Listen To Your Heart ~ Book One.

No Helicopters?

"So how did the practice go?"

"Okay, I guess."

"You guess? Okay, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"David? I know you better than that...remember?"

"Well, this is going to sound weird...I think."

"Okay."

"She suggested about me signing with her record label."

"Yes. She mentioned that to me. Her intentions are good, David...but I told her it was up to you."

"Ye-ah. I'm beginning to think it might not be."

"What do you mean?"

"If I agreed to play the song at her Live from Home concert. Her record company will very probably hear me play. They might want to sign me. Billie will want me to sign."

"But the final decision will be yours."

"True, but if I turn down the offer?"

"You're afraid you might lose, Billie?"

"Yea."

"If asked, what do you want to do?"

"Say no, it's tempting...yea. A second chance, something many people don't get, and I'd be a fool to turn the offer down...but my whole life would change. Possibly not for the better. I'm used to being ordinary...not a... worshipped rock god like Eddie was."

"Things would definitely be different for you. Your lifestyle would change almost overnight. Have to have security everywhere you go."

"Yea...that doesn't sound like me...you know. Think I'll take a walk or something. Are there any parks nearby?"

"Veterans Park...it's about 20 minutes away though by car."

"Oh...don't exactly have a vehicle."

"Let's go out to the garage. God knows Eddie had plenty of vehicles. So, I'm giving some to charity. Some I'm selling. I'll let you pick out two."

"I don't exactly have the money to buy any vehicle, Valerie."

"Well mister big rock star. You did do the show for Eddie. So, I guess there's no charge...this time."

"You're all heart."

(We go out to the garage. Eddie had a lot of vehicles, that was for sure. I look them all over. Cars, trucks and motorcycles. Even a few 4x4's and military vehicles.)

"What? No jets or helicopters?" I ask.

"No helicopters. One jet though. Which ones you want?"

"Damn, it's difficult to choose."

"Well, how about choosing one right now, so we can go to the park?"

"We?"

"I could use some downtime myself. Besides, as your agent, somebody has to keep an eye on you."

"Aww, you're no fun. No Billie bashing, okay?"

"Okay... okay. Pick a vehicle already."

"That one."

"Alright...lets go."

(We arrive at Veterans Park about thirty minutes later. Valerie and I are walking thru the park, side by side. As she points out the different monuments honoring veterans. We see a couple of veterans sitting, one playing his guitar, the other one playing a keyboard, another one on a small drum set. A sign near them asks for money for food and shelter, in exchange for a song. A few people give them money, but most of them pass them by.)

(We stop and watch them for awhile. Valerie puts money into their jar, as I continue watching them play.)

"David...it's impolite to stare at them, and not give them any money." (Valerie whispers to me.)

(I continue watching them for awhile.)

"Excuse me...you got an extra guitar?"

"Sure do, son. I'm Frank...this is Moe. That's Jack on drums. You know how to play?"