“Way to pour it on thick.”
“I prefer to be honest with you. If Jagger Bowie Adkins crashes and burns, we all crash and burn. I need you at the top of your game. Unlike you, I have a wife and two daughters to feed and eventually send to college.”
“You are so subtle.” I joked. He was far from that but I appreciated his candor.
“No, but honestly. My girls worship and adore you. Your fans worship and adore you. Think about the love you have waiting for you once you get back into the world of music.”
“I understand my responsibilities. That’s why I’m here in Neverland in this sober house.”
“You know Winston’s out if you’re out. He would never continue on without you.”
“Winston’s a loyal mate. He has to know he can survive without the likes of me. He’s a dynamic songwriter.”
“That he is. But Winston knows what I know.”
“Really? And what’s that?”
“He knows you’re the most valuable player on the team. You write. You produce. You direct. You choreograph. The list goes on and you have the most experience.”
“I know. I know. I’m grandpa Jag of this motley crew.”
Glynn was right and I knew it. I tried to make all things equal but I had fifteen years in the spotlight. My bandmates didn’t have the years or knowledge of the business.
“Beat this addiction. I know you can do it. Come back better than ever and do this new album and this world tour. You will make millions and we can negotiate the next phase of your career.”
“Are you done with the lecture? I haven’t had my daily therapy session yet. I’m not really in the mood for a double dose of introspection.”
“I’m done. Please just do whatever David and Fiona tell you. They are the best, experts in their field.”
“Yes, I signed the contract. I plan to get my quid’s worth of this sober living arrangement. Did you tell David I could make a go of this job?”
“Reluctantly, yes, I did. I went to bat for you. Don’t make a liar out of me.”
“I’m feeling bloody inspired already. I started writing again.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” There was a brief silence. “Jag, I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve any of these things that happened to you. I believe in you.”
“Thanks, Glynn.” I hated emotional conversations. This was the girly rubbish my manager was trying to lay on me in the wee hours of the morning. “Fiona said my presence is needed at breakfast. They expect me to wolf down American food. I will ring you later.”
“Sure, later, Jag. You can do this.”
I ended the call and remembered Fiona said she was making me an English breakfast. These calls would get easier once Glynn started to trust me again. There were so many times I’d lied to him. More times than the fingers and toes and had on my body. He was just doing his job. But trying to handle four young chaps from London wasn’t an easy affair. I was the one that made his job that much harder. I was the temperamental one, the one that would party incessantly. Sure he was paid well but I still think he had a genuine care for us. His job wasn’t a picnic in the park. I had to try to remember that.
I showered and made it down to the kitchen in record time. Fiona had my favorite breakfast tea waiting for me. I enjoyed starting my day with a cuppa Twinings of London. I think she was happy to cook for a Brit. Although Fiona was considerably older than me she would make a great sister. I could see how she and David made a great couple. Upon my arrival, she’d told me they had been married for thirty years. Literally longer than I had been living and I held a great admiration for that level of commitment.
Fiona was removing something from the oven when I entered the kitchen. I never mentioned it to her but Fiona bared a striking resemblance to Stevie Nicks. The one difference was Fiona had fiery red hair. She had that same Bohemian style and raspy voice.
“Morning Jagger, you are right on time. The food is nice and hot and I have your special tea.”
I took a barstool and seat at the kitchen island. “Yum, I’m starving.” I was pretty famished. Alcohol and drugs took the place of food so now that I wasn’t indulging I had quite a bit of an appetite.
“How are you feeling this morning?”
“A little excited but rested.”
“Excited, why?” Fiona placed an empty plate in front of me.
“I have a job. I get to use my ever-evolving American accent.”
“Well, I could see how that would be exciting.”
“I’m going with a West coast inflection. I have never perfected my Midwest, New York or Boston accents. I’m going with the lesser challenge.”
“I think that’s best. You don’t want to give anything away.”
“No, I don’t.”
“You have to understand that David is concerned for your safety.”
“I understand but he need not worry. I’m a fairly decent actor. I never thought that not being recognized or noticed would feel so lovely. Blending in with people is super cool.”
“I forgot to ask, how was your first day at work.”
“Brilliant, different, a challenge in a way. The shop is small and filled with loads of candy. Kids come in and there’s a level of elation in their eyes when comforted with an array of treats.”
“Sounds like a healthy environment.”
“It is, believe me, the owner isn’t the party type. She’s a mother and has kids.” She’s fucking beautiful, but I wasn’t going to say that out loud.
I decided to concentrate on the dish placed in front of me. I wolfed down the scrambled eggs, fried tomatoes, fried mushrooms, buttered toast, and bangers. The meal was hearty and delicious. I couldn’t wait to see what Fiona had in store for supper.
I cleaned my dish and I
