Saturday, March 16, 1991
Alley Kat Recording Studio, Los Angeles
"Just saying I could get you further up the card if you had a decent light show," Basil said as the band took five.
Dani rolled her eyes. Can we just get this over with? If I have to sing "Mind in the Gutter" one more time, I'm going to scream.
"What's wrong with what we have?" Jon's eyes were bloodshot.
"Don't look at me," Marc said. "My parents want me out of the basement as it is. Mom's been bringing home job applications."
Basil cast lustful eyes at the Les Paul.
"Don't even think about it," Bobby said.
"You were gonna smash it when you were out. Now you can't part with it?" Basil ran a hand through greasy wisps of hair as he tapped ash from his cigarette onto the floor. "I could get ten grand for it. Get you a Peavey and a good used light show. Got a buyer lined up."
"The rest of us are all-in," Jon said.
"Can't sell it," Bobby said through gritted teeth.
"Not like it's sentimental," Jon smirked. "You got it—"
Bobby's glare cut him off.
Jon held his hands up. "Not like anyone would find out. Or care. Heard Nikki Sixx got his first guitar the same way."
"Was it a classic Gibson with an early serial number?"
"You just got lucky," Jon sang. "Heck, you didn't even know what you had until Dani made a fuss over it."
Bobby shook his head. "Not happening."
"Welcome to the bottom of the card, folks," said Basil, "where you get bad sound mixing, and you play to a bunch of empty seats while the crowd buys beer and T-shirts from other bands. before the real show."
"C'mon, they don't really mess with the soundboard, do they?" Jon asked.
"If they didn't, my band would still be cutting hit records, and I wouldn't be here babysitting you." Basil sat back, rubbing his chin. "Unless you can talk Dani into making real nice with the sound guys, you'll be lucky to get half power."
Bobby grunted. "She don't even do that for Jon."
Dani backhanded Jon's arm, shaking her head at both of them and finding a stool on the other side of the room. What business is it of Bobby's what we do—or don't do?
"About that," Basil said, "I don't give a flying flip what you do in your trailer, but in public, this ain't happening."
Jon walked over and put his arm around Dani. "I'm not hiding being with her. Got nothing to be ashamed of."
If you didn't include the occasional need to remind him of where his hands shouldn't be, Dani agreed.
"You want a crowd? Don't let anyone in the audience think Dani's off the market."
"What difference does it make?" Jon said. "We don't get that light show…"
"I have an idea," Dani said, snuggling into him. "But first, we have to get this record done. I'm running out of excuses to come down to LA on Saturdays."
***
That evening, Vic sat across a small glass-top table from Julie on the balcony of her apartment, paper plates in front of them. I like women looking like women, but man, she looks good dressed down.
"Not much of a cook," Julie admitted, handing over a bottle of ketchup, "but I can burn a burger. And the o-rings are my father's special recipe."
"What about the cinnamon bread?"
"Grew up in my dad's bakery. But mostly we ate out."
It was the first time she'd mentioned her parents. "I'd love to meet your dad and mom."
Julie closed her eyes, inhaled sharply, looked away.
Bad subject? Her eyes are misty.
She went inside, lingering at the fridge before returning with a pair of Coke cans, eyes clear and dry.
Vic prayed and took his first bite, smiling. Burned felt like an understatement. "Burger's good."
"Ketchup covers a multitude of sins."
Sins. I really shouldn't be here alone with her. Could look wrong. I wouldn't let Dani do it. But that's different. I'm an adult. And we're not doing anything we shouldn't.
She nibbled onion rings in silence, no ketchup. Vic felt like she was studying him as he made lame attempts at small talk.
"They tell me Mom left when I was four." Her voice was even flatter than usual. "I don't remember her. Dad—I don't want to talk about my dad right now."
Vic took her hand in both of his, feeling like he should say something, silently praying. He squirmed as the silence dragged on, but words escaped him.
Finally, she turned her eyes to him and leaned in. They were undoubtedly misting now, though it looked like she tried to fight it.
"Thank you," she said, putting her arms around his neck and pressing her lips to his.
Every cell in Vic's body shouted, refusing to shut up even after she'd pulled herself away. He'd kissed a few girls, but never quite like this. And now she stared up at him, looking like a little girl, a tear dripping freely down her cheek as she pulled his face down to hers again.
The kiss lingered forever. She moved her hand to his waist.
Vic froze. Pulled back. Shook. "I need to go."
"You're not mad?" she whispered as he stepped away from her.
"I'm… it's just…" Vic shook his head, trying to bring himself back down to earth as he headed to the door. "I'll call you."
"Sure you will," she said under her breath as he slipped out.
***
The next morning before church, Dani made coffee just the way Daddy liked it. How he drank the stuff, she couldn't fathom. She set his USMC mug in front of him as he sat down with the paper.
"About that band," she said, drawing a long, hard look. "We're really good."
"We?"
"If I'm in, they have a real shot."
