TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT.
Finally.
I should be nervous but I’m not. I have a lot going on tonight, a bunch of irons in the fire, if you will, and I’m hopeful everything turns out well. It has to. My future is on the line here, in more ways than one.
Because of the extra adrenaline running through my veins, I have my equipment set up in the corner of Lagniappe’s dining area early, leaving me with nothing to do but wait. Sitting at the bar while Micah’s staff gets ready for the evening shift, I allow myself one shot of whisky. It’s just enough to relax my vocal cords, while tamping down my excitement.
I need to keep my cool.
“Hey, Tucker. Getting some liquid courage before your set? Dani smiles as she sits on the bar stool next to me.
“Nah, I’m cool as a cucumber. This is helping me stay mellow.”
“I see,” she says with a chuckle. The bartender places her drink in front of her and she takes a sip, letting out a low whistle when she’s done. “Whew. I guess Lagniappe also means you get an extra shot in your drink.”
“Or the staff knows they’d better keep the boss’s wife happy or else,” I joke.
“Hmm, maybe so. If I have another one of these drinks, though, I’ll be more than happy. I’ll be falling down drunk, I’m afraid.”
“So, um, I’m tryin’ not to ask but you know I have to . . .”
“Yes, I told Piper about you performing tonight and I did my best to convince her to come down here but she never gave me a straight answer. She did sound very interested and excited about you performing for this music bigwig from Nashville, so I have a feeling she’ll show up.”
That’s not exactly what I was hoping to hear but at least she knows what’s going on tonight. All I can do is hope Piper shows up to see me perform. If she doesn’t, I guess I’ll have to resort to Plan B, whatever that is.
“Oh, look, there’s your fan club. Annie! Sam! We’re over here!” Dani waves, catching Annie’s attention. She waves back and heads our way, followed by Sam, my dad, Kay, and Sammy.
“Daddy!” Sammy squeals when she sees me, running straight into my arms. I squeeze her tightly and kiss her head. “Hey, sunshine. I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I can’t wait to watch you on the stage. You’re my favorite singer.” She smiles at me and looks so happy, it takes my breath away.
“Well, you’re my favorite sunshine. Whatcha think about that?”
“I’m your only sunshine, just like the song says,” she says, referring to the Louisiana state song. I sing it to her every morning when she wakes up.
“That’s right and don’t you forget it.” I tickle her side, making her giggle, before setting her feet on the floor. “How about we go to our table? You hungry?”
“I’m starving. I’m gonna ask Uncle Micah to fix me some mac and cheese.” I watch as she skips to our reserved table, finding a chair right in the middle and sitting down.
“Son, you ready for tonight?” My dad claps me on the shoulder, which is basically his way of hugging me.
“I am. I feel good,” I answer honestly.
“I mean, about Piper, you know. You got this music-thing in the bag but will it be enough to get Piper back?”
By now, all my family and friends know about me and Piper. They may not know all the sordid details but they know I fucked up and am trying to get her back. Even I have to admit how nice it is that everyone is here to support me in both of my endeavors tonight. I just hope I don’t let them down.
Shit, I need to get on the stage so I can get out of my head.
Shrugging, I answer honestly. “I don’t know, Dad, but I sure hope so.”
After a few minutes, Micah motions for me to go to him. The dinner crowd is steadily filling, which means it’s close to show time. I stand up, kiss Sammy on the head, and wave to everyone else at our table.
“See y’all after the show.”
Various cheers and words of encouragement are sent my way as I join Micah by the hostess stand.
“Tucker, this here is Coy Smith. He’s here to watch your show.” Micah points to a man who looks like a perfect example of Nashville hipster. A goatee, glasses, and fedora greet me first, followed by a classic rock T shirt and ripped jeans. The cowboy boots on Coy’s feet wrap up his ensemble perfectly and I quickly assess him as being a cool dude.
“Hey, man.” I stick my hand out for him to shake. “Good to meet you. Thanks for comin’.”
“The pleasure’s all mine. I’m excited to watch you perform.”
“Let me show you to your table, while Tucker gets ready. He’ll be performin’ shortly.” Micah leads Coy away but manages to turn toward me, giving me a quick thumbs up.
