Let Love Rock Your Life…

By Dannette Genasci

Former Rock Star, Trevor Riggs, has finally found someone who makes him feel young again. Sandra, his love, helps him rediscover whats important. Listening to the songs inside himself and hearing things differently. Stepping back and gaining perspective. Long walks on the beach. A good cup of coffee. Reflection. Peace. Learning patience and how to relax. Isnt that what the golden years are about? The conclusion to the Rock Star trilogy, will Trevor Riggs finds happiness at last?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499021868

Dannette Genasci

To take you back in time. To imagine what it was like. The songs are the outline. My words are the colors of emotion that I painted in. My name is Dee Genasci. I live in the Midwest along with my husband and two sons. I love photography, to horseback ride, to swim, to travel and to write fiction stories.

Book preview

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND…

Michelle was busy running around, finishing up what needed to be finished. Folding clothes… still; last minute care taking details for the animal; all the stuff you can’t do until the last minute—and there is never enough time at the last minute! How she needed this vacation this year! Her brain was overloaded with figures from work. It invaded her dreams. She preferred dreaming of other things. She wanted to scream! Mom. Everything Ok? Grayson. He meant everything to her. He was her saving grace! He was her break from the insanity of numbers. He went to his mom, and they embraced. And then, he was off.

Toothbrush. Check. Hairbrush. Check. I have all my clothes. Got all Grayson’s clothes. She scratched the items off her list as she went. She inventoried down to the very last item. Done. Car loaded. 7 Hours and a tank a gas later, they arrived to their vacation destination, Jekyll Island, Georgia, settling in for the evening. But before going to bed, they made their way down to the beach for their annual toes in the sand rub-athon.

The next morning after breakfast, they headed for the beach. The day couldn’t be more perfect! Up in the sky it was bluer than blue with white fluffy clouds. Michelle and her son laid on the beach looking up, trying to decipher what each cloud looked like. That one looks like a dolphin… no, now it looks more like an elephant. About an hour later, Michelle was getting into her favorite book while Grayson was building a complex of various sandcastles. They had been alone for most of the morning when a family of 3 took up some beach space beside them.

Hi! Do ya wanna build sandcastles with me? Grayson asked the neighboring kids. I’m Grayson, and that’s my Mom.

Sure… I mean, is it Ok Mom if I go build with them.

I’m Ok if you are? the pretty young brunette said to Michelle.

It’s Ok with me. Here, Grayson has more things to build with over here. She hands a beach bag full of stuff to one of the boys. He comes over and takes it from her.

Thank you. The beach bag heads down more toward the water and is set next to ‘the complex.’

The brunette approaches Michelle… Hi, I’m Sissy.

Hi. Nice to meet you. I’m Michelle. The two women shook hands. It’s beautiful out today.

Yeah… couldn’t be more perfect. Sissy set up her beach chair. What you reading?

Me? Miss goody two shoes? None other than a good ole smut book! The women laughed.

One of the boys came back up to where Sissy was sitting. Mom, when’s grandpa going to come out?

Oh honey, probably in a little while. He had some phone calls to make.

Doesn’t he like the beach?

Honey, he loves the beach. Remember going to his condo in California? It was right on the beach. Remember that big sandcastle you made?

Her son all the sudden was no longer listening to her, for his attention was diverted to the figure exiting the beach house and heading in their direction. Here he comes… Whoo hooo… here he comes. Her son was jumping around. The boy then turned and neared Michelle, Here comes my grandpa… he’s a lot of fun. You’ll like him! Sissy encouraged her son to not bother Michelle, but being the kind heart she was, Michelle humored the boy. And turned to see, his grandpa a coming.

However, his grandpa did not look like a grandpa! Michelle blinked her eyes and temporarily moved her sunglasses up to her forehead. No gray hair, no debilitating gait, no wheel chair or cane, no oxygen tubing attached to his nose. No, instead the figure was slim and trim, with black shoulder length hair flowing in the ocean breeze. He took off his shirt to reveal his bare chest and had a pair of swim trunks on. And as he got closer to Michelle, his features became more and more familiar. He came to stand by Sissy’s beach chair.

