Mind Games

On-screen, Blaze sat, eyes closed. After the last note, he opened them. “Dreamy.”

“That was the goal.”

“Goal met. You know, that’s going to be played at about ten million weddings.”

“A handy by-product. Does it work?”

“Shit yeah. Makes me want to grab my lady and give her a nice, slow spin. You in love, brother?”

“No.” On a laugh, Ty shook his head. Then stopped, shrugged. “Maybe got a thing.”

“Don’t tell me. The sexy, long-legged, blue-eyed neighbor with the big-ass dog.”

“She hits some notes.”

“Now I’ve gotta get down there, check out the one who got past Ty’s guard. How about my man? What’s he think?”

“Bray’s crazy about her. Her big-ass dog doesn’t hurt. The other day she had him helping her feed her chickens, get eggs, let him help her make pancakes. She’s … different. Not like anybody else I know. But, you know, normal. No How about signing this Code Red CD so I can cash in on eBay or going online with how Tyler Brennan made her chicken on the grill.”

On-screen, Blaze shot up a hand. “Hold on. You made chicken?”

“I’m developing untapped skills. Closest takeout’s twelve miles away.”

“You’re in the freaking wilderness, man.”

“Compared to Philadelphia, yeah. And here’s a kick in the balls. I like it. It feels right here. It feels right for Bray here.”

“We’re coming down there, give you the Code Red seal of approval. We’ll work that out. I miss you, man.”

“I miss you.”

“I’m signing off before I get sloppy. One thing first. You oughta record that song yourself. Don’t start,” he said before Ty could speak. “You don’t have to do an album, just the single. No performances, no tour. Think about it. Check you later.”

He signed off, leaving Ty frowning at the screen.

Maybe. Maybe he’d think about it.

And maybe he’d build a serious recording studio. If and when he wanted to record, he could do it right there.

Pull in people he knew and trusted.

Maybe, maybe. Maybe think about it.

But right now he had to deal with the laundry he’d forgotten he’d tossed in the washer.

* * *

When the bus pulled up that afternoon, Ty stood outside waiting. Bray scrambled off.

“Daddy! I’m home from school!”

He rushed over so Ty could lift him up.

“How’d it go?”

“I got two stickers!”

“Get out of town.”