Behind the Mask - A Sequel (of Sorts) to A Star Is Born

Moving Home

Moving Home

Knowing that life as you know it is finite is a sobering realization. It has a tendency to crystallize in your mind what matters and what does not.

I still liked my job, but it wasn't going to be realistic to handle the fallout of all this during my two weeks of paid leave each year. Fortunately, the State Department lets you take up to a year off without pay, so I figured that would be the best route.

The next problem was money. Federal employment isn't bad, but it isn't lucrative either, and I figured I could make it only a month with the money I had saved. As usual, Phil stepped in. He said the end of our anonymity would trigger a clause in the trust agreement to pay out the band's earnings. Since that day was now coming, Phil offered to loan me a few thousand a month, knowing at some point I would be good for it. Apparently the trust had piled up over $100 million while I was busy going to college and stamping passports.

Next, we had to figure out how to tell our families and friends. I talked again with Brian and Juan, both of whom had jobs they weren't thrilled with and few attachments to their post-college homes. We agreed it would be best to move back to Seattle so we could start practicing again.

Phil and the Virgin team had never torn down the secure studio, so after a few repairs and a major cleaning our practice venue was back up and running. I moved into a rental near Lake Union, got a bike, and started taking sailing lessons on the weekends. It seemed like a new beginning, but I also knew it wouldn't last. At some point, fame would shatter my new life, but for now, I relished the ability to head off to a coffee shop and write a few lyrics or read a book without anyone knowing who I was.