I honestly don’t know what I’d do without my support system.
While Micah gets Coy settled, I take the opportunity to look around the room for Piper. I know if she were here, she’d be at the table with my family but I also wouldn’t be surprised if she was hiding in a corner somewhere. I don’t see her but I keep the disappointment at bay. There’s plenty of time for her to get here and I have a good amount of songs to perform before I do the one I want her to hear the most.
I roll my shoulders and stretch my neck, loosening up my muscles and forcing the tension away, before I head for the stage. Micah beats me there and introduces me, before walking back to the bar to watch.
“Hey, y’all,” I speak into the microphone. “My name is Tucker Benoit and I’m gonna play a few songs for y’all, if that’s alright.”
The crowd instantly claps and cheers, sending me the positive vibes I need to make me feel at home. Being on stage is second nature for me, but it’s a hundred times better when the audience is excited and receptive, like this one is.
I grab my guitar and place the strap around my shoulder before strumming a couple of times. After making another quick glance across the room and coming up empty, I close my eyes and begin to play.
Throughout my set, I try to force myself to not think about Piper but it’s hard. She’s in everything I do, especially when I sing the songs I wrote for her. In the end, though, the fact she’s not here works to my favor because I’m able to pour the emotions coursing through me—anger, disappointment, sadness, loneliness—and give one of the best performances of my career. The crowd is right there with me, too. They’re feeling what I’m feeling and supporting me in ways they’ll probably never understand.
“Well, it’s time for my last song.” The crowd boos a little, making me smile. “I want to thank y’all for bein’ so great tonight. I really appreciate it. Here’s a song I wrote called ‘The Best Kind of Trouble.”
I begin strumming my guitar, playing an up-tempo rhythm, and soon, the audience is clapping along. Originally, I was going to play my song to Piper at this point but, since she’s not here, I’ve decided to save it. It’s always better to end a set with a song that leaves the crowd pumped up, rather than melancholy, in my opinion.
“You’re trouble of the best kind.
You stole my heart and robbed me blind.
One look from you and I hit the floor.
One call from you and I’m out the door.
You told me I was convenient.
I told you I didn’t care.
But the truth is I love you,
And I’m too scared to share.
Somewhere between the kissin’ and fightin’,
I fell hard.
Somewhere between now and then,
I lost my heart.
It’s yours.
You own it.
You’re the best kind of trouble.”
By the end of the song, the crowd is clapping and singing along, giving me the high I used to live for. It still feels great, don’t get me wrong, but it’s a quick high that I know will leave me feeling empty once I’m done.
Something catches my eye and I look to the side of the stage and see Sammy dancing. Her wild curls are bouncing all over the place and she’s singing and giggling, having the time of her life. It’s then that I realize the empty feeling I was expecting isn’t there. As much as I miss Piper and want her here with me, I know I’ll be okay because of that little girl. Some people may think I saved her but, really, it’s the other way around.
When the song ends, I wave my thanks to the audience and set my guitar on its stand before scooping Sammy up in my arms, giving her a kiss on her cheek before setting her back down. My parents and the Landrys join me, showering me with praise. I feel good about the set, and I hope Coy likes my songs enough to buy them.
Occasionally, throughout the set, I’d give him a glance while I played. Each time, he seemed to be enjoying himself, but I won’t know until I speak with him.
Micah steps up to me and hands me a bottle of water. “Great job, man.”
“Thanks,” I tell him, before taking a big gulp of water. “Thanks for all of this.”
“Any time. You know that. And, for what’s it worth, I’m sorry she didn’t come. Dani really thought she’d be here.”
I wave him off. “It’s all good. I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.” I hand him back the bottle and go into the bathroom to splash some cold water on my face. I don’t want to be a sweaty mess when I talk to Coy.
When I step out of the bathroom, Coy is waiting for me.
“Hey, Coy. Thanks, again, for comin’ all the way to New Orleans to hear me play.”
“No, man, thank you. I love your music and think it’ll be a great fit with the artist I’m workin’ with. I have to ask, though, why aren’t you tryin’ to get a music deal? You know how to put on a show and I think we could help you make a big name for yourself.”
