Divided Road (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2024)

Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

The last notes faded away. Jared swallowed, not daring to look up at the rest of the band. The song was good, more than good. It was brilliant, but he’d written lyrics before he’d loved only to have them trashed.

Kaci broke the silence. “Wow. That’s amazing. I recognise Owen’s touch in the music, but I never knew you wrote lyrics, Jared. The combination… You’d better be writing more together.”

“That’s the plan.” Owen grinned. They’d left playing Divided Road until last at Jared’s suggestion so they could go drown their sorrows at the local pub if no one liked it, despite Owen’s reassurance they would.

Jared hadn’t doubted the band would love Owen’s melody, but he’d been nervous as hell about his lyrics and barely slept the night before. “You really like it?”

“I wouldn’t say I did, if I didn’t.” Kaci narrowed her eyes. “Did someone trash talk your lyrics in the past? I’m presuming this isn’t your first go.”

“Umm, maybe?” Jared didn’t want to go into detail about some of the guys he’d played with in the past.

“Well, then, they’re idiots, and didn’t know they were onto a good thing.” Clay clapped Jared on the back. “Their loss. Our gain.”

“We need some new songs for Frays,” Phil added. “Do you have time to write a few more?”

“Perhaps some highlighting different members of the band?” Jared suggested, hoping he wasn’t out of line. “This version of Divided Road focuses on keyboard and fiddle, but we’ll add other instruments before our next rehearsal.”

“Or we could add those ourselves?” Tyler suggested. “That’s what we’ve done in the past. Owen comes up with the song, and we fill out the details. I like your idea of some new songs for each of our instruments, though.”

“I’ve suggested it before,” Owen reminded him.

“But that was with the covers we’ve been playing.” Kaci twirled the end of her hair, running blonde locks through her fingers. “And the other songs you’ve written were definitely for fiddle.”

“Not that that’s an issue,” Clay added hastily. “We love those songs, but Frays is a chance to showcase what we can do. And we didn’t want to put that all on Owen, but now….”

“I’m a lyricist,” Jared clarified. “You don’t want to hear my melodies. They suck.”

“I tweaked some of what I wrote to work better with your lyrics,” Owen said. He fingered his cross. “I’ve been thinking about writing us each a song, but the thought of doing that alone, especially on a tight deadline, didn’t feel doable until now.”

“Why don’t we write a couple more together and see what happens?” Jared wanted to believe the magic they’d found wasn’t a one time thing.

Clay and Kaci exchanged a glance.

“You wrote that one the other afternoon?” Clay waited until Owen nodded before continuing. “What if you write another this weekend, highlighting Phil on guitar, and bring it to Tuesday’s rehearsal? Is that doable with both your work schedules?”

“Works for me. Owen?”

“I’m free tomorrow night if you are.” Owen seemed thoughtful. “If we’re going to learn new songs, we’ll need some extra rehearsals to get them up to speed, and for Jared to feel comfortable with the covers we’ll be playing at Frays.”

“About that….” Rachel hadn’t said anything up to now, although she’d smiled and hummed along with the music between sips of tea. “Duncan’s very keen for Flightless to play Owen’s songs at the festival. He’d be ecstatic if you could play more new songs than covers. We have a decent-sized slot, and this is a great opportunity to get the uniqueness of your sound out there. Divided Road highlights that and plays into the band’s strengths.”

“No pun intended,” Kaci murmured.

“No pun intended.” Rachel’s ears turned pink, and she flashed Kaci a sweet, yet shy, smile.

“And no pressure, of course.” Owen took a chug from his water bottle.

“If you can swing it, that’s great, but if not, your covers still sound awesome, and we already have a few new songs,” Rachel reassured him. “If you and Jared can write a couple more, that’s a bonus, but the last thing I want to do is pressure you. Get together for a couple of writing sessions and see what happens.”

“We’ll give it a go.” Jared could at least promise that. A thought struck him. “What happens to the songs once I leave the band?”

“That’s up to you,” Rachel said. “If you’re happy for Flightless to keep playing them, we’d love that, but you’d, of course, be compensated for royalties.” She looked horrified that he might have doubted that. “We wouldn’t take advantage of you or your talent.”

