I’m three drinks in when someone taps me on my shoulder. I’m half tempted not to acknowledge the person next to me, until they sit down next to me.
“Ajay Ballard, is that you?”
I lift my hat a little and apprise the guy next to me. “Lee Johnson, how the hell have you been?” I ask him. He looks like an older version of the guy I left behind. Lee was the guy who everyone thought would make it big. He made such a big deal about playing in the garage band, almost as if it were beneath him. If I remember what Whiskey said correctly, he married Jolene Johnson.
“Heard you were back in town.”
“Yep,” I say, finishing off my bottle. I show it to the bartender who nods in my direction. “Just passing through mostly.”
“Really? Jolene said she ran into Jamie at the park. She said Jamie told her you’re back for good and looking for a gig.”
If I had beer in my mouth, I would’ve choked. I shake my head slowly. “Funny story, Lee. I heard Jolene told Jamie that I came by asking if you wanted to join Sinful Distraction.”
His eyes go wide. “Oh wow, I mean I’m flattered but—”
I hold my hand up, interrupting him. “Lee, no offense but we’re not looking to add to the group, and I think we both know I’m not in town to ask if you want to play in my band.”
The poor dude hangs his head, and now I feel bad. Back in the day, Lee and I weren’t exactly close. We both had an affinity for music and wanted to make a career out of it. Lee had won a few talent shows and everyone thought he was destined for stardom. I, on the other hand, was the kid who was going nowhere, who didn’t have a home, and could barely afford to feed myself. Guess life has a funny way of working out in the end.
“So, you married Jolene, huh?”
He nods. “Yeah, we have a little boy. Being a parent is pretty awesome, man,” he says, patting my shoulder.
“I heard.” The youngest kid I know is Chandler, Keane’s daughter. She’s pretty awesome, but mostly keeps to herself.
“How are things? Married? Kids? The band is successful. Jolene’s a big fan.”
The bartender sets a fresh bottle of beer down in front of me and Lee orders water, saying something about performing later. I think I’m in the clear and can avoid answering Lee’s questions, but unfortunately he’s looking at me, waiting for me to unload about my life.
I sigh, take a drink, and give him the dirt. “Band is great. We are on tour right now, but I’m trying to spend my off days in Bailey. No kids. One wife.”
“Congratulations, man. Who is she?”
This time
I laugh. “Her name is Jameson.” I let her name hang in the air, along with a cheesy grin. Lee studies me; I suppose he’s waiting for me to crack up with laughter, but I don’t.
“You’re joking, right? Didn’t you guys get divorced years ago?”
Slowly, I shake my head while bringing the bottle of beer to my lips. “Doesn’t seem that way. Jamie forgot to file the paperwork to end our marriage.”
“Well ain’t that some shit. So now what are you going to do?”
“I don’t know,” I say, shrugging. “Judge Harvey has a stick up his ass and isn’t granting us a divorce.”
“Man, that guy.”
On the inside I’m laughing, but to anyone watching me, I look like one pissed off dude who’s forced to hang out in his former hometown. I’m going to play it off as long as possible, at least until I can convince Whiskey that being married to me is worth it.
“Does that mean she gets half your money?”
Lee’s question gives me pause. I hadn’t really thought about any financial implications but imagine that she wouldn’t be entitled to anything. I signed the papers, proving that I wanted the divorce. Only now, since I’ve been back and have seen her, have my feelings changed.
“No, I don’t think so.” Even though I’d give her whatever she asked for. “What’s new with you? How’s the band?”
Lee turns and nods toward the stage. “I’m part of the house band here. We’re down a singer and a drummer tonight though. The flu has been going around.”
“That’s hard man.” A few months ago, Dana came down with a cold and happily shared it with all of us.