Hey honey. He eyeballed the boys. Hey, what are you guys building down there?

Oh my God, Michelle thought and she put her sunglasses back down over her eyes and slouched in her chair slightly. I know that voice and that face. And that head of hair! Oh my God, it can’t be. She checked herself to make sure things were tucked in properly. She wished she could exchange her smut book for a more intelligent read.

Her heart was racing when Sissy called to her, Where are my manners, I’m sorry. Michelle, this is my Dad, Trev. Trev, Michelle. He started walking towards her.

TREV… WAS… WALKING… TOWARDS… HER! (Oh… my… God!)

Nice to meet you as he held his hand out. To what seemed an eternity to her, but was probably not really, she froze. Shake his hand Michelle! C’mon Michelle, get it together and shake his hand!

Nice to meet you as well. Their hands touched. His grip strong, but still gentle. I did it! Whew!

Trev moved on to join the boys in their building of ‘the Complex.’ Michelle thought it was so cute, for he acted like one of the boys, not some older man. The younger boys, his grandson’s, she could tell adored him.

Is this Man not adored by anybody!

Even Grayson seem to take an instant liking to him. And Trev easily included Grayson in the fun. It was so good just seeing him be himself.

After a while Trev got up. He went and washed the sand off his hands in the surf. He came back up by Sissy and flicked his fingers at her, sprinkling splashes of sea water at her.

Dad!

He then opened a beach chair and placed it between the two women. Gotta sit normal for a while. Not that young anymore motioning to the construction crew of sand castle builders.

Michelle looked down at her book, noticing that she was still on the same page, the same paragraph, heck, THE SAME word!

So, where ya from?

(OMG, he’s speaking to me… Michelle, wake up, he asked you a question… answer his question… sound intelligent, please!)

From the other side of the Smoky Mountains, in Tennessee, just outside of Knoxville.

Trev heard that sweet Tennessee type of speaking. How it matched this sweet Tennessee woman so well. A woman so pleasing to the eye. Soft Auburn locks of hair, and when she had her sunglasses on her forehead, he thought he seen hints of brown. He noticed this woman the minute he stepped out of the beach house.

Been to Knoxville a few times… on business. Didn’t get to see much of it unfortunately, but I hear it’s a nice area.

We like it.

We as in… you and your son or . . . ?

Grayson.

Grayson. Nice boy. Is it just you and him down here, or do you have . . . ?

It’s just him and I. And my older son, later. I’m… I’m widowed. About 9 years now.

Oh, I’m sorry.

That’s Ok, he was a casualty of 911. There was a moment of silence. Trev just eyed the surf, then wiped at his eyes. Michelle wasn’t sure if it was a tear or irritation from the salt air. I hope that never happens again.

After a few moments, he spoke again. So what are your plans while your here?

We’ll, we come down every year. You know, with the beach as beautiful as this, a girl can’t help it, it’s just a great place to escape to. And the town folk here always welcome us with open arms and treat us very patiently. It’s just so easy to fall for this place. It makes me feel in Harmony. Michelle thought to herself, (Oh My, My, MY, I believe I need to quit this. Shoot, I’m even doing it in my thoughts! Or else the party’s over! Ok, STOP IT! STOP IT! stopitstopitstopit!)

Trev noticed her distraction, but didn’t seem phased by her sudden attack of rambles. I normally live in California right off the beach… would love my daughter to come out more often with the kids. But flying to California is so expensive… it’s easier for me to fly to North Carolina to see her. She heard good things about this area, so we decided to have an East Coast beach vacation!

They’re having a good time. motioning to the boys. Sissy then got up from her chair… Hey guys, let’s go in for lunch. Start wrapping it up.

Yeah Grayson, we need to do that too.

AAAWWW Mom!

Don’t aww Mom me. C’mon, we’ll be back out later.

It was nice to meet you. Trev took Michelle’s hand, and kissed it. I guess we’ll be neighbors for a few days.

Distracted again, Michelle responded slowly, Yeah, . . . we’re… gonna… stay awhile. Trev turned and left with Sissy and the kids. Michelle… stood there. Grayson came up by her… Uhhh, Mom?!?