“I never thought you would.” Jared felt bad for mentioning it, especially considering this might be the only chance of his lyrics seeing the light of day. “Umm, once Lincoln comes back, if it wouldn’t be too awkward, if this works out, I could still work with Owen to….” He trailed off.

Bloody hell, what a stupid idea . Once Lincoln returned, Jared’s time with Flightless would be over. They wouldn’t want him hanging around like some groupie.

“I’d like that too,” Owen said softly. “And don’t worry about encroaching. You wouldn’t be. None of this lot, Lincoln included, can write lyrics to save themselves. We’ve tried, and believe me, you don’t want to hear the results.”

“Hey, mine weren’t that bad,” Tyler protested.

Phil squeezed his arm. “Trust me, Babe, they were. I love you, and you have serious musical talent, but songwriting isn’t one of your strengths.”

“I guess I’ll leave it to the experts then.” Tyler mock sighed and then pecked Phil on the cheek. “Guess I can always count on you to keep me on the straight and narrow.”

“Less of the straight, and definitely not narrow.” Phil grabbed his guitar. “Tyler and I are off to the pub to get a couple of beers. Anyone else want to join?”

“Sure.” Clay turned to Kaci and Rachel.

“Jared and I are off to the Strawberry Scone to celebrate,” Owen said.

“We are?” Jared raised an eyebrow. First, he’d heard of it.

“Yeah. I want to meet your sister properly, now I know she’s your sister.” Owen grinned.

“Brigit’s your sister?” Kaci looked intrigued. “Can Rachel and I tag along? I don’t feel like heading home yet and I’m not in the mood for the pub.”

“Fine with me.” Owen shrugged. “Jared?”

“Yeah, okay.” For a moment Jared had hoped Owen wanted to spend more time together, although they’d be getting plenty of each other’s company if their songwriting took off. Besides, going to the Scone with a group would throw Brigit off the scent of any potential matchmaking.

Jared mentally snorted. Yeah, nah.

“You’re writing songs together?” Brigit pulled up a chair. She was a little shorter than her brother, but they shared the same dark hair and eyes. “That’s fantastic. Jared’s got a couple of notebooks full of poetry. I’ve always thought he was seriously talented, but he never believed me.”

“Aren’t you needed at the counter?” Jared asked. The flush creeping up his neck was hot as hell.

Owen took another sip of his flat white to hide his reaction, thankful for the table they were sitting at. The day was warm, but the breeze outside where the tables were, made for a pleasant environment. “It’s lovely to finally meet you properly, Brigit. I love this place. The food is great, and I always feel relaxed when I leave, like I’ve visited an old friend.”

“Wow, thank you!” Brigit beamed. Her smile reminded Owen of Jared’s the other night. “That’s exactly why we opened the Scone. Although we started small, it’s grown over the years.”

Jared squeezed her hand. “Mum and Dad would have loved it here too.”

“Mum loved to bake, and Dad loved his tea. Not a coffee drinker either, same as Jared.” Brigit looked wistful, then brightened again. “I love Flightless. I’ve been following you since you started. Lincoln’s a good friend, and Beth was close to our parents. She was a huge support when they passed.” She paused. “Jared told me about Frays and your trip up north. I can keep an eye on Beth and Lincoln while you’re gone if you like. I’m happy to take care of Bach too, if you like, Owen. Dolce’s fine with other cats.”

“Bach can be a holy terror,” Owen admitted. “One of the reasons she’s an inside cat now is that she got into a few too many fights. She’s way territorial.”

“We’ll figure something out,” Brigit promised. “Beth’s still keen to have her company, so I can be your backup plan.”

“I’d appreciate that.” Owen hadn’t wanted to ask Lincoln about Beth’s offer to take Bach, and wouldn’t put extra pressure on her while she was going through chemo. “Thanks.”

“Who came up with the name of the café?” Kaci neatly changed the subject. She’d been watching their conversation with interest but staying out of it, which wasn’t like her at all. “I didn’t see any strawberry scones in the cabinet.”

Jared chuckled. “Mum’s scones were legendary; she and Dad loved strawberries, and we wanted to honour their memories.”

“I make strawberry scones most days when the fruit’s in season, but they go fast,” Brigit added. “Would you like me to put a couple aside for you tomorrow?”