"You're still in high school."
"Never stopped me from working before." Her turn to look him straight in the eye. He can't deny I do my share around the shop.
"Call that work?"
"Music's my whole life." She rested her head on his shoulder. "I was born to play guitar. You said so yourself when you got me my first real one. And you know how hard I've worked at it."
"So keep working hard and playing in the church band."
"I want to play my own songs. My own way."
"If Kari doesn't approve, why should I?"
"They're just songs, Dad. They're not that bad." Drop the end off Daddy, he'll back down every time.
"I don't know about this crowd you're hanging around."
"True, you don't know him."
"Him?"
"Give him a chance."
"I'd like to give him a haircut."
Dani returned his grin. "Don't you dare."
Note to self: hide the shears before Jon comes over.
Daddy drummed his fingers. "You'll be eighteen soon."
"Fifteen days."
"I'll let you keep playing with this band with couple conditions."
"Anything!" Don't come across so excited.
"First, you don't let it stop you from enrolling in college."
"What if we're on tour?"
He sat on that a minute, probably sizing her up to see whether she was serious. Dani giggled and tossed her hair.
Should probably tell him. I want to. It's a bad idea.
He took a swig of coffee and conceded with a chuckle, "Sure, if you're on your world tour, I'll let it slide. But only till the tour's done. Second condition—"
The front door slammed.
"Vic?" she said. She'd only seen his face that flushed once.
"You all right, son?"
"I just… I need…" Vic held his hands up, beelining to his room.
Daddy waved Dani off and followed him.
***
7 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 1991
Fidelis Classic Restorations
The next Saturday, Vic opened the shop door and stepped aside, getting a kick out of the shock registering on Jon's face.
"Just the man I wanted to talk to." Dad spoke, almost inaudibly. In Vic's experience, when Dad lowered his voice, you'd better listen close.
"We're running late," Jon said, leaning against the door frame. "Dani here?"
"Sit," Dad said, quieter still.
Jon sat.
Vic stood over Dad's shoulder as Jon seemed to wilt under his glare. Dad rolled his wheelchair closer, inspecting the musician.
"Coffee."
Vic ducked into the office, returning with a pair of Styrofoam cups filled to the brim with the tar Dad brewed a couple hours ago. Jon looked like he was afraid to drink it.
Don't blame you.
Jon looked like he was trying not to squirm as Dad slurped and studied him.
"You've been seeing lots of Dani."
"She's—"
Dad raised his hand. Vic couldn't see his face. Didn't need to. Knew the look.
Jon shut up.
"I've allowed this band thing," Dad said, leaning forward and waiting for Jon to make eye contact. "But you won't be taking Dani anywhere today. We have a rule in our house about dating. First date is dinner. At our house."
Jon hummed and hawed for a long minute before taking a deep breath and a sip of the coffee. He made a face but took a second drink. "I didn't know. But I was just picking her up for rehearsal."
Is he being defensive? Afraid he might say something Dad doesn't already know? The dinner-at-our-house rule applied to Vic when he was in school, too. Whenever possible, he still brought dates home before taking them out.
"Nonnegotiable," Dad said.
"Fair enough." Jon shifted in his chair but maintained eye contact.
"Another thing—I won't tell her she can't play," Dad said, firing the next words off staccato. "But. You. Will. Not. Ask. Her. To. Bankroll. It."
Vic made a mental note to ask what that was all about later as Dani's GTO skidded to a stop in the parking lot.
***
A few days later, Dani danced around the dining room, humming as she set the table. Teddy Bear cocked his head and slogged off to the living room.
Is this really happening? She'd hoped Daddy would relent and let her play with the band, but it floored her when he approved Jon coming over for dinner. Suggested it, even.
No more sneaking around. Well, not with Jon, anyway. Still need to figure out how to tell him we're going on tour this summer. He won't like me putting college on hold. Lord, I know some things we sing in Inferno aren't pleasing to You, but you must have arranged it, right? I mean, You brought Jon back to me, and he's reading the Bible and everything now. And Daddy even says it's OK. Or that he'll allow it, anyhow. That's the same thing, right? Now, please, just help me talk him into—
As if on cue, Daddy wheeled in, looking like he was trying to suppress a grin.
Best mood he's been in since he's been home. Good a time as any.
"So, Daddy, there's this birthday coming up, and I was thinking… you know what would make a great present?"
"Think I can figure something out." He looked like the Cheshire Cat.
Dani cozied up to him. "There's these stage lights…"
He stiffened. She batted her eyelashes and put on her best seven-year-old grin, coaxing back his smile.
"They're really important, Daddy," she said, kissing him on the cheek.
"Your friend should be here any minute."
***
Vic looked at the office clock. He had twenty minutes before he needed to head out if he was to get a good seat to watch Dad grilling Jon for dinner. And he had a few questions of his own.
He looked back over the books a fifth time. Everything remained in order.