Michelle stood at the breakfast bar in her rented beach cottage, sipping slowly on her Diet Pepsi while Grayson devoured his lunch.

He’s… right… next… door! Maybe less than… 50… feet… away!

Only a few walls and some air separated them. She looked down at her hand, feeling like an awkward teenager again. I’m never going to wash this hand again! Michelle said to herself out loud.

Why not, Mom? Grayson asked her, curiously and innocently.

Oh, nothing honey. Nothing. You’ll learn about this stuff, later. She needed something else to think about for a while. Hey Grayson, when you finish, how about we go hit the shops for a while.

YYyyeahhhh! Can we go in that one toy shop, and the train shop?

You bet!

They left the cottage and walked the short distance down to the middle of town. Michelle tried real hard not to stare at the neighboring cottage as she walked past. They entered one of the shops and scurried over the merchandise. Swim goggles, Frisbees, tanning products, and of course, T-shirts… anything and everything you could ever want to find on a summer beach vacation. Treasures galore! Michelle had her head lowered looking in the jewelry cases when all the sudden, somebody rounded the end of the counter, and ran right into her.

Oh my, I’m so sorry, I should have been looking where I was go… Michelle raised her head, and looked at her assaulter. Trev.

Oh, hey, Trev said. Fancy RUNNING into you here… literally! I didn’t hurt you, did I?

Michelle nodded No. They both laughed.

Just trying to keep up with the grandkids! I’m not sure if I ever moved as much or as fast as they do!

Michelle thought to herself, yeah, ya did. Up on that stage… yeah ya did, and ya had all the right moves! She felt the temperature rise.

Sissy rounded on the other side of the counter with both boys in tow. She said Captured!!

Good said Trev. I was working up a sweat!

Michelle’s mind went into the gutter again recalling all those pictures of Trev Riggs on stage, singing his heart out, wearing his emotions on his sleeves, sweat draining from his face down his neck!

Mom… Mom… earth to Mom… Grayson was tapping her shoulder. She came back to reality, glad that Trev was talking to Sissy about something. Can I buy a Frisbee?

Yeah, sure… She gave Grayson enough to purchase the Frisbee. Trev then turned back to Michelle.

Hey, I have an idea. To make up to you for running into you… how about let me take you out for coffee, or something. I hear they have a few nice tea houses on the block.

Oh, that sounds good, but… but Grayson would . . .

Sissy came into the conversation, Hey, I’ll take Grayson with us. You can trust me… I’m a good person, and I was going to just go down to the toys store, and check it out. If they get bored, there is a playground right next door. Unseen by Michelle, Sissy winked at her father.

Michelle smiled… Ok… OK. Grayson returned with his purchased Frisbee. Grayson, Mrs. Sissy and her boys are going down to the toy store you love. You’re going to go with her, Ok, and I want you to be on your best behavior, Ok.

CCcoooolllll! C’mon guys. I’ve been there before… I’ll show you around!" And poor Sissy, out she went with three BOYS!

Trev laughed. She’s a brave woman! He turned to Michelle and offered his arm to her, Shall we.

He guided her to one of the tea rooms like a true gentleman. He even pulled her chair out for her before she sat. Thank you. The waitress came over with 2 waters and offered them menus. She made them aware of the specials. After a few moments, Trev said, I’m going to have the Vegetable Quiche of which Michelle agreed sounded good. 2 Vegetable Quiches please as they handed the menus back the waitress.

It’s a beautiful day. said Michelle, with Trev adding, and a beautiful way to spend it, making Michelle blush slightly. So how long are you going to… (he sung it), Stay? Oh God…" Michelle and Trev both laughed.

I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me back at the beach. Trev looked at her a bit perplexed. Sorry, sorry for what? My phase. It seemed like anything I said… related.

No offense what so ever taken. I see it as a form of flattery. So, . . . you know who I am.

Yeah, I figured it out. They laughed.