“That would be great, thanks.” Rachel and Kaci exchanged another smile, and then Rachel cleared her throat. “I need to figure out our trip itinerary before everything books out. The festival is crazy popular, and all the accommodation books up quickly.” She glanced at Kaci. “We wondered how you guys would feel about a campervan? You could share the driving, and then that’s the accommodation sorted too, especially if we’re going to have a few stops up the island.”

“It’s a possibility,” Owen said slowly. “Would we be able to get one big enough for all of us, and our equipment, though?”

“Two vans,” Rachel explained. “A campervan for the band and a moving type smaller van for all the equipment.”

“That makes sense.” Owen frowned. “Clay and I did a South Island tour a couple of years ago with some friends, and we hired a van. There’s not much privacy though and we….”

“I’m happy to share the driving in the smaller van with Rachel, and that frees up space in yours.” Kaci turned to Rachel. “If that’s okay with you, of course. I don’t want to encroach on your privacy.”

“I’d love that.” Rachel pulled out her phone and made some notes. “I can sort out some accommodation for us….”

“Won’t Clay want to stay with Kaci, rather than in the van with us?” Jared asked.

Owen and Kaci shook their head at the same time.

“Do you want to tell him, or shall I?” Owen said.

“You know that thing about Clay and I being together?” Kaci looked amused. “We’re not. He’s got a girlfriend, and I…” She glanced at Rachel. “I’m hoping I’ll have one soon.”

“Oh.” Judging by Jared’s surprised look, he’d presumed the rumours were true. “Sorry, I thought….”

“Clay’s girlfriend prefers to stay far away from the press, and Clay, Owen, and I have been friends for years, so we never confirmed or denied those rumours.” Kaci shrugged. “Might have to change that soon, though.”

“So that’s what Lincoln meant by I’d work it out.” Jared looked sheepish. “I totally didn’t, sorry.”

“You’re usually more onto stuff like that.” Brigit chuckled. “Though I’m guessing you’ve probably been distracted.” She stood. “Must get back to work. Nice to meet you all. Properly, that is.” She bent and whispered something in Jared’s ear. He scowled.

“Quit with the teasing, big sister.”

“And ruin my day, little brother?” Her grin grew wider. “Where’s the fun in that.” Brigit collected their empty plates. “Laters.”

“Rachel and I are going to head out too,” Kaci said. “We have some stuff to discuss.”

“See you at rehearsal.” Rachel tucked her phone back in her bag. “And lunch is on me. Call it a celebration of your first song, the first, I hope, of many.” She turned to Kaci and then hesitated. “Ready?”

“I have been for months.” Kaci slipped her hand into Rachel’s, and they left together.

“I did not see that coming,” Jared murmured. He refilled his cup from the small crockery pot. “I feel like an idiot. I thought Kaci was straight.”

“Clay’s the only straight one in the band.” Owen hoped Jared got the hint.

“Lincoln said you’d broken up with a girl.”

“And a guy before that.” Owen shrugged. “I don’t have a great track record.”

“I’m gay.” Jared studied his tea and then met Owen’s gaze. “I should be upfront with you, especially as we’re going to be working together and living in very close quarters if this campervan thing goes ahead.”

“And?” Owen forced himself not to look away. Here it comes. The let’s just be friends, I’m not looking for anything else speech.

“I like you. A lot.” Jared looked away. “We’re working together, which I love, but if… this is only for a few months. What happens if… shit, sorry. I’m presuming you might want….”

Owen leaned across the table, brushed his lips against Jared’s, and pulled away before Jared could respond, sensing a but in Jared’s next words. “I like you a lot, too.”

“I need to walk away when Lincoln comes back.”

“I thought you wanted to keep writing songs with me.”

“Yeah, but what if it doesn’t work out? If we… it’s going to complicate things.”

“Phil and Tyler are together,” Owen pointed out. “And Rachel and Kaci are heading that way too.”

“Yeah, but you guys are Flightless. I’m just filling in.”

“I think we could make magic together, like our song.” Owen softened his tone. “But if you’d prefer to be friends, and nothing more, I won’t push. Promise. And watching someone else play your songs won’t be easy.”

