Cars were lining the driveway of the farmhouse out on Wolfe Neck Road by the time the Power family pulled up. Spying a spot on the front lawn under a huge oak tree, Jake bumped up onto the grass between two familiar cars. He instantly recognised Garrett Court’s ancient sedan and also Kola’s black SUV. Like her motorbike, her SUV was in pristine condition, a far cry from Grey’s cars and trucks. Leaving his guitars in the back of the truck, Jake helped Melody out of her car seat then unbuckled Jesse from his. The two-year-old had fallen asleep within five minutes of leaving the house and whined as Jake hoisted him onto his shoulder.
“You need a hand there, li’l lady?” called out Jake as he spotted Lori wrestling with a red cooler, her tote bag and her cane.
“I’m fine. Just getting my balance,” she replied with a smile. “These aren’t heavy.”
“As long as you’re sure,” said Jake, recognising the determined look in his wife’s eyes.
“Sure,” echoed Lori as she set off across the grass with obvious care.
Round the back of the farmhouse, the party was already in full swing. Part of the huge deck had been set aside as the stage for Maddy’s All Stars. Two large trestle tables had been set up under a massive gazebo to keep the sun off the food. Off to the side, Paul and Grey were already busy at the grills. With a grin, Jake noted that the drummer had finally got his wish and had a whole hog roasting on a spit over an open firepit.
“Afternoon, folks!” called out Jake.
“You’re late, Mr Power,” scolded Maddy bluntly.
“And you almost sound surprised, Maddison,” countered Jake, flashing her one of his Power smiles.
“Maddy, if Jake was actually on time, the shock would kill us all,” teased Lori as she set the cooler down on the deck.
Without a backwards glance, Melody had bolted down the yard to join the other kids on the huge wooden jungle gym.
Spying an anxious look cross Jake’s face, Maddy said, “She’ll be fine.”
A sleepy Jesse was starting to stir on his daddy’s shoulder.
“Want play,” he whined, rubbing his eyes.
“You’re half asleep, buddy,” said Jake warmly. “Wait a few minutes till you wake up.”
“Play now. Play Melly,” he stated, wriggling and kicking to be set down.
“Ok,” relented Jake as he stood the small boy down. “Be careful. Don’t climb too high.”
Stumbling along on sleep heavy feet, Jesse ran down the yard to join the other kids. Shaking her head at his determination, Lori stepped up onto the deck to take a seat beside Kola.
“Hi,” she said warmly. “How you holding up in this heat?”
“OK so far,” replied Kola, rubbing her round baby bump. “I feel huge this time.”
“You look fabulous,” complimented Maddy, coming over to join them.
“This is the last. Definitely the last…. well, maybe the last.”
“Never say never,” laughed Lori with a wink.
“Would you do it again?”
“No!” replied Lori in the same instant Maddy exclaimed, “No fucking way!”
The three mothers laughed, their giggles echoing down the yard after Jake.
“Mr Power,” called out Garrett Court as Jake reached the area where the guys had gathered. “Long time no see.”
“Garrett,” greeted Jake. “Great to see you. What brings you down here?”
“Testing the waters with Dr Marrs on something,” replied the elder English musician. “Might have an opening for you if you can spare me a day or two.”
“I’m on vacation,” joked Jake. “Ask me again in the fall.”
“Drop by one afternoon next week,” suggested Dr Marrs from his seat in the shade below one of the many oak trees in the vast yard. “I’m pretty sure we’ll be able to tempt you to join us on this one.”
“We’ll see,” relented Jake, accepting the beer that Grey handed him. “Anyone heard from Rich yet?”
“Not a word,” said Grey.
“Me neither,” added Paul as he put more hamburgers on the grill. “He’ll be holed up in a hotel in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.”
“On the trail of a lonesome pine,” quipped Jethro with a wink.
“I hope so,” sighed Jake before taking a chug on his beer. “Maria called again as we were leaving. She’s worried sick.”
“He’ll turn up,” stated Grey. “Hopefully he’s found some female company and is shacked up in a motel somewhere. He’s been like a bear with sore balls since Linsey left him.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” agreed Paul.
“I guess,” conceded Jake then, nodding back to the house asked, “Who are the All Stars today?”
“The three of us, Garrett, Ellen and, oh what’s the kid’s name? Taylor?” revealed Grey. “Todd too, if he gets here. He was working in Baltimore last night.”
“Who for?”
“A new act Jason signed,” answered Jethro. “Kneebone, I think. They needed a guitar tech at short notice. Just for one show.”
“Kid’s a workaholic,” muttered Jake, genuinely concerned that his protégé and guitar tech was taking on too much.
“He’s young and keen,” countered Jethro calmly. “Besides, Maddison told him to go. He’s shit scared of her so didn’t dare say no.”
The relaxed, cosy atmosphere lasted all afternoon. Shortly after four, Paul declared the food to be ready and there was a short period of organised chaos as the extended Silver Lake family settled themselves round the trestle tables, passing trays and bowls of food around.