Well, just FYI, that’s just one part. That part now days is little and circumstantial. There’s a lot more… to me than just that one part. I’m bones, organs, and flesh… I’m as human as anyone else. I possess no super powers, although I may have to, to keep up with those grandkids. Geeez! Michelle giggled. Trev looked down slightly and stirred his tea. People tend to not see that. That’s why it’s so hard to meet anybody. They get hung up so bad on that one part.

You know, my oldest son and I have had this discussion. He plays a mean guitar… and would like to possibly travel this road. We’ll, I’ve seen what artist go through… the loss of privacy, possibly getting a big head, losing the perspective on things… the insanity of it all. We’ve talked about it, but I still worry for him. But what do you say… each person has to follow their own path… reach for their own destiny.

So true… so true.

Do you ever regret it?

Sometimes… but then I remember back on how magical it was. If I had it to do over, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Their quiches came and they ate, continuing to enjoy each other’s conversation and company. You know in regards to your son, the one bit of advice that I’d give to him is to always follow his heart, and always remain true to himself. Actually, that’s two he laughed.

Good advice! . . . You know this quiche is really good.

Yeah, it is. These little hole in the wall places… most of the time you can’t go wrong.

Upon finishing their meal, Michelle added, My son, Rob, will be here tonight. And what he does with his youth group is they play their music down on the beach, campfire and all, about 11 O’clock at night, if you’re interested. I’ll be there… I wouldn’t mind, if you, Sissy, and the boys wanted to join us. Trev nodded.

Let me talk to Sissy. And speaking of Sissy as Trev placed his napkin and tip on the table, We probably need to go rescue her. I can see those boys playing Cowboys and Indians with her, and her being held as a captive on the jungle gym. They laughed, but Michelle thought, (Yeah, I wouldn’t mind being your captive! Stopit, stopit, stopit!) She coughed. Trev turned back to her… Excuse me, did you say something. No… uh No… it was nothing.

Trev and Michelle ventured over to the playground where Sissy and the boys were, removed the ropes and rescued her. Ah… just kidding.

o

o

o

o

Ok… Sissy and Michelle decide to tie Trev to the jungle gym. Hehe… Gotcha again.

o

o

o

o

Ok, Trev sends Sissy home with the boys, and he ties Michelle up to the jungle gym, lighting her fire in the process.

. . . stopitstopitstopitstopit!!

Michelle considered sunset’s on Jekyll Island magical. No matter how many times she had been there, she always took more pictures, even though she knew they would be just like the sunsets she had pictures of before. But they were always special. She just wished she had someone to share them with. Thinking of her date with Trev, maybe that wish would soon come true. She prepared her camera. And gave some thought about going next door and knocking on the door, and inviting them to the best place on the Island to take sunset pictures. But she decided against it, favoring to respect their privacy. Nothing like a nagging neighbor. And she knew that Trev valued his privacy. Grayson, C’mon bubba. Get your shoes on so we can go catch the sunset. It’ll take us about 5 minutes to walk there, which means we got about a half hour! As she and Grayson were walking out the front door, she noticed the sky was already starting to turn to beautiful shades of oranges and pinks. Hey look Grayson, Santa’s busy baking his cookies!!

Grayson looked up, yup, he’s baking alot of them! . . . Mom, can we stop by that Ice Cream shop that has those good cookies on the way back?

They were walking down the drive way when all the sudden they heard, Howdy neighbor! the phrase carrying on the wind and said in a musical sort of way.

Well hey! Michelle returned the greeting.

The sunset looks like it’s going to be beautiful!

You gonna watch it from there?

Yeah, unless you know a better spot.

I know the best spot. We’re heading there now if you would like to join us.

We’d love to Trev quickly put his flip flops back on. He, Sissy and the boys then joined the parade heading over to sunset point. How far is it? Trev asked Michelle.

Oh, it’s just a short ROUNDABOUT. Michelle stopped and looked down. Ahhh, I hope I’m not going to embarrass myself by starting this again.

Both he and Sissy laughed. Ah that’s Ok. I tell ya, it’s flattery! You know when I was with Roundabout, a friend dared me… and the dare was to never use the word Roundabout in a song. And I never did! he said proudly!

You said it within a song in concert! Michelle said in a playful and argumentive way.