“No, it won’t, but I came into this knowing playing with you guys was temporary. Lincoln’s been with you since the beginning. Seeing me up there playing will be harder for him than vice versa for me.” Jared gripped his cup. “We haven’t spent much time together, but I feel like I’ve known you for far longer.”

“Beer guy. I’ve thought of you a lot since that night.”

“Yeah, me too. Of you, I mean.” Jared stood, leaned over the table and caught Owen in a kiss. “I’d like to see where we go, but take it slow. Get to know each other as friends first. We should probably focus on Frays first. We’ll be working together, composing and performing. If we cross that line and whatever this is between us doesn’t work out, things could get awkward very quickly.”

“Works for me.” Owen wished Jared wasn’t right. “I shouldn’t have kissed you. Sorry.”

“I kissed you back, so there’s no need to apologise.” Jared replied with a smile that Owen wanted to see more of. “You’re a fabulous kisser, and I wanted more of a taste of what I hope is our future. I’m sure these next few months will fly by.”

God, Owen already had it bad. Keeping their growing friendship platonic wasn’t going to be easy. He saw a lot of cold showers in his future.

“Owen! There you are!” A familiar voice cut through their conversation.

Owen groaned aloud. Perfect bloody timing. He let go of Jared’s hand and plastered on a smile. “Mum. What are you doing here?”

Jared didn’t miss the stiffness in Owen’s shoulders, and the fake smile he plastered on before he turned to greet his mother.

The woman stalking over to their table had Owen’s colouring, but while his eyes radiated warmth, hers didn’t. Rather than waiting for Owen to invite her to join them, she pulled out one of the vacant chairs and did it anyway. “I went to the shop to find you, but that nice young man you work with told me you’d taken the day off.”

“Jesse,” Owen corrected her. “Jared, this is my mum, Lindsey. Mum, this is Jared.”

“Nice to meet you, Jared.” Lindsey held out her hand.

“And you,” Jared replied. Owen had referred to his parents as though they were a collective, rather than individuals.

“Are you one of Owen’s orchestral friends?” Lindsey frowned and looked him up and down. “I thought I knew you all, and,” she lowered her voice, “it’s probably not a good idea to mix business and pleasure, dear. In my day we made friends but kept everything totally professional.”

“I don’t play in the orchestra,” Jared assured her, struggling to keep the annoyance out of his voice. She already struck him as opinionated and too ready to voice her thoughts.

“Jared’s a classically trained pianist,” Owen added. “He’s very talented.”

“Wonderful.” Lindsey’s demeanour changed, and her expression became more welcoming. She dug a card from her handbag and handed it to Jared. “I have a lot of contacts, and I’d be more than happy to talk to someone on your behalf if you’re looking for an opportunity to further your career.”

“I’m happy with what I’m doing for now, but thank you.” Jared pocketed her business card. Owen hadn’t mentioned Flightless, so he didn’t either.

“You were looking for me?” Owen prompted.

“Yes!” Lindsey beamed. “I had an exciting call this morning. One of the violinists in the Oriolidae Quartet is retiring, and they’re looking for talented musicians to audition for the role.”

“I’m happy playing in the?—”

Lindsey interrupted Owen as though he hadn’t spoken. “It’s a fabulous opportunity that could be a first step in the career you’ve always wanted. I’ve put you forward for an audition.”

Owen’s nostrils flared. “I’m happy playing in the orchestra,” he repeated, “and I don’t have time to prepare for an audition. Flightless?—”

“Flightless is a hobby, nothing more.” Lindsey narrowed her eyes. “This is your future. Your father and I didn’t pay for your years of music tuition for you to waste your talent in a… pop group!”

“We’re a rock band, and we’re going places.” Owen held his cross, his thumb stroking the metal. He held up his head and faced his mother. “We’ve been invited to play at Frays Days in March. It’s a fabulous opportunity and a first step in what I want.”

“That’s great news.” Lindsey nodded. “You’ve all worked hard and deserve some recognition.”

Jared frowned, confused by her apparent change of heart.

“It’s a shame about poor Lincoln, though.” Lindsey sighed. “And Beth, of course. I went around to see her as soon as I heard and took her a casserole and some lasagne for her freezer. She’s had a hard life, poor thing, with her husband dying so young.” She shook her head. “Does Duncan Fray know you’ve lost your keyboard player?”

