Write On Press Presents: The Ultimate Collection of Original Short Fiction, Volume II

Write On Press Presents:

The

Ultimate Collection

of

Original Short Fiction

Volume II

Published by Write On e-Publishing, LLC.

at Smashwords

Copyright 2015 Write On Press

Thank you for downloading this e-book. This book remains the copyrighted property of the publisher, and may not be reproduced, copied and distributed for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy at their favorite e-book retailer.

Thank you for your support.

~*~

Contents

Fiction

J. Grayson, Talent Scout

Damien Butler

Letting Go

J. J. Haile

Boat House

H. C. Heartland

~*~

Fantasy

A Satur’morn Adventure

Assad Deshay

Endings & Beginnings

David Eddings

~*~

Science Fiction

Roadside Attraction

Robert McCullough

The Mad Dash

Assad Deshay

The Conspiracy of Things

Robert McCullough

~*~

Romance

Jesse’s List

Moira Stanton

~*~

FICTION

J. GRAYSON, TALENT SCOUT

Damien Butler

Early, one, Wednesday morning, Jim Grayson was preparing his morning coffee when his cell phone rang. Without looking to see who it was, he answered. Abrupt on the other end, Get to the office immediately! We have an emergency meeting.

Jim placed the phone back down and finished preparing his coffee. When he was younger, he would have sprinted out the door, but he sat down in his favorite recliner and enjoyed his drink.

Jim was a struggling talent scout for Talentscope Inc. and was once revered in the 80’s as one of the best scouts for the company. He was part of the pioneering team that started the company back in 1982. His in-person approach to evaluating talent helped him find the company’s top 3 stars. Yet as time grew long, and the introduction of online media to find talent grew, his antiquated efforts were being blown away by younger, tech-savvy scouts. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram along with other social media websites worked wonders for those scouts compared to his (get in the car and drive thousands of miles to see talent) style.

The firm has 20 successful artists under their management, Jim with only the three to claim as his bounty. His boss and CEO of the company Fred Stanton employed 10 scouts. Of the original five to start the company, only he and Jim remained.. When a scout failed to produce one sign-able talent in a year; Fred let them go. Fred had high standards, and was very demanding. Their strong friendship and trust allowed Jim to stay on staff despite his abysmal numbers. This created resentment among the other scouts.

Jim often found himself left out of the camaraderie shared by the others. With the exception of two coworkers, no one even acknowledged his presence. This was ok with Jim, who was typically on the road hitting talent shows and following leads in the field. He was a loner, and didn’t truly identify with the 20 something’s who had invaded his field with their fancy computer searches. Anyway, they weren’t his biggest problem, it actually was these new reality shows that so many people placed their hopes in, rather than working with an agency. This actually was a true problem for the firm, and the reason Jim found himself back in the home office in Nashville for a mandatory meeting.

Okay everyone, come in and have a seat, said Fred, You all know me well enough to know that I never hold back any punches when it comes to business. That said, our firm is in financial turmoil. I can no longer house 10 employees under my watch. I don’t know how to better say this, but we will have to cut some people. In this regard, I will have a talent event, in two weeks, where I expect each of you to bring someone here that you believe in. The best five I can work with, will be signed and the recruiters will get to keep their jobs. This onslaught of television talent shows has damn near killed our industry and I simply can’t afford to keep everyone.

A low murmur started that boiled into a loud ruckus. Eventually, one of the more senior scouts Megan Greene took the floor.

Fred you know that 2 weeks is not gonna be long enough. And, all you will have left is yourself and Mr. Top Three. It’s unfair to the rest of us to vie for the remaining 4 spots, she said, instigating, poking at the already burning embers.

Hold, hold up, one second! yelled Fred , in an attempt to reestablish order, There are five spots as I said and the first five wins. The last five are out. And, there are no exceptions.

Everyone in the room slightly glanced in Jim’s direction, curiosity and suspicion in their eyes. Jim sat there calmly in his chair with his legs crossed and smiled. He knew that any show of weakness or fear would satisfy his anti-fans.

