Sheet Music - A Rock 'n' Roll Love Story

“She wants me to leave.”

“Do you want to leave?” Taylor asked.

“No.”

“Then don’t.  Stay here.  This place is too big for me anyway, and besides, I have two more empty bedrooms.  You can have your pick.”  Taylor shrugged and smiled.  “Nana had hoped I’d fill the rooms with her great-grandchildren but I guess that wasn’t to be.  At any rate, Annie’s bedroom has its own bathroom so it’s doubtful she’ll even know you’re here since she’s supposed to be resting in bed.  Right?  I think, if you made yourself scarce during the day, your paths would never even cross.”

“I don’t want to keep stressing her out like this.”

Taylor bent forward.  “You want some advice from a wise woman?  You've got to make her want you in her life again.  You always want what you don't think you can have, right?  Make her want you.  Give her some space, make her think you left, and I guarantee before the week is out things will be a lot different.”

“You really think so?”

“I’m almost certain of it.  So, why don’t you swagger that sweet ass of yours down into that empty bedroom and get some rest.  I’ll take care of everything else.”

“What about Annie?”

“If she needs something, I’ll get it for her.  Remember, you’re not here.  Get my drift?”

Michael nodded.  “Thanks.  And you better hope this works,” he smiled.

“And if it doesn’t?” Taylor smiled.

“I don’t know.  I’m too tired to think of anything but sleep right now.”

“Get to bed.”

Taylor stuck her head inside Annie’s room around dinner time.  Annie was wide awake and staring blankly out the window.

“Are you hungry?” Taylor asked.

“A little bit,” Annie answered.

Taylor went and sat on the bed beside Annie.  “Were you able to get some rest?”

“Yes, although I could use a lot more.”

“How’s Sammi?”

“Up every two hours and hungrier then hell,” Annie laughed.

“That’s our girl,” Taylor sighed.

“I guess me going into a recording studio will have to wait awhile,” Annie commented.

“Don’t worry about it.  I can reschedule the studio time.”

“In all seriousness, Taylor, it may have to wait for quite a while.  I’ve really got to sort out everything in my life and decide what I want to do.  There’s also Sammi’s needs to consider now too.”

“You’re really talking about Michael, aren’t you?”

Annie nodded.

“I understand.  But I don’t want you to forget about the studio either.  Promise me you won’t,” Taylor smiled.  “Your material is so strong, Annie.  We’ll use our band to back you up and Lacey and I can help with the vocals if you want.  But, I’m telling you, this will be big.  Even our producer agrees with my assessment.”

“You really think so?”

Taylor laughed.  “It’s gritty, balls to the wall stuff, like Alanis Morrisett’s, ‘Jagged Little Pill’ album.

Annie skewed her face.  “She sounded so bitter on that album.”

“And that’s something every woman can relate to!,” Taylor said.  “At one time or another, we’ve all been jaded, and that sells albums.”

Annie’s eyes drifted toward the cradle as she digested Taylor’s comments.  Silence settled between them.

“Where’s Michael?” she asked finally, as she toyed with the satin edging on her blanket.

“He’s gone,” Taylor answered, lying through her teeth.

“He really left?” she asked with sadness.

“That’s what you wanted, isn’t it?”

She dropped her head and nodded.  “When did he leave?”

Taylor glanced at her wristwatch.  “Several hours ago.  Why?”

Annie shook her head.  “I was just wondering.  I thought he might say good-bye.  Probably best he didn’t.”

“It’s for the best, Annie.  You don’t need the added stress in your life right now.”

“Yes, I know,” she agreed.

Taylor stood and walked toward the door, trying to hide her smile.  It was written so clearly on Annie’s face.  She loved him even with all his faults.  It was as plain as the freckles on her nose.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes with some food for you,” Taylor said, as she drifted from the room.

Michael slept straight through to the following morning.  When he padded his way out to the kitchen he heard Taylor and Annie talking in her bedroom.  A few minutes later, Taylor appeared.

“How is Annie and Sammi doing?” he asked.

Taylor pressed her index finger over her lips.  “Shhh!  Remember, she thinks you left.  But, to answer your question, they’re doing great.”

He smiled and stuffed a handful of green grapes into his mouth.  “Good.  I’m glad.”

“How about you?  Are you doing better?” Taylor asked him.

“Yeah.  I’ll survive.  Somehow I always manage to.  But, if I’m going to stay here I’m going to need a tooth brush and some clothes and a razor,” he smiled, rubbing at his whiskered chin.  “I’m beginning to feel and look like Grizzly Adams.”