Chapter 44

forty-four

ANDREW

I stood on the shore of Willow Lake and stared at the activity happening around me. In the middle of the organized chaos stood Pastor Adam. With his clipboard in one hand and a cell phone in the other, he was supervising the installation of the seating areas.

Tim walked toward me. “When did you arrive?”

“About ten minutes ago. I can’t believe how much has happened since this morning.” I’d driven into Sunrise Bay at nine-thirty to see Paul. The trucks carrying the temporary seating were supposed to be here at the same time. And, like clockwork, they’d rumbled into town with everything the construction crew needed.

“It’s been slightly crazy,” Tim said. “But Pastor Adam has got everything under control.”

The first concert was on Friday night. That gave Adam two days to set up the stage and seating. “Do you think it’ll be ready on time?”

“We’ve organized similar-sized concerts in Boulder. As long as it doesn’t rain, we should be okay.”

I hoped so.

“Don’t look so worried. Everything will be all right.”

My lips twitched. “You could use those words in a song.”

“If it was that easy, I’d be the happiest person in the world.”

I frowned. It wasn’t like Tim to be concerned about his music. He’d written some of the most beautiful songs I’d ever heard. “How’s your next album coming along?”

“Slowly. It’s been more than ten months since my last song was released. If I don’t finish the album soon, my manager will lock me in a dark and dingy room until it’s done.”

I knew how difficult it was to balance the creative and business sides of being a musician. Sometimes, in between all the other distractions in your life, finding the time to write new material was impossible.

“Do you think you’ll ever retire?” I asked.

Tim looked around us. “Maybe. I don’t want to be sixty years old and still touring. Living in Colorado helps me stay centered and to think about a different future. One that doesn’t involve performing.”

“How’s your music school going?” A few years ago, Tim had started a school designed to teach young people not only about music but how to build a successful career.

“We’re busier than ever. Two of my students have signed recording contracts with good companies. We’re negotiating a third at the moment.”

“Make sure they have honest managers,” I warned.

Tim’s smile dimmed. “I heard David came to see you. Are you okay?”

I had no idea how he’d found out about David, but nothing about the music industry surprised me anymore. “I’m fine.” I moved farther toward the lake as a long steel beam was lifted across the grass. “David brought me a draft contract from Sunset Records. They want me to make another album.”

“You’d be better off going directly to the studio.”

“I don’t want to record another album.”

Tim’s eyebrows rose. “Ever?”

I nodded.

“If that’s what you want, then that’s great. But don’t let what happened with David stop you from producing more music.”

Pastor Adam jogged toward us. “I was hoping I’d see you both. Is one o’clock on Friday afternoon still a good time for the sound check?”

Tim and I both nodded.

“Can we extend the program by ten minutes on Friday night?” I asked. “I’d like to organize a surprise for a friend.”

Tim shrugged. “It’s okay with me. What kind of surprise have you got in mind?”

After I told him about Amy and the wonderful song she’d sung with her classmates, he was more than happy to include them in the concert.

Adam opened a file on his cell phone. “What time did you want them on the stage?”

“How about halfway through the concert? It’ll give the audience something different to enjoy.”

Adam glanced through the program and pointed to a time slot. “How about here?”

Tim looked over my shoulder. “Looks good to me.”

“Me, too,” I said. “Now all I have to do is make sure the children are here on Friday night.”

Adam glanced at his watch. “I’ll leave that to you. I need to see the stage manager in a few minutes.” He shook Tim’s hand. “Thank you again for coming to Sunrise Bay.”

“It’s for a great cause. I’ll see you at the sound check on Friday.”

“You will.” Adam turned to me. “If you want someone to look after Amy and her friends when they arrive at the concert, let me know.”

“Thanks. I’ll ask Paul what he wants to do.”

With a final wave, Adam left us to meet his next appointment.

“I need to leave, too,” Tim said. “I promised Scott I’d meet him and the boys in town for lunch. Are we still okay for dinner tonight?”

“Six o’clock at my place,” I said with a smile. “And don’t bring anything.”

Tim sighed. “You know what Scott’s like. If he doesn’t bring at least three dishes, he feels as though he hasn’t contributed.”

I knew there was no sense arguing. “I’m looking forward to catching up with everyone.”

“We’re looking forward to spending time with you, too. It’s been too long.” Tim hugged me. “I’ll bring one of my student’s albums with me. We recorded it in my studio.”

“That sounds great. I’d love to hear it.”

“See you tonight.”

As Tim wove through the road crew, lighting technicians, and construction team, I could only be humbled by his willingness to help people who couldn’t afford their own homes.

It was taking a marathon effort to organize the concerts but, with everyone’s help, they wouldn’t be forgotten in a hurry.