I sigh, silently thanking God I got out when I did.
My dad got me into that business. He’d invested in a new group that one of his buddies was starting, and he asked me to join.
At first, I was excited he was finally taking an interest in me after so many years of being ignored. But it was short-lived; turns out his interests were purely financial. He never came by to see what we were up to, and when I asked what he thought of our music, he said he hadn’t listened to it and didn’t care to.
Still, I stayed with the group for a while. I’ve always loved music. It was something I could crawl inside of growing up—something that made sense when everything else was chaos. There’s nothing like that feeling of pure joy when people are singing and dancing and making real music together.
That’s where I met Garrett, but the two of us were always the odd men out. Everyone else was corrupted by power and greed—just like my dad. They didn’t care about the music—whether the songs were any good or if they resonated emotionally. It was all about the money and the fame.
Eventually I told my dad I wanted out, but he said I’d be in violation of my contract. My own father threatened to sue me if I left, but I’d had enough. I walked right off that stage, enlisted in the Marines, and swore I’d never set foot in his world again.
It was the best decision I ever made.
The Marines taught me leadership. Discipline. Attention to detail. I learned to protect and serve and take accountability for my own actions.
My one regret was leaving my baby sister, Lexie, behind. She was eight when I left—and it broke my heart. She was basically raised by our aunt, since my dad was too preoccupied with his own career to take care of her. I managed to stay close with her over the years, and I still try to give her as much support as I can, but I know it wasn’t the same as being there.
She’s twenty-five now—a grown woman who’s tough as nails. But she followed in our dad’s footsteps: She plays guitar for The Lost Souls—a rock band at the top of the charts right now. She was even named guitarist of the year byRolling Stonemagazine a few months back.
I couldn’t be prouder of what she’s accomplished, but I worry too. I know from experience how that business will eat you alive if you let it. The only saving grace is that her band’s on Garrett’s label. He’s an honest, stand-up guy who treats his people right. But I know she’s still hoping that someday her accomplishments will earn her our dad’s respect. Unfortunately, that’s never gonna happen.
The man doesn’t care about anybody but himself.
Teddy pulls up to my building, and I thank him for the ride. When I open the door to my one-bedroom apartment, I relax even further. Everything’s in its place, and I close the door and shut out the world.
I turn the lights down low and set the teapot on the stove to boil. Then I grab my mug, a small plate, and a bag of chamomile tea and set them together on the counter.
It’s well past midnight. Lexie’s done with her show by now. I sit down to send her a quick text while I wait for the water to heat up.
ME: Did you rock Austin, TX?
She played Moody Stadium tonight. It’s their last show before heading home to Chicago for a few nights. Dots show up as she texts me back.
LEXIE: OMG. So hard.
I grin.
ME: My little sister. Setting the world on fire.
LEXIE: Aww. So what’s the man got you doing this week?
She knows I deal in security, but I keep the gritty details to myself. I don’t want her worrying about me.
ME: Some personal-security situation, but it’s hush-hush. Not sure yet.
LEXIE: Hope she’s hot!
I roll my eyes. Lexie’s not much of a romantic herself, but she’s pushing hard for me to find someone. She thinks I’m lonely. Maybe I am. But I don’t date around. If I’m with a girl, I’m serious about her. That’s how it is for me.
ME: Very funny. You guys headed back to Chicago tonight?
The teapot whistles, and I move to grab it, then fill my mug and dip the tea bag twice. My phone pings again as I bring it to the table.
LEXIE: Yeah, three shows at a smaller club back home, then we’re back on the road. But get this…
More dots. I wonder what the big news is.
LEXIE: Dad’s gonna come and see me play on Friday!
