by S Lee

Disclaimers: See Part 1.

Your feedback is very welcome and appreciated. You can contact me at: s.lee@e-scribblers.com

Copyright © 2004 by S Lee. All Rights Reserved.

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Kat had spent the previous two months helping with her daughter's school musical and trying to be the best parent she could be. She went to her AA meetings religiously, picked her daughters up from school, and worked on the recording studio she was designing. She had dinner with Beth and the kids at least once a week. She spent every other weekend with her girls. Her house was finished and her ex-wife was helping her decorate. The former lovers had forged a strong friendship and worked together to raise their two children.

She was downtown on Lamar Street one day and decided to stop by the old music store where she had worked so many years before. Grinning, she walked in the door. The old man who had been her boss long ago was still standing at the counter. She walked up to him. "Mr. Johnson? I'm not sure if you remember me..."

"Kat Green," the old man interrupted. "How the hell you doin', girl?" He walked around the counter and hugged her tightly. "It's good to see you. I heard you had yourself a bit of trouble."

"It's good to see you too. I've been good. I've got a drinking problem, but I got some help and I'm doing much better. I'm back in town now and I've got two daughters. So, how about you? I can't believe you're still here. It's been twenty years."

"Oh, I've been good. Can't complain. In fact, I'm retirin' and sellin' this old place."

"Good for you." Suddenly Kat was struck with an idea. "You got a buyer yet?"

"Not yet. I just put it up for sale."

"Let me buy it."

"What?"

"Let me buy this place. I loved working here. I'll keep it going like you have."

"You don't even know what I'm askin' for this old place?"

Kat laughed. "I don't care. I want this store. I had some of the best times of my life here. I can have the money sent to you by the end of the week. Besides, you know I'm the only one who will run it the way it should be."

The old man grinned. "Kat, you got yourself a music store with a full inventory."

Kat returned the smile and hugged the man. "Thanks, Mr. Johnson. How many employees do you have here?"

"Ten. They're mostly part-time."

"Why don't we call a staff meeting for tomorrow night? I think the transition would work better if we could get any questions out of the way together."

The man nodded. "I agree. I've got three employees here now. Come meet them."

"I'd like that."

Mr. Johnson called the staff over. Two men and one young woman walked up. "Guys, this is your new boss. This is..."

The woman grinned. "Kat Green! Oh wow! Oh wow!"

Kat laughed. The former owner continued, "So you already know her. She used to work here back in college. She worked here in the store and gave lessons, so she knows what she's doin'. She's also one of the best damn pickers I've ever worked with."

Kat shook her head. "Thanks. Basically, I'm not going to change things too much. We'll go over any ideas we all have as they come up. It's good to meet y'all."

The staff smiled and looked excited about working for someone as famous as Kat. The old man walked with Kat behind the desk and began to show her around, pointing out where everything was kept. He explained the payroll and before she knew it, she had been there several hours and it was time to meet the girls.

"Mr. Johnson, I've got to go pick up my daughters from school. But, I will see you in the morning. Have the papers drawn up and I'll sign them and have the money wired to your bank. I'm really excited about this. You won't be sorry."

Her old boss smiled. "I know I won't. You've always been one of my favorite kids." He handed her a set of keys. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Kat could barely contain her excitement. Ideas were buzzing around in her head. On the way to the school, she dialed Beth's mobile phone.

"Hey, Kat. What's up?"

"Hey, 'Scilla. What are you doing tonight?"

"Tonight is your night with the girls, so I was going to work on a paper that I'm preparing for publication."

"Come have dinner with us. I've got a surprise and I'm taking everyone out."

"What's the surprise?"

"You'll find out tonight. It's really, really great. I'll come pick you up this evening and drop you off in the morning."

"No, why don't you drop me off at my truck after your little surprise. I don't want to leave it downtown all night. Pick me up at five."

"Great!"

Scout and Presley climbed into Kat's tan Escalade.

Scout greeted her mother, "Hi, Mom."

Smiling, Kat looked at her daughter. "Hey, baby girl. How was your day?"

"It was great! I got an A on my math test."

"That's my girl. You're smart like your other mother. Do you have a lot of homework tonight?"

"I've got my vocabulary sentences to write and a science worksheet to do."

The singer looked over at her other daughter. "And how was your day sweetie?"

