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“That’s okay,” I say. “You have a good ear. I can teach you the rest.”

We set up the studio so we each have a vocal mic and guitar input going to the audio interface. “We’ll do a quick run-through of ‘Worth the Wait’ so I can show you how to record and then mix when you have multiple voices and instruments to deal with.”

We settle into position, chairs side by side, a music stand between us so we can each read the lyrics Kash has written. “You can try out one melody on the first verse, and I’ll join you singing the chorus and the alternate melody on the second verse. That way, you can use my track as if it’s backing vocals so you can practice mixing multiple voices. Then we can decide which melody sounds best, and you can use that one when we record all your vocals tomorrow.”

“Sounds like a plan,” he says.

We each slide on a pair of closed-back headphones—one ear covered and one ear free—so we can hear the train-beat track he picked for this song and what we’re playing at the same time. I retune my guitar while Kash double-checks the tuning on his.

“Ready?” I ask.

“Ready,” Kash says.

I hit record.

After four measures of the train-beat track, Kash comes in on his electric guitar, playing a riff that repeats a few times before I join in strumming acoustic rhythm guitar. My toe taps with the beat as we play a few more measures, and then Kash plays the electric guitar lead-in and kicks off singing the first verse in his rough-around-the-edges-but-smooth-when-it-wants-to-be tenor.

“One, hold your horses,

Two, hold the train,

I’m standing out here in the pouring rain.

Three blocks down

Four over from Main

I’m waiting and waiting for you again.”

Kash gives me a grin when he’s done the first verse. Now that it’s all coming together, there’s a different vibe in the studio. I can feel the unbridled energy radiating off him.

I scan the lyrics on the page, trying to decipher his chicken scratch and prepare for this impromptu duet as we play the interlude. My pulse skyrockets as I get ready to sing. I’m not sure I can do this. What if I go pitchy or flub the lyrics or am so focused on what my mouth is doing that I mess up what I’m playing on the guitar?

I’m sitting in a chair next to Kash, but once again I’m transported back to the May Music Showcase. My throat starts to close up. Did someone turn up the thermostat?

I can’t do this.

But then Kash gives me an expectant, hopeful smile.

This is just for practice.

No one’s going to hear my singing but Kash. Tomorrow, we’ll record his actual vocal tracks. I can do this. I will.

Kash improvises a lick and then plays the lead-in electric guitar riff. I drag in a shaky breath and attempt to sing harmony on the fly while Kash takes the melody line.

“ ’Cause you’re

One, two, three minutes late,

Four, five, six, then seven and eight.

Other guys, well, they might be irate,

But you—

You’re worth the wait.”

Just like that steady train drumbeat, it’s full steam ahead. I warble my way through the second verse, but Kash doesn’t seem to mind how I sound. He’s lost in the music, his pick flying over the strings.