more obvious?“Water Teeth”?
Ugh…
“Interview with Rhiannon Sears”(portions unaired)
Rhiannon:So, Elvie.Tell us a little bit aboutAmerica Sings!I know your peeps from Wisconsin came out in droves for you.
Elvie is quiet.A stage manager reminds her to speak into the microphone.
Elvie: It was mind-blowing.To begin with, it’s surreal to sing on a soundstage like that with such talented musicians like Abe and Selene and Lorraine.
Rhiannon:You have quite the backup.
Elvie:They’re not backup.They’re unique and wonderful in their own right.Selene Huynh and Lorraine Delarosa are songwriters and poets and artists.
Rhiannon: Of course, of course.Do you have a favorite song from your new album?It’s been getting a lot of buzz.Word on the street is you’re planning a nationwide tour?
Elvie: Yes.I mean, my agent handles all of that.
Rhiannon leans forward with her hands on her knees.
Rhiannon: I’ve heard it said that musicians pour their hearts and souls into their music.
Elvie: I know that’s how it is for me.Words are powerful.They hurt and they heal, they wind their way under our skin and become a part of us.
Rhiannon: Powerfully said.Can you speak a little about your inspiration?
Elvie: What do you mean?
Rhiannon: Your family.What happened to them during Hurricane Timothy.
Elvie: I—I can’t talk about that.I thought they said I wouldn’t have to.
Rhiannon: Oh, of course, of course.It’s just that it’s such a fundamental part of your story—
Elvie stands.
Elvie: I’m sorry, I have to go.I can’t do this.
* * *
Wednesday Wilings(blog),NotASnitch.com
…In other news,word on the street is almost-famous rock star Elvie has quite the reputation.Difficult?Honey, nuclear.What do we think, folks?Alcohol?Cocaine?Something designer?Leave a comment below and let’s speculate as we watch her spiral…
