His Salvation [Eddie Munson]

Chapter Eighteen

My hands begin to shake, so I grip the bottled water in my hands. Everyone in the room starts slowly talking to each other and their focus on James and Eddie has subsided. I keep my eyes locked on Eddie.

"That's awesome. Did you get a job or are you going to school there?" James asks.

Eddie drops my stare and looks down at his hands. He starts twisting his rings. "It's for a job," Eddie replies, looking up at James.

James doesn't stop. He keeps their conversation going, causing my anxiety to worsen. "What kind of job?"

I can feel my heart in my throat as I wait for Eddie to answer.

"A session musician." He answers.

"What's that?" Steve chimes in.

"I'll be working for a recording studio. I'll be recording guitar pieces for artists that need a fill-in. I'll be helping out the music producer when needed as well. I plan to start a band when I get there and hopefully, this job is a stepping stone toward getting signed to a label one day. I gotta start somewhere, so it might as well be within the business." Eddie says. I know he is talking to Steve, but I have a feeling those words were for me. His way of telling me the truth.

He hasn't looked over at me, but I wish he would. My eyes are filled with pride for him. As mad as I am, I'm more proud of him than anything else. He's actually going to chase his dreams.

I feel the tears forming in my eyes. I'm not sure if they are from happiness for him or knowing that this is probably the end of us. I set my water down on the counter. As everyone is distracted by their conversations, I take the opportunity to step outside before the tears fall.

The hall is still cluttered with people, so I walk toward the back exit of the venue. I push through the doors and into the hot humid air. I'm instantly taken back by the cold rain on my skin as I walk down the stairs to the parking lot. I walk back up and lean against the building's brick wall, under the awning and out of the rain. My hair is a little wet, but I don't care. I wipe my face. I'm not sure if my face is wet from the rain or my tears.