"It was good. My voice lesson went really great. Ms. Walker thinks I'm going to do well at the competition. Don't forget, I've got the District Solo and

Ensemble competition this Saturday."

"Super. I haven't forgotten. Ask the girls in your quartet if they'd like to spend the night and all go together on Saturday."

"That would be so much fun. I'll call everyone tonight."

"What kind of homework do you have?"

"I've got to diagram sentences. I hate that. And we got this new book today in reading. It's called Go Ask Alice. It's an old book, have you ever read it?"

"Yes, years ago, when I was a teenager. There's a lot of controversy surrounding it."

"That's what our teacher said. I've heard some parts are gross."

"It's very graphic, but a good book for you to read. I want both of you to work on your homework immediately. We have to go pick up your mother at five. I've got a surprise for everyone and I'm taking y'all out to dinner."

Scout got really excited. "Cool. What is it?"

Kat laughed. " I'm not telling. You'll have to wait."

Later that afternoon, Kat and the girls picked Beth up. Beth smiled at her family. "How was everyone's day?"

Scout smiled. "It was great."

"How about you Presley?"

"It was good. I need you to check my sentence diagrams."

"Alright."

The blonde looked over at her former lover, "So what is this big surprise?"

With a sly grin, Kat suggested, "Why don't we go get dinner first?"

The group interrupted her. "NO!"

Laughing, the singer gave in. "Okay, okay."

She pulled up in front of the music store. Beth immediately recognized the place. "This is where you worked when we met."

Kat nodded, with an enormous grin on her face. "Yep. Let's go in."

Presley began to get excited. "Am I getting a new guitar?"

Her mother shook her head. "No. Well, not yet anyway." She opened the door and held out the keys. "I bought it today. This is my new store."

Beth looked at her, surprised. "Really? You bought this place?"

"Yep. Mr. Johnson was still here. I came in this morning to check out guitars and a new piano because I gave mine to you for Presley to use. He said he was selling the store and retiring. I offered to buy it and the inventory on the spot. I got the keys and he is having the papers drawn up. I spent the day here and will probably completely take over on Monday. I'll still come get you girls after school every day and your Mom can pick you up from the shop. You can do your homework in the rehearsal rooms."

Presley was beaming. "This is so cool, Mom. Can I work here? Can I play any instrument here?"

"Yes, if it's alright with your mother, and yes, if you're careful with them."

Scout chimed in, "I wanna work here too."

They all looked at Beth. "Look at your three hound dog faces. Yes, of course, you can both work here; after your homework is done."

Kat grinned and winked at her. There were two new staff members at the shop who excitedly came up to the singer.

"Ms. Green? We heard you bought the place. I'm Robin and this is Joey. We're big fans of yours."

Kat chuckled. "Please, call me Kat and yes, I'm the new owner. These are my girls, Scout and Presley. They'll be here with me every afternoon. This is their other mom, Beth."

Robin stared in awe of the famous singer, "You're actually going to work here too?"

"Yes I am. I take over completely on Monday."

"That's really cool. We're all buzzing about the news, even the people who didn't come in today."

"Good. I used to work here myself many years ago."

A customer came in the store and began looking at amplifiers. Robin noticed. "I've got to go help that man, but I'm looking forward to working with you."

Kat nodded and looked at her family. "What does everybody think?"

Presley was on cloud nine. "This is way cool!" Her mouth nearly watered, as she viewed all the instruments that she couldn't wait to get her hands on.

Scout was also enthusiastic. "Do I get paid a commission?"

Kat laughed. "Just slow down there hot shot." The singer looked at Beth.

"What do you think, 'Scilla?"

The teacher looked up at her. "I think it's wonderful hon. I'm very proud of you."

Kat leaned down and hugged her ex-lover tightly. "Thanks, it means a lot to me. I want you to be proud of me. I want you to see that I've changed."

Beth stared into her ex-wife's vulnerable face and could feel her heart melting. She shook off the urge to kiss the taller woman. 'No, stop that. It's over. We're through and I can't go back there.'

The women shared a few short electrical moments as everything seemed to stop around them. They didn't even notice that they were holding hands. The two girls grinned, watching their mothers connect. The ringing of the doorbell broke the shared moment. Kat smiled shyly. "Why don't we go ahead and get dinner? The girls still have school tomorrow."

