A Charmed Life

Welcome

Chapter One

December 1977

A tornado flew around the room before you came. Excuse the mess it made. It usually doesn't rain in southern California, much like Arizona. And my eyes don't shed tears but they fall when I'm thinkin' 'bout you, ooh, no, no, no.

I've been thinkin' 'bout you, you know, know, know

Or do you not think so far ahead? Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever. 

No, I don't like you, I just thought you were cool enough to kick it got a beach house I could sell you in Idaho. Since you think I don't love you, I just thought you were cute that's why I kissed you, got a fighter jet, I don't get fly it, though I'm lyin'. I've been thinkin' 'bout you ooh, no, no, no.

I've been thinkin' 'bout you, you know, know, know.

I've been thinkin' 'bout you. Do you think about me still? Do ya, do ya?

Or do you not think so far ahead? 'Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever ooh, ooh. Or do you not think so far ahead? 'Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever ooh, ooh.

Yes, of course, I remember, how could I forget? How you feel? And though you were my first time, a new feel.

It won't ever get old, not in my soul, not in my spirit, keep it alive. We'll go down this road til it turns from color to black and white.

Or do you not think so far ahead? 'Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever ooh, ooh. Or do you not think so far ahead? 'Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever ooh, ooh.

                                                   Outro

The studio's air hums with electric anticipation as I set down my guitar, its strings still vibrating with the energy of the performance. Through the glass of the booth, I catch Wheaton's approving nod from behind the soundboard.

"That was a hit if I ever heard one, Ivy. No need for another take," he declares.

Relief washes over me as I step out of the booth to hear the finished product. This album has been a labor of love, but the journey has been far from smooth. The transition from Motown to Columbia promised creative freedom, yet it brought its own set of challenges. The label's initial disdain for my work tested my resolve more than I could have anticipated.

"If this doesn't wow the label, I don't know what will," I murmur, a hint of apprehension tainting my optimism.

Wheaton's confidence is reassuring. "If they aren't amazed, then they need their heads examined," he quips.

Grateful for his unwavering support, I offer him a genuine smile before he starts packing up. Despite Wheaton's encouragement, doubts linger. Tomorrow marks the release of the first single, and the pressure to choose the right track weighs heavily on me.

Adding to my stress is the impending arrival of a house guest. Glancing at the clock, I grimace; I have only four hours to prepare.

"Let me guess, you're not ready for Mr. Mr.?" Wheaton teases as he gathers his belongings.

I nod sheepishly. "Yup, he had to attend to a few things, but he's moving in a few hours."

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Wheaton's tone shifts to urgency. "You look a hot mess, and I know that death trap you call home is in the same condition. Go on now, your future husband is going to be here soon."