When did I do that?

I heard you!

When did I do that? C’mon, I want to hear ya.

Sissy smiled, for she knew there was no one better to debate with than her father. He would most likely win every time, and if not he’d still come out smelling like a rose. Michelle started to explain and talk the words . . .

Nope… No, that’s not going to work! I meant sing it!

Sing it

Yeah… (Trev smiled an evil grin) . . . Sing it!

Oh… no… you don’t want me . . .

Ah c’mon… when did I say the word Roundabout in a song? (as Trev said this he got louder and louder… in a playful way of course.)

I’ll break your eardrums!

No… well than you lose. You have to buy Us cookies at that Ice cream shop!

No fair!

Then sing it woman! Michelle cleared her voice, and laughed. She started, She hummed the melody, and then as loud as she could almost resulting in a growl, ROUNDABOUTS ON THE ROAD AGAIN!"

They laughed… Trev clapped and bowed to her. And then went over to Michelle with his arms around her neck, and bowed with her, just like they used to at show’s end.

Ok, I did. But… But that was a concert! And it was on Greatest Hits—Live… so that doesn’t count! You see, the original word, was not Roundabout.

Sissy just smiled and shook her head. She was already smelling roses!

They arrived at sunset point just at the perfect time. The point when dusk slowly changes to night, and it reflects so perfectly in the water. There was also a full moon rising which made it even more special. Michelle was snapping her every 5 minute pictures when Trev slowly came up behind her. She felt him put his arms around her waist. And lean his chin on her shoulder. Michelle felt herself shutter.

It’s beautiful… isn’t it?

Trev responded, I don’t know, but what I’m looking at sure is!

As Michelle turned she seen his beautiful hazel eyes looking right at her. Michelle, blushed.

Sissy came near, Hey Michelle… give me your camera. Let’s take pictures of you two in the sunset. Sissy took the camera, they turned, and Trev gathered Michelle in his arms. After the pictures were taken, Sissy went over to see what the boys had found. Like usual they were making roads, and buildings out of the sand and rocks they found off the side of the gazebo.

Trev sat down on the picnic table near the gazebo, and pulled Michelle to sit with him. They sat on top of the picnic table. She sat between his legs. And as the sun descended, they watched; Trev busying himself by playing with her hair or encircling her with his arms and taking little nibbles on her ears.

Heading back, they walked back under the light of that full moon. And made a quick detour to the right, stopping at the local Ice Cream and good cookie shop.

My treat! Trev said, since I lost to the woman with the voice! And he made some growling noises with his voice.

Michelle laughed, and blushed again. Everybody sat outside the shop and ate. When their bellies were satisfied of sweets, they headed back towards their respective cottages. Trev reached over and grabbed Michelle’s hand. Thanks for a nice evening-so far.

No, Thank you! . . . I’ve enjoyed it! Michelle said as she smiled back. When they got back to the beach, they noticed that Rob and his youth group had arrived, and they had the campfire already going. Rob seen his Mom, so the first thing he did was to go over and give her a kiss. Introductions were made. And everybody found a comfy seat in the sand. Trev sat by Michelle. Promptly at 11pm, the music started.

Later that night, Rob then turned to Michelle. Mom, I learned a new song… because I knew this was one of you favorites. I wonder if Mr. Riggs would help me sing it?

Trev spoke up… I’d be honored to sing whatever you play. Michelle, you’re right, you son is very talented. The music continued.

Trev sung and as he sung, he held Michelle close. He looked in her eyes when he sung and swayed with her to the rhythm. Michelle… was touched.

After the song, there was a silence… all you could hear was the sound of the waves and the crackle of the campfire. Then slowly, people started to emerge from their hypnotic state. Sissy, sitting on the other side of her dad, bumped him and whispered something in his ear.

Trev turned and said to Michelle… hey, let’s take a walk.

Oh, but Grayson . . .

Sissy jumped in, It’s ok… I’ll watch him.

Oh but Sissy, it’s seems that you’re helping me watch him a lot. I don’t want to take advantage of you.

Michelle… hey it’s worth it. I love seeing my dad… happy. Now, go!