Beth returned the expression. "Let's go." A month had passed since Kat bought the music store. She had an opening celebration and christened the new store and name. "Guitar Town" replaced "South Austin Music." Some people came specifically to see Kat, but were impressed by the selection of instruments and usually bought something. She grew accustomed to the new schedule, spending her days at the store. Presley was earning a new guitar by restringing guitars, mandolins, banjos, and violins. One morning, a woman walked into the store and stood and stared at Kat who was standing behind the counter, going over employee schedules.

The woman spoke, "Well, well, well. I had heard that some big celebrity bought this old place, so I had to see with my own eyes."

Kat looked up and grinned. She quickly walked over to the woman and embraced her enthusiastically. Kat pulled back to look at her old friend. "Oh, my God! Lainie Albright! I haven't seen you in so damn long. You look great."

Lainie beamed. "It's good to see you too. You, my friend, look awesome. How've you been?"

"I've been good. I'm on the wagon, working out, working hard, and hanging out with my kids."

"I'm glad to hear it. Are you still playing?"

"Of course. I put a studio in my house and I teach Presley."

"Oh wow. How old is she now?"

"She's going to be fourteen in June."

"You're kidding? I remember when she was born. You were nuts about that kid."

"I still am. She's a hell of a little picker and singer. I've also got another daughter, Scout. She recently turned ten. She doesn't play, but she's a great writer, dancer and the sweetest thing. She takes after Beth."

Both women laughed. "How is Beth? I heard you two split up."

Kat confirmed, "Yeah. It's been almost a year now. We're best friends now and we're raising our girls together. It took us several months to get to that point, but it's good. She's doing well. How about you and Kim?"

"She's great. We're still together. It's been fifteen years."

"That is wonderful. So are you still playing?"

Lainie nodded. "Yes, I am. In fact, it's one of the reasons I stopped by. I heard you were in town and then I found out you bought this old place. I've got a group of women who play together. We don't tour or anything. We mostly hang out one night a week and play. We do bluegrass, country, some acoustic rock. I was wondering if you'd like to join us. We meet every Tuesday night."

"I'd love to. Why don't you meet here next Tuesday? We close at seven."

Lainie grinned. "That would be great. I'll let the girls know. I've got to go. It's good to see you Kat. Take care of yourself."

"Thanks for coming in. I'll see you."

The two women shared a hug and the old friend left.

Beth sat in her office working on her paper when there was a knock on her door. "Come in," she called.

Emma, her colleague and friend, poked her head in the door. "Hey, you. What are you up to?"

Beth smiled. "Hey, Emma, I'm working on this damn article. I welcome the distraction. Come in; have a seat."

Emma sat down. "How's it coming?"

"Alright. It should be done by the deadline."

"Good. What are you doing this Friday night?"

Beth thought for a minute. "Nothing I know of. What do you have in mind?"

The woman grinned at her friend. "I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner and then maybe go to a jazz club?"

Beth was taken aback by the question. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

Emma laughed nervously. "Yes, I am. I've liked you for a long time. I enjoy your friendship and your company. I think you're a wonderful woman and I'd like to take you out on a date."

"I'm sorry. I guess I'm just surprised. It has been so long since I've been out on a date. I was with the same person for over twenty years. Dinner sounds nice, Emma. I'd like that. I enjoy your company as well."

The teacher smiled. "Good. So, I will pick you up at your place at seven on Friday."

"I'm looking forward to it."

Friday evening came and Beth was in her room throwing clothes around. 'What do I wear? I haven't been on a date in over twenty years.' She looked at herself in the mirror. The black dress fit her slim waist beautifully. She looked through her jewelry, picking out a black onyx necklace and earrings. The phone rang. It was Kat on the other line.

"Hi, Beth. We're about to rent some movies and get some Chinese. Why don't you come over and join us?"

"Sorry, I can't. I have a date."

Kat's heart stopped. "A date? Since when? With whom?"

"Emma, from the department. She asked me a few days ago and I said 'yes.'"

"Why didn't you tell me sooner? Well, where are you going and what are you doing? What is she like? What does she look like?"

"I wasn't sure how to tell you. She is another professor at the university. She is a very nice woman. We're going out to dinner and a jazz club and it's none of your business."

Kat had to force herself not to cry. "I guess not. You're right. I'm not used to it."