Picking up the phone, he realized he didn't know the number. He'd never needed to call it. He flipped through the Rolodex. 374-839-9221.
"Yeah?" Greg yawned on the other end. A kid giggled in the background.
"This is Victor Grassigli. Wanted to talk to you about coming back to work for Fidelis."
"Love to help Gunny out, but what I'm doing… I need the money. Your old man was more than fair, but let's face it, there was nowhere to move up there."
"Can you keep something quiet a few days? I mean, don't even tell my dad."
Vic waited a long minute. Silence.
"Listen, Dad's planning a big birthday party for Dani and me, and I'm waiting until after to tell him, but I'm planning to step away. I'm supposed to be a missionary, and I think it's time to pursue that. But they're going to need some help here. I've run the numbers, and I know we can beat what you're making once I'm off the payroll."
"Think Gunny's gonna be OK with this?"
Vic's turn to let a question hang.
"If Gunny and Dani need the help, I'm in."
Vic stared long and hard at the phone after hanging up.
One more call to make. Been twelve days. Can't keep putting it off.
***
Dani set the last of the plates and moved to answer the door. Daddy beat her there, inspecting Jon like one of his Marines. It was the first time Dani saw Jon look scared. She walked behind Daddy, resting her hands lightly on his shoulders. Without averting his glare, Daddy grunted and wheeled aside for Jon to squeeze in.
Dani wanted to kiss Jon. Knew he could use it. Leaned in to hug him instead. On cue, Teddy Bear ambled over and squeezed between them. Dani scratched his ears. Shrugging, Jon followed suit, jerking his hand back as the dog let out a throaty growl.
"He doesn't bite." Doesn't usually growl, either. At Dani's rebuke, the dog plodded into the dining room, glancing back over his shoulder every few steps.
Within minutes, Vic arrived, and everyone seated themselves. Teddy Bear returned and lounged, one eye open, on top of Dani and Jon's feet.
Jon broke the silence. "Looking forward to church tomorrow."
Dani expected a response from Vic, but he just pushed his food around his plate. Dad narrowed his eyes like he always did when he was letting someone talk enough to dig themselves a hole. She reached for Jon's hand under the table. A yawn and a stretch from below and she got a handful of Chow Chow fur instead. Teddy Bear nuzzled into her, resting his mane on her lap. Those aren't his table scraps eyes.
"Any plans for a real job?" Daddy kept a low, matter-of-fact tone.
"Dad!" Vic pulled himself from his fog. "C'mon…"
Dani looked at the floor, ruffling Teddy Bear's head and reaching across for Jon's hand, overruling the dog's objection. Daddy never grills Vic's girlfriends like this.
"Fair question," Jon said, squeezing her hand and meeting Daddy's stare. "Little strange to lead with, though."
Silence hung in the room as they locked eyes.
"To be honest, sir, I do have a plan."
Daddy reclined, one eyebrow raised a squinch.
Please, please really have one.
"Giving the band one more year."
A year? Even Basil won't say we'll make it big that quick.
"I know lots of bands don't make it. And if we don't, I've always wanted to join the Marines."
***
Dani shook her head as she cleared the table. She'd hardly got a word in, and now Vic had taken off, and Jon sat in the study with Daddy. Daddy had never been one for chitchat, but if there were three things that could get him talking, it was Christ, classic cars, and the Corps. And Jon had hit all three during dinner.
"Liked it better when Daddy hated him," she muttered, heading out to the back porch swing.
Teddy Bear followed, plopping by the doorway and cocking an ear back toward the house. When Jon finally opened the back door an hour later, the dog rose and blocked him. When Daddy called him, Teddy Bear lumbered into the house, stopping to growl until Dad gave a firmer, "Sergeant Major Teddy Bear!" The dog always knew he was in trouble when Daddy called him by his full name and rank.
Daddy looked on approvingly as Jon made his way over to Dani, her feet up on the swing, sweater pulled around her knees. She pulled her hand back into the sleeve when Jon reached for it.
Confusion registered on his face. "You mad at me?"
She played with her nails.
"Thought you wanted him to like me?" He leaned in to kiss her, lips glancing off her cheek as she turned aside.
Wish you'd go away.
"I've never gone through all this for a girl. This is crazy."
"So don't." She felt herself biting her lip. Hard. Didn't care.
"Look, if we're going to go together—"
"I don't date Marines."
"That what's bothering you?" He laughed. Looking back toward the house, he lowered his voice. "Even if we weren't going on tour, I couldn't get in the Marine Corps. I dropped out of high school."
She hadn't known that. And while it did mean there was no way he was getting into the Marines, she still wasn't crazy about it. "You could always go back. Night school or something."
"Rock star, baby—no GED required. But wait, you saying you wouldn't stick with me if I went in the Marines?"
"Spent half my life living with my grandparents on a farm in Iowa and the other half wherever Daddy was stationed. Never stayed anywhere long. Don't want that life."