"It’s okay Fred. You don’t have to defend me. Ladies and gentlemen, and, oh yeah, Megan, after being here for over thirty years I know: One, nothing lasts forever. Two, Fred didn’t come to this decision lightly. And, finally, Three, I ain’t worried because I will find my champion. You’d better worry about yours."

Several of the scouts scoffed at Jim’s remarks. Megan flashed a devilish grin.

Well I guess it’s every man for himself then. I will have mine in half the time. Good luck to the rest of you losers, she scoffed.

This has nothing to do with losers, Megan. It’s simply a math problem. I don’t have enough coming in to pay for the salaries you all make. Plain and simple. Anyone not willing to compete let me know, but the clock starts now. That will be all.

Everyone grabbed their things and went to their work space while Fred sat at the end of the conference table. Jim stood and walked over to his friend with a huge grin on his face.

That proves it, buddy; there is never a dull day in finding talent!

He was a well built 55 year old with salt and pepper hair, close cut like a marine. Standing a little over six feet and slim built, he could easily pass for a 40 year old.

Shit, James, this is the worst day ever. I was this close to actually closing the doors, Fred said holding his hand up with about an inch between his thumb and index finger.

The only thing that kept me from doing so was the thought that one of these young ones would buy our company and run it into the ground.

Noman. You love this business and this company too much. You’re still big in the industry. Look, we’ll turn this thing around. Is two weeks all we have, really? Jim asked.

"Man. We got four tops. The balance sheet is bloody. There is no wiggle room. I can’t even pay you mileage. You’re gonna have to scope things out and be sure before you go seek talent, now. Can’t afford anymore long shots." said Fred.

No worries my friend. I’ll pay my own mileage for all places I go until we right the ship. Keep your head up man, things will change.

James, what I said was real, I can’t hold on to anyone who is not producing talent. You and I both know you have been in a drought for far too long to keep you on as a scout. I wish you would just invest with me and help me manage the company but I know your answer to that.

Yes you do. I love being in the field, man. Meeting people and evaluating talent has been the love of my life. I have no desire to manage millennials. Don’t worry about me; I do this for the love of it. I have enough stashed away in the event I don’t make your top five. I have five rental homes under contract, a plump IRA, and enough in the bank to retire. Only reason I stay on is to find talent and keep you sane, said Jim with a big grin.

Well shit, you failed because I ain’t feeling too sane. Look, man, I need people I can trust, so you better bring it. I’ll never forgive you, if you leave me alone with the likes of Megan. She doesn’t have kids because I think she would eat them if she thought it would get her ahead.

They both laughed out loud. Jim stood and headed for the door. Fred, I already got a promising lead down in Savannah. I’ll go check him out and on the way back stop in and see Erica. Apparently my daughter has a young man in her life that I need to go check out. I will leave in the morning and be back in a couple weeks.

Dude, why don’t you fly? I never understood why you don’t embrace it. Your travel time would be cut in half, said Fred.

Perquisite of the job my friend. You get to see the country up close and personal.

~*~

Jim went to his desk where he found one of the millennials, Allen Reinberg, waiting for him.

Man, what did Fred say after we left? Is this shit real? I just got this job and I don’t know if I can pull it off! I need this job. I don’t know what I will do if I don’t find something, he squeaked as he munched nervously on pretzels.

It will be fine Al. This scenario comes up every 5 years. To survive all you need to do is evaluate your completion timeframes and be sure you stay ahead of them.

Jim was able to convey this message convincingly, putting the young man at ease, although in his heart he knew this was serious. Never in all his years had he seen Fred this stressed. It was so important to Fred to remain relevant in the show biz industry, and for the most part he had done so. The directors and producers called him Find ‘em Fred.

His lore was quite grandiose, far larger than his actual feats, but Fred never bothered with the corrections. What started it all? In the 90’s he was able to find an emaciated child in 24 hours for a major part in a movie that eventually was an academy award winner for best picture. That director credited Fred for finding their big star in his acceptance speech. The phones rang off the hook for years after that. It was great for a while, but with success comes higher expectations and higher stress. Fred’s management style was to increase boots on the ground finding talent, which ultimately placed the firm into a high overhead that cannibalized profits. Simply put, more money was being spent on finding talent than the revenue the talent brought in.

