Page 65 of Enjoying the Band in Lockdown

“Yes, I’m about to skype you in now.”

“You might want to record it.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m pretty sure someone’s PR people are gonna want behind the scenes footage of two brothers playing together for the first time.”

“I’m only sorry I didn’t think of that.” There went the idea of having private collection of memories, now it seemed like I’d be sharing my entire heart and heartbreak with the world.

“You look after my brother; I’ll look after business. Five minutes?”

The phone went dead, and I double checked the cameras and placed the band in prime position to record Xavier.

“Hey, bro!” Deacon appeared on screen as if spontaneous.

“Mate, we’re gonna crush it today.”

“Watch and learn, baby bro. Watch and learn.”

To anyone else, it seemed normal brotherly banter. Stormy Waters played through three songs and despite their role to record everything, I could see my guys turn from rockstars into fans.

Then Deacon gave me the signal to start recording for real.

“So, Sergis,” we heard Deacon say to his legendary bass guitarist, “My baby, bro and his band are gonna be playing today.”

“The things you’ll do for a family reunion.” Sergis didn’t miss a beat. “Can he play?”

“Apparently.”

“Can he sing?”

“Why don’t you ask him. Xav!”

As if dialed in, Xavier played his part, “For a bunch of old guys, you’ve still got it.”

“Thems fighting words. Do you think you’ve got the goods?” The brotherly love shone through the words.

“You’ll never know unless you pony up.”

In the background, we could hear Jason Cameron on keyboard start the familiar chords.

This. Was. Happening. I double checked the camera. History would never forgive me if I fucked up this recording.

“There’s a song of mine you might have heard of it, Be Still.”

“Yeah, I might have played at once or twice. Do I owe you a royalty check or something?”

“Oh, you can buy me a beer or two next Christmas,” Deacon laughed, nodding to Indris on drums. I almost heard Chase swoon. “But, since you know the words, how about you join in.”

“Mate, you’d better be prepared to hand all rights over when I own your ass.”

“Thems fighting words, again. Don’t push it.”

“The way I sing it, it’s a song for fucking not fighting.”

“Well as long as you’ve got a dirty blonde by your side, I guess it’s time to Be Still—”

We sat back in awe while Xavier’s voice melded with his brother’s band, and then owned the song. By the end, even Deacon offered his respect and Xavier knocked back a beer, grabbing a six pack of bottled water to set alongside his microphone.

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