Trev turned to Sissy, Thank you honey. I love you!

Trev and Michelle rose and started walking down the beach. About 100 feet away, they stopped along a jetty. Trev helped Michelle sit on one of the rocks as he leaned into her. He hesitated slightly. You know, it’s been a really long time since I’ve felt like this. I may be a little rusty… May I kiss you? Michelle just nodded, yes. And he leaned in further until their lips… touched. Sweet, tender, smooth like velvet. Sparks! After a few minutes, they both decided to walk a little further. And as they did, they noticed that their footprints in the sand, merged into one.

The next day . . .

. . . Keoni, Lucas… get your shoes on. C’mon so we can go eat breakfast… . No, no Lucas, wrong foot. There you go. Keoni, don’t just shove them on. Pull the tongues out. Sit down and do it right. Michael, Sissy’s husband arrived down in the middle of the night. He sat down on the couch to help Lucas tie his shoes.

Mom, where’s Grandpa at?

He’s up already. You know how early he gets up. Sissy was relieved she got out of that one. Michael looked at her with a chuckle.

With everybody’s shoes securely fastened, they headed out the door. The minivan’s back door slowly opened with a push of the button. Sissy and Michael were herding the kids that way when they noticed a very relaxed, satisfied Dad/Grandpa sitting in the lounge chair on the porch of the next door cottage. Their attention temporarily diverted, they instead walked over toward him. Sissy carefully and gently touched his arm, for his eyes were closed. He slowly opened them just a slit, waiting for Keoni and Lucas to get closer. When they came to his side, he flew his eyes open and grabbed both boys, surprising them.

Gotcha! They squealed… a related high pitch… a Riggs Ancestral higher than a high C squeal that would probably break every glass if they were inside the cottage. And as they continued to wrestle, the note… continued. Sissy covered her ears.

Trev laughed and tried to hush them. Shhh, you’re going to wake Grayson and his brother up! They’re still sleeping upstairs. When wrestle mania was over, Michael took the boys down to the water’s edge to play in the sand. Trev scooted over on the lounge chair slightly. Sissy sat on the lounge chair with her father. Sooo?

Trev blushed slightly. It should be the other way around he thought, and chuckled.

"What?’ said Sissy, all though she very well knew it. With a smirk on their faces, Trev started. He reached up and smoothed Sissy’s hair out of her eyes.

Honey, hopefully I’m looking at a bright future! Trev said with a glisten in his hazel eyes. One with a woman I love!

Yeah? Trev nodded his head and smiled. Sissy reached over for her father. You look happy! Then she leaned in for a hug. And I’m happy for you. They embraced, and he returned the affection back to her with a kiss on the cheek.

Off in the distance, they seen the trim figure running towards the cottage. Trev got up from his chair, and walked back in the inside. He emerged with a cold bottle of water. Michelle walked the last 100 feet, and ended up on the patio by Sissy and Trev.

Good morning.

Trev handed her the bottle of water along with a kiss.

Good morning to you! I used to do that, now I just run around after two boys! She smiled and chuckled, looking at her 3 boys on the beach.

Well, counts for something! Michelle smiled.

Michelle, I’m so happy for you… Sissy got up and hugged Michelle. Oh honey… might not want to hug me right now. I’m all sweaty.

She laughed. I don’t care. I haven’t seen Dad this happy in years!

Michael came back to the patio with the boys, brushing off the sand as they walked. Sissy, we are going to go re-wash hands… Keoni, show grandpa whatcha found.

Keoni produced a shell in his hand.

You know what they say? That you can hear the ocean talking to you in these shells. Trev turned his grandson to face away from him and put the shell up to his ear. And mumbled something in a high pitch mini voice.

MEEe BEE MEE Bee.

Keoni wide eyed and wide grinned turned back to his grandpa… . that was you!

Laughing. No, wasn’t me… listen again. This time Trev did it with Keoni facing him. He smiled with his mouth open, but made sure his lips didn’t move.

Eeee, Geee EEEE GGeee.

Keoni smiled, and then lifted his eyebrows and gave the shell… a closer look. Everyone laughed. The THREE boys went to wash their hands.