I take a moment to think about what he’s offering. A year ago, I’d be on this opportunity like white on rice and I can’t deny the appeal. It’s what I worked so hard for when I was on the road. But, then I look over at Sammy and know that life isn’t for me anymore and I have no regrets.
“I appreciate what you’re sayin’, I really do. The road life just isn’t for me anymore but, if my songs can help other artists make a livin’ and reach their dreams, then I’m more than willin’ to keep writin’.”
He gives me a long look before nodding his head in understanding. “If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me. I’ll definitely be in touch after I play these songs for my people, so don’t go anywhere.”
“I’ll be here,” I promise.
He shakes my hand and gives me his business card before leaving the restaurant. As I watch him walk out the door, I feel a tiny body slam into the back of my legs.
“Daddy, you sang so good,” Sammy gushes.
I turn and pick up my daughter, giving her a peck on her nose. “Thanks, sunshine. I’m glad you had fun tonight.”
“She sure did,” Kay agrees. “I think it’s time for the little party animal to go home, though.”
Sammy makes a pouting face, but I know she’s tired. It’s way past her bedtime and I’m sure she’s worn out from all the dancing she did.
“Grandma Kay is right, Sammy. It’s time for you to go home with her and Grandpa. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”
Her shoulders sag, but she accepts her fate, reaching out for my dad to carry her.
“You did great, son,” he tells me, hugging Sammy close to him. “I’m proud of you.”
I give him a small smile and wave as my family, plus Annie and Sam, make their way out the door.
“Tucker, I’m so sorry.” I turn and see Dani looking at the ground.
“Don’t apologize. I’ll be fine. It doesn’t mean I can’t try again. There’s gotta be a Plan B, right?”
“I hope so,” she admits. “I really do.”
“So, what’s a guy gotta do to get a burger around here? I’m starvin’!”
Dani laughs and nudges me back toward our table. “Sit here. Micah’s already cookin’ you something special.”
“That’s what I’m talkin’ about.”
After I eat, I kill time talking to some of the guests that stop by and congratulate me on my show. It makes me feel good to hear they had fun because, ultimately, that’s what it’s all about for me . . . doing something that makes others feel something, anything with my music.
“You still here?” Micah asks, sitting down next to me.
“Yeah, I figured I’d hang out, help with the clean-up or whatever else you might need.”
“Tucker—” he starts but I cut him off.
“I’m not ready to give up yet, okay?”
He nods his head in understanding and stands up. “In that case, get your ass to work, wipin’ down these table, would ya?”
“You got it, boss man.” I grab a rag from one of the busboys and start doing as Micah asked.
I take my time, allowing the leftover adrenaline from my set to settle down. By the time I’m done, I look around and see I’m the only one in the dining room. I hear a few voices in the kitchen, but other than that, I’m completely alone.
I guess there’s no reason for me to stay any longer, so it’s time I face the inevitable. I walk to the stage and grab my equipment. First, tearing down the mic and stand, placing them in their carrying bag. Then, I pick up my guitar, unplugging it from the amp. When I go to place the guitar in its case, I hear a knocking sound. Looking around the room, I try to figure out where the sound is coming from. It’s not until I see Piper at one of the front windows with her fist in the air, that I realize what’s happening.
Holy shit, she’s here.
She’s late as fuck but she’s here.
After setting my guitar back down, I make my way to the door and open it. She walks up to me, staring, waiting for me to let her inside. I’m still in such shock that she’s actually here, it takes me a minute to realize I’m blocking the door. But, still, I don’t move.
“I didn’t think you were coming,” I admit.
“I didn’t think I was either. I mean, I wanted to but it seemed like everything was against me getting here on time. I’m sorry.”
I look at her, really look at her. She looks tired and frustrated and worried and she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.
Finally, I move out of her way and allow her to come inside the restaurant. “Come in. I was just packin’ up.”
“Tucker, I really am sorry I missed your show. I know it was important to you. I didn’t even expect you to be here this late, but I had to try.”
