Sheet Music - A Rock 'n' Roll Love Story

Michael was about to explain when Barbara entered the room.  Enveloped in a cloud of steam and expensive perfume, she appeared from the bathroom, wearing nothing more than a towel.  She stopped in her tracks when she noticed Michael sitting in the room.

“Good morning, Michael.  When did you get here?” she asked.

“A few minutes ago,” he quickly answered, folding his arms on his lap.

Barbara continued past them and into the bedroom, closing the door behind her.  Brian waited for the door to click shut then returned his eyes back to Michael.

“So, what happened?” he asked.

Michael smiled.  “We’re getting married.”

Brian leaned closer to his friend.  “Did you just say what I think you said?”

Michael took a deep breath.  “Yes.  I asked her to marry me.”

“Can I ask why?”

The smile fell from Michael’s face.  “Because I love her.”

Brian ran his hands through his tangled hair.  “And you think a wedding ring is the answer?”

“I don’t know.  But I don’t want to lose her again either.”

Silence fell between them and Michael fought to keep the tension out of his neck and shoulders.  Anxiously, he rested his ankle on top of his knee.  “Is there a problem with Annie and me getting married?” Brian scratched at his chin.  “I’ll have to get back to you on that.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Michael asked, shifting his position again.

“Okay, I’m not thrilled with the idea, but I also know you’re a much better person when she’s in your life.  Don’t get me wrong, I really like Annie.  I just feel she is way too naïve for the business and life on the road.”

Brian stood and paced the living room area contemplating his next thought.  Then he stopped and faced Michael.  “If things don’t go well between you and things get messy when we’re on the road, she could cause a lot of friction.  Know what I’m saying?  Maybe you should give it some more time and see how things go?”

“No.  I want to marry her now.”

Brian shook his head.  “Man, you’re crazy.  You could be making the second biggest mistake of your life.”

“Maybe not,” Michael sighed heavily.

Michael stood and smoothed down his pants.  “I was going to ask you to be my best man, but since you’re being such a prick, I think I’ll ask someone else.”

“Hey, I’m just trying to offer some advice!”

Michael shook his head.  “I wasn’t asking for advice or your opinion,” he said moving toward the door.  “By the way, we’ll be getting married sometime this week.  After that, I’ll be moving to the Vineyard for a while.  If you need me, we’ll be at my beach house.”

“What the hell does that mean?  Are you quitting the band for this girl?” Brian asked defensively.

“No, I’m not quitting!  But, I was told the band is off for the next few months before we start the writing process again.  When that time comes, you’re free to come to the Vineyard and work with me there.  My point is, it won’t matter where we jam as long as we’re working, right?  And, I can commute to any recording studio when the time comes for that.  It’s not a big deal unless you make it one.”

Michael could feel the heat from Brian’s glare and opened the door to the hall.  Sometimes the man could be such an ass, Michael thought.

“I don’t want to talk about this now,” Brian said, walking off toward the kitchen.

Michael had his hand on the doorknob and beginning to leave when Barbara reappeared in the room.  This time she was fully dressed in a clean pair of jeans and a shirt.

“Dare I ask what all the yelling is about?” she asked.

Brian walked back into the room.  “The asshole is getting married!”

Barbara glanced at Michael.  “Is that true?”

“Yeah, sometime this week and then we’ll be moving to the Vineyard for a while,” he replied in muffled tones, his hands stuffed nervously into the pockets of his worn jeans.

Barbara smiled and approached Michael, sliding her arms around his neck and kissing him on the cheek.

“Do what you have to do to make it work, Michael.  In the end, I think Annie will be worth your effort.”  She kissed him again before releasing his grip on him.  “And I wish you luck.  Is Brian going to be your best man?”

Brian laughed.

“He doesn’t approve of my decision,” Michael replied, ignoring Brian’s laughter.  “Which is ironic, since it was him that brought her back into my life.”

“I never said I didn’t approve!  I only implied that you might be rushing into it.”

“Whatever.  You’re entitled to your opinion.  Do you want to stand-up for me or not?”

“Yes, of course I will.  I’ll even sing if you want me to,” he smiled.

“Thanks, but that won’t be necessary.  Keep your week open for me and I’ll let you know when and where.”

Barbara looked at him in surprise.  “ This week?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Wow, that is quick, Michael.”

“What’s the point in waiting?  We’ve both got breaks in our schedules.  The timing is perfect.”