Kent’s Point of View

Of the many things Jei and I always see eye-to-eye on, the one that comes to mind at the moment is remaining human despite the fame and money. He rarely drives since I live here in town, and when it does, it’s in a sensible sedan with excellent fuel economy.

I beat around the city in this pickup, rusted panels and all. I’m not buying something shiny to throw hundred-pound amps in the back while taking the kid to band practice with his little friends. There’s also the added humor of turning up to red-carpet valets with a Cleveland steamer carrying a millionaire in an aftermarket racing seat.

It’s Monday, and time to get back to the studio. Shifting into park, I rip the keys out of the ignition and lean back, watching the rest of the crew load in after a long holiday break. Jei and I are both silent, listening to the sound of each others’ breath. Our date night had hit TMZ, and while we’re happy to finally be out of the closet without having to say a word in an interview, it was the ensuing text he woke up to that’s got him all fucked up.

Rai started the conversation with a picture of the TMZ headline and a sad-face emoticon. Credit to the paparazzi, we didn’t get photoshopped in an unflattering manner, so neither of us are that mad.

“Anything new, kiddo?”

“Just the same, daddy… Rai had feelings, didn’t know I was gay, never shared them, feels like he lost out, I should have shared, he didn’t have a fair shot… ugh…”

I draw him into a hug while he slides his phone back in his pocket. The steam from our coffee lazily drifts up from the cupholders and I place a hand on his exposed neck, my thumb finding its way into the swath of purple hair. His heart rate is normal, but the poor thing is beating HARD.

He and I both know that love has been the cause of death for far too many bands, and no one wants to see Fight the Good Fight fizzle out while their star was still rising. Past that, Jei is unequipped for conflict. While it’s a skill I need to help him learn in time, while he’s figuring himself out I’ve been running interference. But is there even anything I can do here without making it worse?

“Daddy?”

“Yes, prince?”

“I don’t want this…”

I hold his warm little body tighter.

“I know… I know, Jei. If it makes you feel any better, Rai will be far from the only disappointed fan.”

“I mean yeah, but I don’t have to work with the fangirls. Rai is my best friend…”

“And he still can be. He still can be, Jei. He’s bummed out right now, but he’s either going to get over it, or he won’t. No matter which happens, Daddy’s here for you.”

Like a kid walking into school, Jei hops down from the cabin and slides his bass case out from behind the seat. I roll the Ampeg stack’s flight cases onto a dolly cart, and we start towards the door.

Kev sees us first and greets us between cigarette drags, leaning against the railing in front of the warehouse.

“Jei, Kent.”

“Hey Kev, you look… like you’re ready to write some real emo shit.”

“Yup… the energy sucks in there. Rai’s in the bathroom and the others are just standing at attention. Clark is pacing, and Cliff wants to talk to you both.”

We nodded, knowingly.

“Oh yeah. And congrats, ya’ lovebirds. I saw the chemistry since we hired you, Kent, and I was wondering how long it’d take for either of you to make a move. Thank fuck you’re out now, sheesh.”

Jei and I crack our first smiles of the day, Kev returns what’s clearly his own smile as well.

“Look alive, twinkle toes. We’ve got you.”

He hops off the rail and pats Jei on the back before ushering him in. He plays the role of the diva for the cameras, but even he knows it’s an act. Kev isn’t the type of guy to show a lot of vulnerability, and the last time I saw him like this was when Mikey’s mom died.

___

“Kent, brother. Congrats.”

Cliff lays cable over to my as I get the flight cases unlocked. I offer my hand out wide for a hearty handshake, and his take the opportunity to draw me into a full hug.

“Why the fuck didn’t you tell me, dude!”

He gives me a playful punch in the ribs.

“Oh, I don’t fuckin’ know! Catholic family, DOMA, media, you tell me, dickhead!”

I return with a shoulder check, leading into another hug.

“Listen. No shit. I’m really happy for you both. I was wondering when you’d find some nice lil’ thing to fall in love with, and damn dude. Couldn’t have chosen a better band to date into.”

“Thanks, brother. Jei’s… special. He’s a good kid. He really is.”

I took a moment to look at Cliff’s ratty Vans while I collected my thoughts. Jei toddled over to us, fresh from having an identical conversation with his bandmates.

“Welp, here’s the boy of the hour. You’ve got our captive ears; Young Master Kev Slaley told us you wanted to chat?”

Jei set down his case between the two of us, naturally finding a safe spot between us two bears. Popping the locks, the draws Excalibur from the stone: a white 1977 Rickenbacker 4003. Cliff lets out an aroused whistle upon seeing what ‘Santa’ brought him.

“And here I thought you fuckers were dating, that’s a straight up engagement ring!”

Jei snorts quietly as he straps up. With him sorted, Cliff places a hand on each of our shoulders.

“So I’ve been talking with Rai. I’m sure he’s been talking at you for a while now, Jei.”

He gives Cliff a little nod as I put an arm around him, the mahogany anchor hanging off his body moving in unison.

“I’ll be real with you both. All of us are super fuckin’ happy for you both, for real. No assholes on this crew, not even fuckin’ Clark. Hell, even the media is excited. The only ones upset are Rai and the fangirls on the message board; that’s just jealousy.”

He kneeled down to look Jei in the face.

“It’s all jealousy. Okay?”

He nods again, his eyes notably more puppy-like than before.

“I… don’t want to lose him, Cliff. He’s my best friend…”

A single Hollywood tear runs down his precious cheek, his eyes full of stars.

“I need him.”

Cliff draws my boy into a bear hug, the low E string ringing out.

“And he needs you too, but he needs to figure himself out first even if he doesn’t know it yet. We’re working on him, I promise.”

“Cliff, he’s not leaving, is he? Not even thinking about it?”

I see Jei shudder in his arms as the question leave my mouth.

“No, we don’t think so. He says shit, but I mean, come on. He’s not going anywhere.”

“Twinkle toes! Get over here and show us your new toy!”

Jei leaned in for one last tight hug with Cliff and I gave him a hair-tussle and he scampered away, the massive instrument slung long around him.

“Kent, I really don’t think it’s going to be that bad, but you know how these things go. Shit’ll be awkward for a little bit, then Rai figures himself out, stops sulking, and we’re back to normal.”

Across the floor, the bathroom door swings open, revealing an incredibly rough-looking Rai; zero hours of sleep, an empty Pabst, and his Les Paul tuned up and ready. The room gets quiet as he assumes his position and plugs in. Jei turns to shoot me a nervous look with his peripherals.

“Got a new song to bounce off you guys…”