Jim was able to get the firm to go into a different direction by finding musical talent. His greatest find was a young kid out of Memphis whose soul wrenching melodies quickly rose to the top of the charts. The revenue generated by him alone gave the firm life. His next big find was Maggie Brown better known as Mags, whose R&B songs ripped the charts up for a decade. She was so talented she won multiple Grammys which again bought Jim cushion.

Fred was happy, yet he began to go down the path of bottom line thinking. If a recruiter wasn’t performing, he would drop them quickly. A few would make some noise, but overall it became a revolving door of recruiters with the exception of Jim. The only one to stick was Megan. She had a unique talent of finding young performers both acting and singing. She rounded out the rest of the top ten clients for the firm and was a staple to the organization. Likewise she was also a thorn in Jim’s side. Fred tolerated her feistiness because she always produced results. Her attitude changed the culture of the organization and Jim saw her as a predatory bully.

Any recruiter who had hopes and dreams of an artist was quickly discouraged by Megan. She would point out flaws of the artists, and because of her company tenure, a lot of the recruits would flat out give up on the talent. Jim told Fred about her tactics, but he couldn’t argue her ability to bring in revenue. With Fred in a bottom line mindset, there was nothing Jim could do.

~*~

The next day, Jim got on the road early. Within two days he was at his destination, Savannah, Georgia, following up on a young jazz singer. He got a tip from his daughter who heard him play during open mike night in a small bar called Jazz’d Tapas.

She described his voice as amazing and said his stage presence was intoxicating. He checked the local music scene magazine to verify the young man, Jeremy Sax, would be in the spot that evening. Once he’d done that, he settled into his hotel and got dressed to go to the club. His attire was important to the transaction, and Jim always placed great care in his dress and approach. He knew essentially these artists were visual creatures, and if you didn’t look the part, they wouldn’t give you the time of day. Jim often went with his CEO look, slacks, colored shirt with white collar, cuff links, and his $10,000 Rolex watch. He had actually won it in a poker match, and only broke it out during these occasions.

As soon as he put it on, he was nervous that someone would rob him the whole time. So much so, it brought about the need for his final piece of his look, which was his paid security team. You get two buff guys dressed in all black and an ear piece and everyone will show you an abundance of respect and attention.

Meeting his guys at the Starbucks on Broughton street, they walked a ways over to the bar. It was actually downstairs below the city in a wonderfully decorated basement. The bar was situated not too far from the stage, which is where Jim liked to set up. Due to his small entourage, the manager was called to the front to personally seat him. Jim asked to catch the seat near the end of the bar closest to the stage. He also mentioned that he was there to seek new talent, and if he liked any of the artists he would need a place to chat.

No problem, I have a VIP section whenever you’re ready. In fact—, The manager stopped, I will do you one better, I’ll have the headliner’s manager come by to meet you. You’ll love him, said the manager.

Really? Inquired Jim, It’s your professional opinion that Jimmy could make it in the lights?

When he ain’t saucing, he is one of the best I have had to play here. I have already booked him for New Years, affirmed the manager.

They made their way to the bar and once there, Jim sat in his seat while one guard sat on his left and the other stood on his right. They both played their part, slowly scanning the crowd as if he was in imminent danger. Like clockwork, the CEO routine often sparked not only the would be artists, but something far more dangerous. Cougars. These feline predators could smell a Rolex from the front door. Jim had already seen three circling his position. He often made full use of his CEO act, but not tonight. Finding one of the top five, to stay employed, was his goal.

Look alive boys, I am going to need privacy tonight. Please stop any passerby’s before they get to me, said Jim.

No problem boss. $50 an hour gets you whatever you want.

