Opening my eyes, I suddenly knew exactly what I had to do. My future was with Anna, and with the D-Bags, with my family…if they’d have me.
Feeling the burn of hope in my chest starting to expand outward, I smiled. It was painful, but I welcomed the ache. Okay, Kiera. I’ll go to the audition.
Trying to be smart for once, I didn’t completely quit my job. Instead, I put in a conditional notice. If I made it through the auditions and onto the show, then my job would be lost, but if I didn’t make it that far, I would have something to fall back on. It made me a little proud of myself that I’d thought out a plan before rashly jumping off the cliff. See, Anna, I’m learning.
I was still scared though. If I made it on the show and lost, I’d have to completely start over. My job gave new meaning to the word “suck,” but it paid well, and I knew I’d never make that kind of money right off the bat again. I’d have to work three times as hard just to barely scrape by. But no, I couldn’t think that way. I needed to be positive…like I used to be. I could own this contest. I mean, it was my position I was fighting for; I’d been preparing for this my entire adult life.
When I got home that night, there was an unusual spring in my step. I now saw a small light at the end of my very dark tunnel. It was just a pinpoint at the moment, but it was there, and I was going to hold on to it for as long as I could.
Mom noticed it instantly, and Dad seemed to spot it as soon as Mom pointed it out. “You’re more chipper than usual. Something up? Did you talk to Anna?”
My enthusiasm died a little as Mom mentioned my wife’s name. Had Kiera given her the note? Would she read it? Or would she just throw it away, throw us away? Would she be moved if she did read it, or was she already set on us going our separate ways? I wouldn’t know until I talked to her, and maybe it was chickenshit of me, but I didn’t want to talk to her just yet. I wanted to cling to this tiny thread of possibility that I’d been given.
“No…I quit my job.”
Dad dropped the newspaper he’d been reading. Mom dropped her cigarette. Almost. She caught it at the last minute and stuck it back in her mouth. She sadly shook her head while Dad sighed. “Griffin, I had to pull a lot of strings to get you that job. Your resume isn’t really…well, it’s not the best for that industry.”
I nodded. “I know, but it isn’t what I want.”
Both parents seemed confused. Sitting down at the kitchen table, I explained. “The D-Bags are having auditions to replace me.”
Dad put a hand on my shoulder and patted me a couple times. “Sorry to hear that, son.”
I brushed off his concern. “No, they’re having open auditions…so I’m going to audition.”
Mom still looked confused. “You’re going to audition for your band…to be your replacement?”
My smile was wider than it had been in a really long time. I felt like flakes of rust were cracking off me and drifting to the floor, exposing a shiny surface underneath. “Yes. I’m going to audition for my old spot and work my ass off until I have it.” I hoped.
Mom gave me a half smile, like she supported me, even though she didn’t fully understand the situation. Dad frowned. “Okay…well, why did you have to quit? Couldn’t you do both? Didn’t you like it there?”
I could tell from the look on his face that he was hoping I’d stay at his old job. Maybe he wanted just one son to follow in his footsteps, and he’d been hoping that would be me. I felt bad for crushing that desire, but this was my dream, and I had to go for it.
“No, I can’t, Dad. The D-Bags are a full-time commitment, and they’re what I want. Everything I’d once had…is everything I want.” Why couldn’t I have realized that sooner? Before I’d lost it all. Because I hadn’t seen what I’d had until I lost it all. The steak in the water had looked so much bigger than the one in my mouth, but it hadn’t been real.
God, I hoped Kiera gave Anna that letter…
“What’s going on?”
I turned around to see Liam entering the kitchen. He dropped by a lot for dinner. Dad said it was because he hated cooking, but I think he just didn’t like to eat alone. Liam didn’t have the widest circle of friends.
Dad sighed as he indicated me. “Your brother quit the job I worked so hard to get him.”
Liam didn’t seem surprised to hear that. I gave Dad a withering look, before facing my brother again. “I’m auditioning for the D-Bags contest to replace me. If I get on the show, then I’ll quit my job.” I gave my dad a so-there smile.
Liam got really quiet, then he muttered, “Oh…”
His voice was so odd, I turned back to look at him. He had an expression that was both miffed and horrified. “What?” I cautiously asked.
Liam looked at my parents before looking back at me. “Well…it’s an open audition, and I’ve been looking for some exposure, so I thought it would be a good idea…”
“A good idea to do what?” I asked, my voice firm.
Liam raised his chin. “I’m auditioning too.”
My first instinct was outrage. This was my audition, my job, but then I remembered…it wasn’t. I’d given it up, and now it was open for anyone to pursue. I stood from the table and Liam backed up a step, like he was sure I would deck him. I didn’t though. I was trying to be a better, more mature person. I was trying to grow up. And a part of doing that was learning to be gracious and supportive. I wanted the best for Liam, I really did.