El & Em: Two hearts, one band, a long slow ride

Chapter 22

By early spring of 1985, Luke had the new album mostly wrapped up. This one was bleaker, darker and more introspective than his previous records. When Emmett listened to the near-final tracks, he looked concerned, but Luke assured him it was just a way of getting his feelings out. Eddie and Emmett both helped with production again, Emmett acting as chief engineer.

They had Forge booked for final review and track listing but at the last minute, Eddie and, inexplicably, Emmett didn't show up. Jenny had just had her first baby so Luke understood that Eddie was needed at home, but Emmett? He'd just left a message at the studio saying something came up and he'd see Luke at home later.

"He's been like this a lot lately," Luke said moodily, looking down at his beer. "Something's always comin' up."

"I'm sure it was important," Laura soothed. "I wish I could help."

Luke had invited Jerry and Laura to the session as well. Jerry went home once Luke gave up on getting anything done, but Laura joined Luke at a nearby tavern where he could drown his vexations.

"You do help. But – but I need his input before I finalize anything. I don't know what's such a big deal that ..."

"It's okay, we have the studio tomorrow too. I'm sure you can finish everything then."

"That ain't exactly the point." Luke downed his beer and called for another one. "Sometimes I feel like..." He paused.

"What? You feel like what?"

Laura was a good listener, and always discreet. "Like we ain't always on the same page."

"You mean...musically?"

"Naw, not that, he's always on board with the music. More like – personally."

"How do you mean?" Laura coaxed. Her hair had settled down to something closer to normal now, and she wore a long, loose skirt that looked a lot more comfortable.

"You know, I..." Luke paused again, trying to marshal his thoughts coherently after the four or five drinks he'd already polished off. "I like to – to be honest with the fans. I mean, I like to think I got a bit of, you know, personal integrity."

"Sure, I think most people would say you do."

"Well, Em – he, he don't think we owe anyone anything. He thinks it's fine to just – not be so honest." Luke waved a hand vaguely. It occurred to him that if she asked what they weren't being honest about he'd have a hard time explaining, but she had too much tact to ask.

"I think Emmett sees the world his own way," Laura said thoughtfully. "Different from us."

"He don't care about having a family like we do, he's already got one." Between the sympathy and the alcohol, Luke found it easy to keep talking; the hard part was not getting emotional. "He's already done the settling down thing."

"He's just at a different point in his life, I guess."

"He'd rather just keep touring and fucking Angela so he can be a big deal..."

"Well, touring is his livelihood, right? That's where he makes his money."

"What does he need money for? I got plenty." Luke spoke irritably, and then stopped as it occurred to him he might be saying too much. "Anyway, anyway," he said, floundering to change the subject. "He loves me, that's what counts."

"Well, you're very loveable." Laura laughed, then stopped and reached across the table to grasp his forearm earnestly. "Listen, Luke. I know how it feels. I hope you get what you want."