Jim turned and ordered drinks, just as he heard the band tuning up. He could feel the goose bumps rising up on his skin. Whenever he was on the precipice of finding new talent, he always felt a rush that no drug or alcohol could compare to. All day and even in the line to get in, Jim heard about how good Jeremy was on stage. He could tell the young man had superstar looks from the flyers. His sandy blonde hair combined with deep blue eyes, slim build with just a hint of one dimple in his cheek showed he had what it takes. Jim also knew that clever marketing and photography could spruce anyone up. He couldn’t believe how short most of Hollywood was, but on screen you would swear they were all six feet tall. No, Jim would rate the live Jeremy, but so far, things looked great.

Just after he had paid for his drink, the crowd began to cheer. Jeremy Sax made his way down thru the crowd. Jim noticed his approach to the stage and made notes. His confident gate was right on point. He hi-fived several patrons as he made his way thru the crowd. Upon reaching the stage, he grabbed the microphone and shouted, Savannah! Are y’all ready for a party!

The crowded immediately erupted. As if on cue, Jeremy tapped his thigh three times and his band instantly burst into a great set. Jim could see that Jeremy was every bit of his picture. Standing just about six foot two, he definitely would be easy on the eyes to the masses. Jeremy went into a two-minute scat singing that had the crowd on their feet. Jim admired how Jeremy was able to meld seamlessly with the music, improvising words that teased the beat. As the song came to a crescendo, Jeremy rang out a high note that he held for a full five seconds before they ended. The crowd clapped wildly.

Jeremy made his way over to the piano and took a significant drink of whiskey. He began to play the piano in a finger zinger, a fast melodious tune that was quite impressive. They continued the tune as a group and intermittently Jim saw Jeremy take more big gulps of whiskey. Jim could tell that the alcohol was clearly affecting how he played and sung. It was a common theme when it came to musicians. Some could handle it and others not so much. Jim wondered which one Jeremy would become.

The first set Jeremy Sax played was not bad at all. Jim was impressed with his stage presence, looks, command of the crowd, and his natural ability to improvise both vocally and on the piano. He also picked up the saxophone and played a flawless rendition of John Coltrane’s Giant Steps, that made the crowd go wild. Yet as the second set began, Jim’s worst fears for this artist materialized as his talents slowly diminished with every swig of whiskey.

Finally, the set ended. A short pudgy white guy made his way to Jim and was immediately stopped by his body guard.

"Hey man, what gives? John said you guys wanted to talk to me?" Exclaimed the portly gentleman, in an attempt to establish his presence. He had a horrible comb over that was accomplishing nothing.

Jeremy is my boy. If you want to talk to him, you got to talk to me first.

Jim turned slowly toward the man. He gave a slight nod to his body guard to allow the man to approach. And, who are you? asked Jim.

Friends call me Joe. Come on over to my section so we can chat.

They all stood up and made their way over to the VIP section. Jim noticed that Joe had expensive tastes in clothing, but no sense of tailoring. He wore a dark Armani suit that was an inch too long in the arms and probably two in the legs. They were finally seated and Joe ordered drinks.

This place has been a gold mine for us. Jeremy has captivated the crowd for a week now and John, the manager, is wanting us back. If you want some of the pie you’d better get on board before it’s all gone, said Joe confidently as he took a sip of his beer. Jim was not impressed with the strong stench of bravado. He knew that this was a dance. All managers tried to make their artist seemingly hard to book. But, Jim was a professional dancer. He knew how to play his part.

I heard that he was in high demand, but what I am here to discuss is bigger than playing sets in a bar, said Jim, What my firm will bring to you and Jeremy is nationwide exposure. My company, Talentscope, Inc. is looking for a new young talent. We can elevate that talent into a mega star. We have elevated actors, singers, and musicians to an elite status that is unmatched by any company that does what we do. Jeremy is impressive, and a good candidate, but I have concerns, said Jim looking Joe directly in the eyes.

The talent is evident, but how well can he handle the bottle? He seems to be very fond of whiskey.

Oh, come on Jim. You know artists. They are tortured souls that find different outlets. Jeremy is fine. Hey, look, here he is now.

Jeremy made his way over to the table and sat next to Joe.