Well, were going to head out and get some breakfast. Sissy looked at her dad with a smile, but as she suspected, he was going to stay right where he was. Michelle, can you suggest a good place?

There is this one place… it’s a little hole in the wall about a mile down. But the breakfast buffet is wonderful. It’s called, Ed’s."

Sounds like a good place. Well, we’ll be back later.

Hey.

Trev reached out for his daughter’s hand, We had an idea last night. How about you and Michael having a date night tonight? Michelle and I were thinking about a round of mini golf, and we’d like to take the boys with us. Sissy smiled.

Later that day, it was about 5pm when Sissy came over from next door with the boys. She knocked on the back patio door… Michelle answered it.

Hey boys… ya ready for some fun? Trev was sitting just inside on the couch with Grayson sitting next to him. Seeing Grandpa, the boys made a bee line and piled on top of him.

Hey… Shhh, sit still by me so we don’t break anything.—No, no wrestling for now. Here, just sit by me. They settled next to Trev.

Hey Dad, Michelle, thanks for watching them. It’s been a while since we’ve done this.

Not a problem. I just hope they don’t beat me at mini golf. The way I play, they just might.

Well then, we may all just leave you in the dust. I’m pretty good! Michelle teased.

So no bets… ehhhh!

Well, we could to make it interesting!

Ahhh, and we’re going to have children present.

I’m talking about after Sissy takes them home and Grayson here is in bed. Michelle smiled.

Sissy stammered… Oh, you kids!

Sissy and Michael left on their date night as Michelle and Trev walked out and down the beach a little ways to where the Mini golf entrance was. Trev purchased their admission, and they collected their balls and clubs. Right off the bat, the boys started making Star Wars light saber noises, banishing the golf clubs at each other. Trev put an immediate stop to the horsing around.

Ah… I don’t think so. Boys, these are used to play golf. Jedi’s we are not!

They started to play. The first hole, Keoni and Lucas took forever to put the little ball in the hole. They kept hitting it way too hard, going back and forth on the green. Trev lost count after a while. But with a little prompting, Trev thought, yeah from an expert like me, they finally made it into the cup. Grayson came up and handled it like a pro, taking the big brother approach. Then it was Trev’s turn. He laughed, cause he wasn’t much better than his grandsons. Michelle scored a par.

Trev gave her a dirty look.

I told you . . . She reached over and gave him a kiss on his cheek, wiping off the lipstick afterwards. Gotta take care of the boys!

Well, I have trouble with spatial stuff!

Yeah, right. Make excuses.

Really!

That’s ok, honey. I still think… I love you anyway. Trev smiled. After a while, the boys started to get the hang of it, and they along with Michelle, started leaving Trev in the dust. And every hole, Trev would come up with different excuses of why he would missed that one. It’s because the sun was in my eyes!

They came up on hole 6 when it was Trev’s turn once again. Michelle made a gesture looking at her watch. Trev seen.

Oh, don’t get… . (he said quietly to her) your panties in a wad!

You’d have to help me straighten them, she said quietly back to him, out of the boys earshot. He smiled, and rolled his eyes. So he sized up the obstacle, and pretended to measure the distance. And, let one rip.

It went airborne! It covered a distance all the way to hole 10, hitting another mini golfer in the leg.

Oh sh… . assafrasss (He remembered the boys were present.) He quickly moved toward the person he assaulted to extend his apologizes.

Sir, I’m so sorry. Are you . . . Ok?

The assaulted turned to Trev. Dave!

Trevor! Hey, what are you doing on the East Coast?

Vacationing with my daughter and her family. I thought you moved to Branson?

We did. Isabella is getting into singing and recording.

Karen moved next to Dave, with the assaulting ball in her hand. But we’re down here… I’m in a golf tournament here this weekend. So I guess you can say, I’m warming up.

Karen said with a smile, holding a blue golf ball in her hand, does this belong to you.

Yes, that’d be mine. Told you… I can’t hit a ball with a stick for nothing. Dave and Karen laughed.

Trev looked back, and motioned for Michelle to come over with the boys, which she did. Dave, Karen, want you to meet Michelle and her son, Grayson. They exchanged greetings… Nice to meet you.