“You know Mr Fray?” Jared asked.

Lindsey looked surprised at the question. “Of course, dear. Owen’s father, Howard, and I attended several of his events when we were younger. We even took Owen and his brother, Alfred, a few times. Of course, Duncan’s father was organising them then. Duncan took it over after Dustin retired. He’s still making it his own.” She looked thoughtful. “I should make the effort to catch up with Dustin. It’s been far too long.”

“Flightless has a keyboard player,” Jared said quickly, hoping he was reading something into her words that wasn’t there. “I’m standing in for Lincoln until he’s able to return.”

“I see.” Lindsey pursed her lips. “Another talent wasted on rock music.” She shrugged. “Well, hopefully, this opportunity will get all this foolishness out of your systems.”

“Lovely to see you too, Mum,” Owen muttered. “I take it you and Dad won’t be coming to Frays to see the band perform?”

“Why wouldn’t we?” Lindsey seemed puzzled by the question. “We enjoy your concerts, and you play well together. It’s just that you have a bright future ahead of you as a serious musician. Drums and guitars are fun instruments, but your friends aren’t classically trained.” She brightened. “I’ll let you know when the auditions are for the quartet. With the Frays festival in March, you’ll have plenty of time to get that out of your system, and then focus on your career.”

“I can’t do….” Owen protested.

“The auditions aren’t until July. They’re putting out feelers now so that any potentials have time to polish their pieces. Everyone’s so busy these days, and their violinist isn’t retiring until October.” Lindsey stood and gave Owen a peck on the cheek. “Enjoy your lunch. Lovely to meet you, Jared.” She leaned in and murmured in Jared’s ear. “Talk some sense into him, won’t you?”

“Owen’s decision is his own, and I won’t influence him either way.” Jared didn’t add, “ and neither should you ,” although he struggled to bite his tongue.

“Of course. I wouldn’t presume otherwise. Don’t forget our family dinner next week, Owen. I’m looking forward to hearing all your news. ‘Bye!” Lindsey turned and walked away.

“Wow.” Jared wasn’t sure how to comment on the conversation without saying something he’d regret later.

“That’s one way of putting it,” Owen said. “I’m not sure coffee’s going to cut it after that conversation.” He sighed. “I’m sorry. Mum sets her sight on something, and nothing gets in her way.”

“No need to apologise.” Jared put his hand over Owen’s. “If you want to grab a beer and talk, I’ve been told I’m a good listener.”

“Thanks, but we’ve been doing this dance a while.” Owen caressed his cross again. “She means well and wants what’s best for me, but unfortunately, we don’t always agree with what that is.”

“Playing with Oriolidae is a huge opportunity, one that doesn’t come up often.” Jared chose his words carefully. “I wouldn’t blame you for being tempted.”

“I am tempted,” Owen admitted. “Classical music has always been a huge part of my life, but I enjoy playing with the band too.”

“Tough decision.” Jared didn’t envy Owen.

“I might not even get offered the role.” Owen shrugged.

“You’re thinking of auditioning?”

“I’d be an idiot not to, and the experience would be great, if a little nerve-racking.”

“More than playing to an audience of thousands at Frays?” Jared tried to lighten the mood. Shit, Owen was seriously considering auditioning. “What happens if they want you? Oriolidae, I mean.”

Owen laughed. “Mum’s always thought I was much better than I am. I’ll audition to placate her and make her and Dad proud, and then perhaps they’ll leave me alone to play the music I want to.”

“You already have a full plate getting ready for Frays, and working full time at Arpeggios.” Jared figured he needed to be the voice of reason, although he couldn’t help the sour taste brewing in his gut. Parents were supposed to be proud of their kids, but Lindsey’s sentiment sounded like it came with the proviso that Owen’s success needed to be on her terms, and his career should be what she deemed suitable.

“One thing at a time. Frays first, and then I’ll take a break from Flightless to prepare for this.” Owen flashed Jared a smile. “I’ll take you up on that beer, and we can discuss ideas for our next song. That work for you?”

“Sure. Sounds great.”