Joe, that freaking drummer can’t keep up. Almost ruined my set! He exclaimed, We need to get a new one. Drummers are a dime a dozen. My music’s got to stay pure man, said Jeremy.

He had a slight slur that Jim picked up on quickly.

We can discuss that later, Jeremy. Right now I want to introduce you to Jim of Talentscope Incorporated who is here to take a look at us. Do you know Mags the R&B singer? Jim found her and she is a Grammy award winning artist now! said Joe, hoping to relay the significance of this meeting.

Jim was impressed. He had not mentioned Mags, Hello son. I enjoyed your first set and loved what you accomplished on the Sax, in the second. How are you feeling? He inquired.

I am good Jim, just waiting to nail this last set. You ain’t heard nothing yet.

Jeremy pulled a vial connected to a chain he was wearing and poured a small white substance on the back of his hand and inhaled it quickly through his left nostril.

Did y’all talk money yet? I ain’t coming over cheap. Jeremy’s huge grin, suddenly turned to a scowl. Just then, there was a rumble under the table.

Ow Joe! Why you kicking me? I’m going over there with those groupies where I’m appreciated. Good to meet you Jim, you can hash all the BS with my abusive manager.

Jeremy got up and walked away, as Jim watched him. He then turned his attention over to Joe who had his head down. He was rubbing his temple with his left thumb and forefinger trying to gather himself.

Jeremy has some demons, I won’t lie, but you seen his talent. Give him a chance and I promise you won’t be disappointed, exclaimed Joe.

You may be right Joe, but I have definitely seen enough. If you ever get him to tame those demons, give me a call. Otherwise, I wish you both success, said Jim as he got up.

Jim and his bodyguards made their way out and back to street level. They walked over to Ellis Square, a popular local spot that hosted hundreds of people, featuring live music. He was quite disappointed in the night. He knew Jeremy was going to be a handful no matter how talented he was and he wouldn’t touch him with a ten-foot pole.

Okay fellas, you are officially done for the night. I am headed back to the room, said Jim. They shook Jim’s hand and walked away. Jim listened for a little bit longer to the music and then finally made his way back to his room. As he reflected on his day, the only plus was that he was going to see his daughter down in Jacksonville in the next day. Other recruiters would have taken time to sign Jeremy based on his talent, but not Jim. He knew the pitfalls of substance abusers and had been burned by them too many times, to count.

Jim picked up his cell and called his daughter. Hey hon, just got back from the event.

Wasn’t he just amazing dad! I hope he was what you were looking for.

He is close, but I really need a home run. I am still not sure. Enough of that, I am very excited to see you and meet this young man that’s trying to take my place in your heart, said Jim.

Dad, no man will ever take your place. I’m excited for you to meet Gary. He is awesome dad and I know he will hit all the marks on your check list.

We will see, Hon. He has already hit the major one which is to make you happy, said Jim. See you around lunch. Good night, Hun.

The next day, Jim left early and headed to Jacksonville to see Erica. They had agreed to meet at the Landing, a wonderful shopping area that provided many places to eat. He decided to hit Jacksonville Beach alone and enjoy the scenery. As he sat down in his foldout chair, he set up his side table and placed his coffee down.

Once seated, he stared out at the Atlantic Ocean contemplating his life. He had worked so hard in his field he often wondered had he taken enough time to smell the roses. Erica was such a blessing in his life, but he rarely made time to be in her life. Work eventually caused troubles in his marriage, and eventually led to the separation. His wife Phyllis moved back home to Jacksonville where she had lived until her untimely death.

Erica was already established in the area as a doctor, and he tried to get down to see her at least two or three times a year, but he really had no real relationship with her. She did; however, respect his list. When she was eighteen, he told her that he had a checklist for any man trying to get her hand in marriage. First he has to be a man of God. He doesn’t have to be a saint, but if Jesus was not the center of his heart, he would never get his blessing. He must also be gainfully employed. Bill Gates money would be nice. Overall, he needed to be financially sound.

Next, the young man must have proper etiquette when it came to life. This one was harder to explain, because of its general nature. He explained it as he should be able to talk with kids, parents, politicians, and most of all me in an acceptable manner.

