Page 9 of Cowboy's Melody
“What’s the matter, Brooks? Cat got your tongue?” Teddi’s laughing shakes me from my thoughts. She’s standing by the back doors, holding my guitar and her newest partner in crime, Logan, is right beside her with a tray filled with the ingredients for s’mores.
“I guess I’m outnumbered.” And totally screwed.
My mom, Logan and Teddi settle around the fire ring while I toss on a few logs and light them. Everyone seems eager to hear me sing but I demand a round of s’mores before I even pick up the guitar. Teddi asks about my dad and my mom informs her he’s attending a massive cattle auction in Texas.
“He buys up the good, the bad and the ugly,” she jokes.
“Daddy, are you going to sing? Yes or no?” Logan is so damned impatient sometimes.
“Yes, peanut.” I sit in one of the patio chairs and Teddi hands me my guitar. Our fingers brush against each other and for a moment, we both stop and stare. The first contact with someone is always electrifying but Teddi’s touch is almost scorching.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
My mom excuses herself for the night. She kisses Logan and I both on the cheek before waving to Teddi.
“I don’t have any original songs,” I explain. “I sing mostly covers.”
“Well, that’s alright,” Teddi says sweet and soft. “I’d be happy listening to you sing the alphabet. Your family’s right, Brooks. You’re really good.”
“I guess that’s all the confidence a man needs then,” I tell her before launching into a song I know she’s familiar with because it’s the same one that launched her career.