“I was waitin’ for you. I’ve been doin’ everything I could think of to put off leavin’, but I’d just given up when you knocked on the window.”
“Given up?” I can see the tears forming in her eyes and it kills me.
“Can I play you a song?” I ask, rather than answer her question.
“Of course.” She wipes under her eyes and takes a seat at a table in front of the stage. I take my guitar out of the case and, instead of getting on the stage, I sit in a chair across from her.
“I was saving this song for you,” I tell her as I begin to play.
“You’re everything I was looking for, but never knew I needed.
You’re the answer to my prayers and every song I’m singin’.
I should’ve told you sooner. I should’ve changed my plans.
I should’ve listened to my heart and taken the chance.
Now, I’m sitting here with a hole only you can fill.
And I’m wonderin’ if you think of me still.
A sad goodbye on a warm Louisiana day.
A broken heart in the middle of May.
That’s not how our song ends.
The right place at the wrong time.
The change of heart on a dime.
That’s not how our song ends.
I don’t want to live without you.
I don’t even want to try.
So this is me loving, changing the story.
Standing in front of you saying, “I’m sorry!”
Darlin’, let’s do some daring, fight under the covers.
Let’s take this story from enemies to lovers.
We can show the world how true love looks.
We’ll give them something for the books.
A sad goodbye on a warm Louisiana day.
A broken heart in the middle of May.
That’s not how our song ends.”
When the song is over, I stand up and walk over to the stage, placing the guitar back in its case. As I turn to sit back down, Piper is standing right in front of me, tears streaming down her face. Cupping her jaw, I use my thumb to wipe her tears.
“Why are you cryin’?”
“Because I don’t want our song to end.” Her voices breaks and I feel the familiar squeeze in my chest.
“What do you want?”
No more games, no more avoiding our feelings. Now’s the time to be honest and whatever she’s about to say, I’ll have to honor.
“I want you, Tucker Benoit.”
I quirk my eyebrow at her, because I can’t help myself. “Is that so?”
“Yes, dammit. I want you and everything that comes with you . . . Sammy, country living, dirt roads, and loud music. I want it all.”
“So, no more job in Connecticut?” I ask, searching her gorgeous face for any hint of reservation.
“Nope. I’m officially free and unemployed.”
“No more Greg?”
“Greg? No, Greg was never an option, just a distraction.” She gives me a small smile and shakes her head. “It’s always been you, Tucker, no matter how hard I’ve tried to fight it.”
“But, you have to admit, some fightin’ is fun.” I grab her hips a little tighter, pulling her to me.
Her face lights up as she tries to fight her smile. Then she goes serious, an intensity in her eyes that I’ve always loved, even when it used to scare the shit out of me.
“Stop being an asshole and kiss me already,” she demands.
Sliding my fingers through the hair at the nape of her neck, I pull her close to me, breathing her in for a second. “Your wish is my command.”
I touch my lips to hers, trying to be soft and take it slow, but Piper is having none of that. She deepens the kiss and wraps her arms around my neck, not afraid to show her true feelings anymore. I don’t hold back either, expressing myself with every kiss, every swirl of my tongue, and nip of my teeth.
“I missed you so much,” Piper groans out in between kisses.
“Just me?”
“No, I missed your demon dick, too. I might’ve missed him more than you, now that I think about it.”
I can’t help but break our kiss and laugh loudly. This is us. This is how we are and what I’ve missed, and I fucking love it.
Grabbing her by the waist, I pull her body flush with mine, so she can feel my reaction to her. “I can’t wait for me and my demon dick to show you how much we’ve missed you, too.”
“For the love of all things holy and righteous! Would you two get the hell out of my restaurant?” Micah yells from the kitchen door.
Still laughing, I grab my guitar case and the rest of my equipment. When I look back at Piper, her lips are swollen and her eyes are bright. I know we still have some things to work out, but we have all the time in the world for that. For tonight, though, it’s all about getting back to us.
“Come on,” I tell her. “Let’s go home.”
“Home, huh?”
“You have a better idea?”
She pretends to think for a minute before smiling at me. “Nope. Home sounds perfect.”