His final requirement for his blessing was probably the most important. The guy who would receive his blessing would have the same twinkle in his eye for his daughter that she had for him. It couldn’t be based on her beautiful look, her wonderful salary, or her desire to please at all cost. It had to be a combination; it also, had to be reciprocated. Jim knew it was a tall order, but he established the list early for Erica, and even though he knew she didn’t have to operate within its parameters, he wanted to set the bar. The greatest thing about the list was he and his wife both agreed upon its merit and she reinforced the pillars of its foundation. He was actually excited that this Gary Truman was a great candidate. He was getting older and had dreams of spoiling grand kids.

Time passed so fast as he listened to the crash of the waves, in full contemplation. He looked up and realized he was running late. He quickly packed his things and got on the road. He had chosen a seafood restaurant situated in The Landing bordering the Jacksonville river. He always preferred to eat outside, in range of a great view. When he arrived, he saw they were already seated. His daughter stood and ran to him giving him a huge hug.

Hey dad, I want you to meet Gary.

Gary stood and stuck his hand out to Jim, Hello, sir! It is great to meet you. Erica has done nothing but brag on how awesome her dad is, said Gary.

Great to meet you as well Gary. Sorry for my tardiness, I got caught up at the beach. It ain’t everyday you get to see God’s work in action, said Jim.

I don’t know sir, said Gary. What I have found is that God’s work is all around us. You just have to be open to the view.

So true young man. I am excited to see what He has for us in this meal because I am starving, said Jim, Let’s eat.

They returned to the table and sat down. Jim picked up on just how excited his daughter was. Erica was beaming across the table. He didn’t want to disappoint her, but his evaluation wasn’t going to be waivered by her.

So Gary, tell me about yourself.

Well, sir, I don’t know where to begin. I am presently working as an advocate for two mega churches here in town and one in Savannah. That is why we were in town when we saw Jeremy. I also do some pro bono work in the Florida prison system from time to time, said Gary.

A lawyer for churches, huh? How well does that pay? asked Jim.

Dad! That’s not cool to ask, said Erica irritably.

No baby it’s a fair question, said Gary as he placed his hand on hers, In honesty Jim, the pay is decent, but the work I do far out weights the compensation. When I left Yale Law, I saw the money I could make as a defense attorney and even had several firms offer me substantial pay for my services. The problem was they didn’t measure up to my goal to glorify God in all I do. When I started out on my own, five years ago, I was barely getting by trying to stick to my principles. I almost gave up, laughed Gary, My dad told me at my weakest point to trust God. He’ll lead me. Before long, I landed a major contract with a local mega church. Word got around and next thing you know I had three. Many more have asked, but I want to make sure I am ready to take on more before I do. Multiple clients and lots of money was the road my father took and he was barely around. That’s not what I want for my future.

Jim couldn’t help but be impressed.

That’s great Gary. So, Erica, how did y’all meet?

Well, one of Gary’s churches invited me to a health fair to talk about breast cancer awareness, and Gary was there. We actually ran into each other getting coffee and just started talking. Two years later, here we are, said Erica.

Don’t let her fool you, sir. It took two months of courting before she even went out with me. It was well worth the wait. I couldn’t believe such a beautiful woman was single, said Gary.

Jim smiled at them both.

That’s good to hear. Before I say anything else outside of the lines and get in trouble with my daughter, I think we should eat.

For the next couple of hours they ate and laughed while enjoying the scenery. Jim couldn’t think of a more pleasant time with his daughter. He could clearly see that Gary was the real deal. Just like any other father, he still had a funny feeling Gary might not be the one. Ultimately he knew it wasn’t up to him, but he was glad they shared time with him.

I am going to see if I can go buy a jersey from the shop downstairs, said Erica as she stood up. I’ll be right back.

While she walked away, Gary shifted uncomfortably. Jim could feel the tension mount and decided to save the young man.

Look Gary, I know you are nervous but you really don’t have to be. I am glad I was able to see who has my daughter so smitten. Let’s just leave it at that, said Jim.

