Page 11 of She's My Kind Of Rain

“I don’t think any of the customers will be ordering sludge.” She takes the carafe and dumps it over the sink into a little basket that looks like a filter, preventing the coffee grounds from going down the drain. “Let’s just have you run the register for now because I know this is not your calling.” She laughs as the basket fills with all the grounds I accidentally brewed directly into the pot. “Most people who end up here from a little ol’ nowhere have much bigger plans than making café mochas anyways. So tell me, what’s the real reason you came here to Nashville?”

“First off, the sludge water I just made might be the best sludge you’ve ever tasted. How would you know without taking a sip?” I tease. “Second, the dream is like everyone else who ends up here. I want to work in the music industry.”

“Eh, most people dream of singing, or playing more so than working with those who can, but I get it. What did you do before you got here?”

“Yeah, that’s probably correct. I honestly came here on a whim with no actual plan after the small record label that I worked for decided to sell to a bigger label. I don’t know if or when they will reopen, so now felt as good as any to take a chance on something new.This,”I motion with my hands broadly meaning this town, not the coffee shop we now stand in. “Nashville wasmy Dad’s dream that shifted into mine after I lost him. Music was our thing, and, I guess in some ways, now it’s not since he’s gone.”

Kaylee’s cheeks blush, and she dips her head. Is she embarrassed? Regretting asking me after I word vomited my entire life story to her? But then she looks up at me and says, “You know what? I like you. Your bluntness is refreshing. Most people would just keep it simple and lie so that they don’t fear me firing them from this little hole in the wall, but you didn’t, and I like that.” She seems to contemplate for a moment. “Let’s be friends.”

I open my mouth to respond, but words just won’t come out. I’m sure I look like an idiot, but this is the first time anyone has ever just outright asked to be my friend. And though it’s a bit forward and strange, I’m honestly really happy she did.

Kaylee continues, ignoring my silence. “I know it’s a weird way to become friends with someone, but I like your vibe…and your hair.”

I blush, scrunching my nose at the compliment.

“Unlike all you music peeps, my dream has always been to open a little coffee shop, and here we stand. One dream complete, now on to yours,” she says with a grin. “So if you don’t want to actually be up at the mic, what job are you scoping out?”

“Since this entire experience is about trying new things, I’ll take you up on your offer. You’re a bit odd ,and I think that’s kind of fun.” I smile, poking fun at her. “Telluride Records, head of A & R. That’s the dream. At least, that’s the dream as of right now.”

“Well, that’s sick. I can respect a creative mind. I hope that you get a chance to do whatever feels good to you.”

She re-brews the coffee I messed up and starts working on a coffee order, though no one is even here, and then like clockwork, the door chimes and a well dressed man walks in. He has peppered hair and a black suit.

He’s hanging up the phone as she hands me a coffee. “This is for him. It’s a Campfire latte. Light on the white chocolate and cinnamon, the way he orders every single Thursday. Do me a favor and deliver it to him so I can get the rest of the drip coffee ready before the morning rush.”

I grab the coffee and head in his direction. He swiftly turns to head to the counter and runs directly into me, the coffee spilling over the both of us. I gasp, embarrassment washing over me.

“I’m so sor-” I stop short of my apology. I’m starstruck by him. His caramel brown eyes are so warm and welcoming, and he has a smile to match.

“Oh no, you’re fine, miss. I wasn’t paying attention, and look where it got me.” He smirks, gesturing to his coffee-stained suit.

Time feels like it has completely stopped, as I stand here, infatuated with the beautiful, yet older, man who stands in front of me. I realize I’m just making myself look even more clueless, and right before I begin to speak, Kaylee steps out from the counter with a new coffee in hand, ready to handle the situation herself. “I’m so sorry, Blake, here is one on the house. And next week’s is free too.”

“Oh, not necessary. Luckily, I have backup suits at the office. This isn’t the first time I’ve gotten coffee on myself, though it isthe first time someone else was holding the coffee.” He chuckles. “Have a nice day, ladies.”

I turn to Kaylee, mortified. “I will pay for the coffee and I will never do that again. Please don’t hate me.”

She laughs. “The only person who’s gonna hate you, is you.”

“Why?”

“Because that, my friend,” she gestures towards the direction the man had headed, “was Mr. Montgomery, the owner of Telluride Records.”

6

DAISY - MAY 27, 2004

A red numberone flashes on my answering machine as I walk past. There’s only one other place, besides Mom, who has my new number. Excitement overwhelms me.It’s Telluride.It’s got to be.

Walking across the room, I hit the button, readying myself for what I expect to be a message denying me of the interview.

“You have one unheard message, to listen, please select play.”

I do as it says, another beep sounding before the voicemail plays aloud.

“Hello, Miss Holloway, My name is Samantha and I’m calling on behalf of Mr. Montgomery and Telluride Records. I apologize for delivering this message with such short notice, but you have been selected for an in-person interview. The interviews will begin tomorrow at eight in the morning. We look forward to seeing you there. Have a great rest of your day.”

I look at the clock, realizing I only have an hour to get ready. A rush of excitement swells in my chest. I had almost lost hope that I would get this call given the three week span between our last encounter, however at this point I’m almost too embarrassed to go.

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