Team Work [Sink or Swim Book 2]

Chapter 3 - Abi and 'The Reapers'

It was coming up to 20:55 on a clear dry Monday night in the city of Nashville, Tennessee. Named for Francis Nash, a general of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, the city was founded in 1779. The city grew quickly due to its strategic location as a port on the Cumberland River and, in the 19th century, a railroad centre. Nashville seceded with Tennessee during the American Civil War and in 1862 it was the first state capital in the Confederacy to fall to Union troops. After the war, the city reclaimed its position and developed a manufacturing base. Today, Nashville is commonly known as 'Music City' and is the a major centre for the American music industry and in particular the country music scene. The city is the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and many major record labels. 'Abi and The Reapers' had chosen to the city as their base for recording their album and were coming to the end of another fruitless day at The Ocean Way Studios.

"Do you wanna call it a night now everyone?" Drew asked the rest of the band, "At least we have got a few melodies down. I've got some licks and riffs I can work on back at home."

"Sure thing dude." Jimmy agreed.

"I'll stick around here and work on some beats and rhythms" said Bob, "Abi you wanna stick around here or get back home?"

"I'm not sure Bob, I guess I'll get home." Abi replied, "It feels a bit awkward though, since Anthony and I agreed to just be friends I feel kind lonely out here when I get home - the place is so empty. You guys should really come and move in with me."

Drew beamed, but before he could say anything Bob spoke out.

"We like our space Abs, I guess we'll think about that offer, but hey, perhaps you can use that alone time as some inspiration for a song," he suggested. "You and Ant were lovers but now just friends. It's probably for the best as you're keeping things professional - work and pleasure simply doesn't always mix. Take it from a three time divorcee - wrecked three separate bands!  Hey not even Fleetwood Mac can beat me on the divorce count!"

"Hey that's not a bad idea use the breakup for inspiration," Drew suggested painfully wishing he had spoken first. "If you want to get something down then give me a shout we can bring on the lyrics and get a story going for you to sing. Personally though I think the real lesson here is to simply not start a romantic thing with Bob Seager!"

The whole group burst out laughing at poor Bobs expense and started to pack up their kit.

Bob was left in the studio as Abi, Drew and Jimmy left the building. The boys jumped into the beaten-up four-by-four parked outside, "You want a lift with us Abs?" Drew asked.

"No it's ok guys, I think I'll go for a walk and think for a bit. Maybe pop into a bar or café on the way back." Abi replied.

"Hey, you're headed back to Green Hills, that's over an hour away on foot, at least let us drop you part of the way." Drew insisted.

"Oh, ok then, you can drop me by the  campus and I can walk from there. You won't be going out of your way either as that's on the route to the La Quinta Inn in Morriswood." Abi suggested. She hopped into the back of the vehicle.

"Hey, let's go Mr Driver! You know where you headed?" Drew asked Jimmy.

"Hell yeah." Jimmy replied as he pulled out of the parking bay and onto Edgehill Avenue.

The journey took the trio down 17th and 18th Avenues, onto Portland Avenue, past the Belmont University campus before heading along Belmont Boulevard. After a journey of only 15 minutes the four by four pulled up outside of Liscomb Soccer Complex at the junction of Shackleford Road.

Abi hopped out of the vehicle, "You sure you dont want us to drop you further?" Drew asked hopefully. Abi chose to decline and said goodbye to the guys and leaving the four by four heading toward Green Hills. Drew and Jimmy continued onto their cheap but comfortable accommodation on the other side of town.
"What was that with Abi?" Jimmy asked.