I would love to sir, but I am not sure when I will get the chance to ask this again. Jim, I would like to ask your permission to marry your daughter, said Gary as he slid an open ring box to him.

Jim sat in his chair stunned. The day was finally upon him, the day he would no longer be the king of the hill for his daughter.

Wow, Gary, I barely know your name, replied Jim.

Yes sir I know, but I have been dating your daughter for over two years and this was actually the first chance I got. No disrespect but I wouldn’t want to wait until the next visit to do what has been on my heart for a year now, said Gary.

Jim sat dumbfounded. He actually could see Gary’s point. As much as he loved his girl, he knew he had lost his ability to direct the course of her life.

Gary if you promise to devote your life to her, fight for the relationship at all costs, and most of all grow together, then you have my blessing.

Gary stood up and stuck his hand out, Thank you sir. I promise to do so. Now, sit back and enjoy the show, said Gary as he grabbed the ring and sprinted out into the open square area. Jim lost him in the crowd and wondered what was going on. As he scanned the crowd, he finally saw Erica exiting the shopping area. While she was making her way back to their seats, she was immediately surrounded by multiple people who erupted into a chorus of My Girl by the Temptations.

Erica just stood there with the biggest grin Jim had ever seen since her first glimpse of Minney Mouse at Disney World. All of a sudden the crowd parts and there is Gary on one knee holding the ring box out. Holding a microphone in the other hand, he pulls the microphone to his mouth and says, Erica Grayson, will you do me the honor of being my wife?

The crowd goes wild as she runs to him and leaps into his arms. Jim watched in amazement as the singing crowd continues the song. He realized that his face was wet from crying. He busts out into a laugh as he realized that he had never cried from being happy.

When the crowd dispersed after several congratulations, the couple returned to their seats. Wow, Gary, said Jim in amazement. "You said there was a show, but that wasn’t what I envisioned."

You were in on this Dad? asked Erica excitedly.

Oh no, he did this all on his lonesome, said Jim.

I pulled this together right after you told me your father was coming, said Gary facing her. The choirs from all the churches agreed to meet me here to pull it off. The only deciding factor was Jim.

Jim smiled as he looked at the glow coming off his daughter. He could have swore it intensified after Gary’s last comment.

I am so happy for you both, said Jim. I am happy I had a chance to be a part of it.

We have to go celebrate tonight! said Erica. Dad, you can stay at my house. I think we will call all our friends over for drinks.

Jim felt a strong sense of anxiety come over him. It was a common theme in his life when it came to her. He felt so guilty for not being there for her childhood that he would get a sudden urge to run.

No hon, I think I will hit the road, I have a few more stops to hit now since Mr. Sax didn’t quite pan out, Jim lied. He had no other acts on his itinerary.

Erica looked sad, but the look quickly evaporated, That’s okay Dad, I know you have to help Fred save the company. Will you promise to visit again, soon?

Yes baby, I’ll be back in a month and I’d like to come down once a month if you and Gary can stand to put up with me, said Jim.

It would be our pleasure, replied Gary. Jim hugged them both individually and then, headed to his car. Jim wondered whether Erica was truly understanding or whether she was appeasing him because she was use to him disappointing her. The thought of his relationship with his daughter always was a hard subject for him, and was especially hard after seeing her.

Jim reached his car and sat down. He closed the door and gripped the wheel so hard his knuckles turned white. His decision to move on was not surprising to him because he knew the life Erica was about to embark on was only supposed to be a peripheral event for him. He was very excited for her. He hoped he would net several grand babies in the near future that he could spoil to death.

As he started the car, he came back to reality; he was headed back to Tennessee empty handed. The thought of it brought his spirits down. He figured he shouldn’t hurry, so as he made his way up I-95, he decided to stop in Amelia Island. He had heard it was a beautiful place, and often thought about stopping on previous visits, but there was always work. Well, now that was changing, so he decided to treat himself. He rode around town for a while, stopping at Fort Clinch to see some historical sites. As the day grew long, he checked in at