"I know and I'm sorry if this hurts you. But, we both have to move on. Can you please wish me luck?"

Kat swallowed the lump in her throat. "Good luck. Have fun." She wiped the tears from her eyes.

The teacher hung up the phone, distracted. She decided on a pair of black pumps. Beth looked at herself in the mirror while she sprayed perfume on her wrists and neck. 'Not bad.' The phone ringing again caught her attention. "Hello."

"Hi, Beth. I'm at the gate. Can you buzz me in?"

"Hi, Emma. Sure. Come on in."

Emma rang the doorbell and was greeted at the door with a smile. She held out a large floral bouquet. "Hi. You're beautiful."

The blonde teacher smiled and appraised her date in a tan suit. "You're quite lovely yourself. These flowers are gorgeous, thank you. Why don't you come in for a minute and I'll put these in some water?"

Emma stepped into the house and looked around. "This place is amazing."

"Thanks."

"Where are the girls?"

"They're at Kat's for the weekend."

"That's convenient, isn't it?"

She put the vase of flowers on the kitchen table. "Yes it is. I'm all done. Let's go."

Emma smiled and offered her arm, which Beth accepted. The two women walked out the door, arm in arm. As they approached the car, Kat and the girls drove by. Kat couldn't take her eyes off Beth, who was stunning. She watched Emma open the door and the smile on Beth's face. She felt her heart tear. The girls noticed too.

Presley was angry. "Who is that with Mom and where are they going?"

Kat answered, "Your Mom is on a date. That is a friend of hers from the university."

Presley protested. "She can't go out on a date. She's supposed to be with you."

Scout looked confused. "Am I gonna have another Mom?"

Kat's temper was short. "Your mother has every right to date. We aren't married anymore. You can't expect her spend all her time with us. Just don't worry about it, okay?"

Scout questioned, "But....?"

Kat didn't let her finish. She raised her voice, "Leave your mother alone. It's none of our business. Don't ask anymore questions."

The car became very quiet. The singer heard her younger daughter sniffling and crying softly in the back. She turned to her other daughter sitting beside her, looking out the window. She felt badly about her reaction to their questions.

She pulled the SUV over to the side of the road and turned to them. "I'm sorry girls. I didn't mean to snap at you. Your Mom has been alone for over a year. I left her alone a lot when she and I were together. I made your mother very sad. She deserves to be happy. I didn't make her happy, which is why we split up. Your mother and I have worked very hard to become friends. I want her to be happy. She's a beautiful woman and there are lots of women who will want to spend time with her."

Presley looked at her mother. "You still love her, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. We had something very special and wonderful, which is why we had you girls. But, it's over. Sometimes, it's hard for me to face that. I'm sorry I took it out on you two."

"I'm sorry you're sad Mom."

The parent responded to her daughter. "Thanks Presley. But, I'll be fine. So, let's get some movies; the funnier, the better."

Beth enjoyed spending the evening with her date. Emma was intelligent, attractive, and very easy to be with. Beth had forgotten what it was like to be out with another woman like this. After dinner at Mezzaluna, the couple went to listen to some live jazz. Conversation came easily and Beth found herself attracted to her date. At the end of the evening, Emma walked the blonde to her door.

"I really had a great time Beth. You're a beautiful, sweet, and brilliant woman. I'd really like to see you again." The tall blonde held the smaller woman's hands.

Beth smiled softly. "I'd like that too."

Emma leaned down and kissed her date gently. "I'll see you at school Monday."

"Goodnight, Emma. Thanks for a great night. Bye."

After the girls went to sleep, Kat sat in her room with a pencil, a paper, and her guitar.

"Face of an angel; pretty eyes that shine.
I lie awake at night, wishing you were mine.
I'm standing here holding the biggest heartache in town
Whenever you come around.
I get weak in the knees; and I lose my breath.
Oh I try to speak but the words won't come
I'm so scared to death.
And when you smile that smile, the world turns upside down
Whenever you come around.
I feel so helpless; I feel just like a kid.
What is it about you that keeps my feelings hid?
I wish I could tell you, but the words can't be found
Whenever you come around.


I get weak in the knees and I lose my breath.
Oh I try to speak but the words won't come
I'm so scared to death.
And when you smile that smile
The world turns you upside down
Whenever you come around.
Whenever you come around."

Continued in Part 5

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