And, these grimy boys here are my grandsons, Keoni and Lucas.

Wow, nice to meet you guys!

Sissy? Dave asked.

Yeah… Her and Michael are out on a date night tonight. So, (He hesitated a brief second) . . . Yeah, they are beating the pants off me tonight, drearily Trev said looking at Michelle and the boys.

Dave smiled. Told you a long time ago, I’d give you lessons! Trev just nodded his head back and forth, sadly. Then he snickered. Dave spoke as Michelle and Karen conversed. The boys busied themselves in the nearest sand pit, making their golf balls into Tonka trucks and pushing them in the sand.

I saw you at the park… Generals Game… World Series. Yeah, Jack and I were out closing on the house in Napa, and handing the keys over. And we were there in the stands. Seen you on the Jumbo tron! They… You sung the rally song!

Yeah… was magic, wasn’t it! The fans, they just took off with it. They didn’t even wait for me. They knew the words… and just took off with it. Trev paused, recalling the memory with a smile. It was a lot of fun!

I sung it with you!

Trev looked momentarily away, as if getting caught up in the emotion, and trying to put a cap on it. He cleared his throat.

You looked really good up on the jumbo… I felt pretty proud!

Why didn’t you come look me up… Since you knew I was there. Couldn’t miss me… Trev chuckled.

It was magical; I didn’t know how you’d be or take it. I didn’t want to take a chance on spoiling the night. Trev reached out, and rubbed Dave on the shoulder.

Then, the eighth inning, Trev cut in, I edited that one for Joe so it would make a more precise rally song.

Dave laughed, Yeah, messed me up singing it. And you cut Joey’s solo!

Well, people can’t sing to 20 seconds of a wailing guitar!

You sure can!

The brothers then stood and enjoyed a few more minutes of each other’s company before finishing the golf game and parting ways. Overall, the boys did fairly well, with Michelle of course coming in first, and Trev, well coming in… dead last. Ok… so you win. So what do I owe for being in the presence of greatness? Michelle leaned over and whispered in Trev’s ear. You’ll find out—later!

On the short walk back to the cottage, all three boys were belly aching that they were hungry, even though Sissy had fed her two an early dinner. So they decided to stop off at one of the local eateries along the beaches edge. It was a diner/ice cream shop fashioned after route 66, and had tons of memorabilia hung on its walls. Amongst its decor was a life size stand up picture of Elvis. With the boys eating their hot dogs, Trev stood by Michelle as she measured up against the picture and talked to it. I know someone that sings better than you!

Trev laughed and said, Nooooo, No, that’s the king. He will always be king. He paved the way for all of us. He swiveled his hips long before those moves were ever accepted. He changed the look of rock and roll. And allowed us to do what we did. He looked back at Michelle, but thank you for the compliment.

On the way back, they stopped at a video outlet and rented a movie for the kids. They watched the movie at the cottage until the boys fell asleep. Sissy and Michael came back about 10pm that night. They thanked her dad and Michelle. Michael lifted Keoni while Trev lifted Lucas. I’ll be right back after I help them get the boys settled. Michelle nodded as she gently woke Grayson up and got him on his way. Sissy then went to Michelle and hugged her. Thank you again for watching the boys. We had a good time! Good night. I’m glad you had fun. Good night, sweetie.

The End

NORTHERN EXPOSURE…

Dannie, felt the reverse of the plane’s engines as it touchdown on the runway and then soon started feeling the brakes bucking as it slowed. It had been a long time since she had seen her best buddy, Jill, and was looking forward to spending some time. She needed a break. The last 8 weeks had been long, dull, and boring. And stressful. She was going a little stir crazy, and just needed to get away from it all. Ok, now I’m 2 hours behind. Be screwed up a while as usual till I get my bearings, she commented to herself. She adjusted her watch, the watchband studded with turquoise. She recalled buying it when she lived in Billings Montana. That was a special time. Symbolic to her… A time when she felt her own power, finding she could make it on her own through practically anything.

LA. She had been there once. Jill was there. Teaming up