“Later,” promised Todd, giving her a hug. “But only if you play for me too. I hear you are a recording artist now.”
Giggling, the little girl nodded.
“I fancy a swim,” announced Jake still gazing out at the ocean. “Todd, want to join me?”
“Or you could help me start the BBQ,” countered Lori hopefully.
“Jake, I’ll pass on the swim.”
“Ok. I won’t be long,” promised Jake as he got to his feet. “Lori, I put the burgers on the bottom shelf in the refrigerator. I also picked up some shrimp that was on special.”
“Alright. I’ll put those on some skewers and we can BBQ them too,” she replied, getting stiffly to her feet.
“I’ll be fifteen minutes. No more,” promised Jake as he loped off down towards the water.
While the kids ran on back towards the house, Todd helped Lori to pack up the beach towels and the sand toys. As they walked slowly back across the soft sand, Lori took great care not to stumble. She’d left her cane in the house and was now regretting the decision. Sitting on the sand had been uncomfortable for her and her leg was protesting about it.
“You ok, Mz Hyde?” asked Todd warmly.
“Just sore sitting on the sand,” she replied with a smile. “So, what brings you over anyway? You ok?”
“Yeah, I’m good, thanks,” he replied as they reached the white picket fence. “I’ve had a job offer I need to clear with Jake. Means I’ll be away for a few weeks.”
“Another guitar tech job?”
“No. Tour manager,” revealed Todd with a grin. “Finally getting the chance to put my schooling to good use.”
“Who for?”
“Band Jason just signed called Kordon. They’re booked to tour the UK and Europe through September and October. I figured Silver Lake will be out at JJL then so it should be less of an issue to be away.”
“Will you be here for their show on the 30th?”
Todd nodded, “I don’t leave till the 2nd. Tour starts September 5th in Lisbon.”
“Well, talk to Jake and see what he says,” said Lori, stepping carefully onto the deck. “Can you light the coals for me till I get the kids sorted?”
“Sure,” answered Todd. “Everything still in the same place?”
“Yes,” replied Lori. “If there isn’t enough charcoal, there’s a fresh bag in the garage.”
The coals were almost hot by the time Jake returned to the house. Grabbing the towel Lori had thoughtfully left over the back of a chair for him, he checked Todd had everything under control.
“Didn’t expect to see you out here today,” commented Jake as he dried himself off. “Everything ok?”
“Yeah. Just wanted to run a job offer passed you before I accepted it,” explained Todd.
“Job offer?”
“I’ve been offered a job as tour manager on a seven-week UK and European tour,” explained Todd a little nervously. “I’d still be here for the Baltimore show then I’d be gone through September till late October.”
“Who is it with?” questioned Jake, concerned that his protégé’s job offer might not be what he was hoping it was.
“Kordon,” replied Todd. “Jason signed them recently. Jethro put my name in the frame for the job a few weeks ago.”
“Not heard them. I’ll need to check them out.”
“Jake,” began Todd. “I’d like to take the job with your blessing but if you need me…. This is what I worked my ass off in school to do. It’s the first chance I’ve been given to use those skills.”
“What date are you back?”
“October 26th, I think. Why?”
“Just thinking,” mused Jake, folding the damp towel.
“Ok,” agreed Jake with a smile. “I’m sure we can make this work.”
“Thanks, boss.”
“I’m going to jump in the shower before dinner. Can you help get the food started then you can tell me all about Kordon over a beer?”
“Deal,” agreed Todd, relieved that Jake had given his permission for him to sign up to the tour.
With the kids bathed and tucked up in bed, Lori came out onto the deck carrying two beers. It was still hot and there was very little breeze blowing in from the ocean.
“Where’s Todd?” she asked as she realised Jake was alone.
“Gone into town. He let slip that Kate’s home for a few days. He’s gone to meet her.”
“Are they still a couple?” asked Lori as she passed her husband a beer.
“I’m not sure. He’s still crazy about her but she’s busy building a career for herself in Washington,” replied Jake. “Apparently she’s got a great graduate position with the Smithsonian Institute. Don’t think she’s too keen on being linked to the music industry and its nomadic lifestyle.”
“It’s nice to see him all fired up and excited about this tour,” Lori commented as she took a seat across from Jake at the table. “Anyway, more importantly, how was school? Did the kids play nice?”
“School was great. Kids seem keen. Felt kind of surreal being back there,” he replied. “And I met the new head of department. Bit of an ice queen.”
“You mean you failed to charm her with that Power smile of yours, rockstar?” teased Lori with a giggle.
“Failed miserably,” laughed Jake.
“I bet those ladies in the office all swooned when you said hello to them.”
“Yeah,” laughed Jake. “It was nice to see them again. Bit of a nostalgia trip.”
“As long as there weren’t too many ghosts,” commented Lori, reaching out to touch his hand.
With a wistful smile, Jake said quietly, “He was on my mind all day. I just hope he’s not having too big a laugh at me tackling this on my own.”
“He’d be proud of you,” assured Lori with a smile.
With the patio doors and the French doors wide open, a gentle breeze from the ocean was wafting through the house.
