She walked in, and saw a line of people standing at a closed office door. Clearly, they were band members waiting to register for an audition. A couple of the guys had their electric guitars strapped on their backs.

Sondra was quite familiar with Billy-Eye and his two sons. She’d eaten her share of Buttard Biscuits growing up. And she still remembered the time in high school when Craig walked up to her in the hallway and asked her for a date. She had nearly laughed in his face. He was just a kid—three grades below her.

A couple of years later, when she found out about his reputation as a stud, she wished she had accepted his offer. She would have given the little punk the ride of his life.

While she was still thinking about Craig, the office door opened, and he walked out.

He glanced at the long line of rockers. “Okay, we’re about to get started, Guys.” Then he spotted Sondra at the back of the line. The blonde six-footer was not easy to miss.

“Sondra Crench? Is that you?” He walked up to her.

“How are you, Craig?”

“Well, I’m impressed that you remember me. So, you’re here to sign up?”

“Yeah.”

He checked out the young men standing in front of her. “Are these guys with you?”

“No.”

“Well, where’s your band?”

“I’m working on it.”

“Follow me.”

She hesitated. There were at least thirty people in front of her in line.

“Come on,” he insisted.

She followed him into the office.

“Hey! That’s not fair,” somebody yelled.

“Look,” said Craig to the crowd, “I’m doing the hiring, so I will decide what’s fair. Understood?”

Nobody said a word. He closed the door.

There were four metal chairs facing a large wooden desk. Craig offered her a seat. The leather executive chair behind the desk gave Craig a superior position from which to look down on lowly band members sitting in old metal chairs in front of him.

He surprised Sondra when he grabbed one of the metal chairs for himself, and dragged it right in front of her. When he sat down their knees were nearly touching.

“It’s great to see you, Sondra.”

What’s he doing? she wondered. Is he going to register me or make a move on me? “Yeah. It’s been a long time.”

“So, what have you been doing with yourself?” He acted as if he had all the time in the world.

“Living in Houston, playing clubs. Sometimes solo, but mostly with a band. I sing lead, play rhythm guitar. Write songs.”

“I always loved it when you’d perform at the annual high school talent show. I just knew you’d get a big record contract some day.”

“Nope. Came close a couple of times. But it’s a tough business.”

“I’ll bet. So, are you living here in the Golden Triangle now, or did you come back just to audition for (he cleared his throat and used his movie trailer voice) Billy-Eye’s Arcade and Dance Barn?”

“That’s good—you sound just like one of those announcers. I saw your ad in the paper, and thought this might be a cool gig.” He was asking too many questions. But she really wanted the job. And giving him a bloody nose was not likely to help her get it. “I’ve got plenty of work in Houston,” she lied. “But this just sounded like fun.”

“But you don’t have a band right now?”

“I can get one together before the audition. It’s not a problem. And I’m writing a couple of songs especially for this place.”

Craig smiled. Original songs for Billy-Eye’s. If they were good catchy songs, that would be a big plus. “Can’t wait to hear them. Do you have anybody in mind for your band?”

“Yeah. There’s a bass player I used to work with in Houston.”

“Have you talked to him yet?”

“Her. I left a message, but she hasn’t called me back yet.”

“So, are we talking an all-girl band?”

“Yeah.”

His face lit up. “Then I have a suggestion for you.”

“What’s that?” She didn’t really want to hear it. Nobody was going to tell her how to put her band together. She’d been in the business for fifteen years.

“Yesterday I met this girl named Cindy Banya. She’s a drummer.”

“How old is she?”

“Late twenties, I think.”

Then she’s not a girl, thought Sondra. I’m not a girl. We’re women. But, of course, Craig is just a big boy. And he’ll probably never grow up. “Have you heard her play?”

“Well, no. But I’m sure she very good.”

“She’s hot, isn’t she?”

“Uh, yeah, she is.”

“Look, Craig, I’ll give her a listen, but she’d better be a rock-solid drummer, or I’ve got no use for her.”

“Oh, I’m sure she is. And a sexy girl band would stand a much better chance of getting the job. So—“

“—I get it. When can I hear her play?”

“Tonight. I’ll set it up.”

“Okay.”

He reached across the desk, picked up a clipboard and pen, and began to study the audition schedule. “Let’s see…we want to give you a good time slot…”

“Is everybody auditioning on the same night?”

“Well, we had hoped there would be enough bands to spread them out over three nights, but—you saw the line out there. It looks like we’re going to be able to do everybody on Friday night.”

“I want to go last.”

“Okay. But the kids might be pretty tired by 11:30. And some of the younger ones might have already gone home.”

“So, is that how you win—by getting the most screams and applause from the kids?”

“Yeah. Sort of. But I make the final decision.”

“Of course.” Sondra understood. Wink, wink. If she accepted Craig’s new little plaything into her band, they would be sure to win on Friday night. But what if the kids went crazy over one of the other bands, and she was stuck with a lousy drummer? Billy-Eye might override Craig. Her band needed to be the most exciting, unique, outrageous group Orange County had ever seen.

“What’s the name of your band? Oh, I guess you don’t have one yet.”

“I’ve got some ideas.”

“Well, I don’t whether you’ve heard, but we’ve put the word out that we would prefer a band with a local-sounding name. You know, like The Sabine Rivers, or The Triangulars. Of course, you won’t want to use either of those names since I’m giving them as examples. Chances are, one of these bands will.”

Don’t worry, she thought. She’d already had something a lot better. It had just hit her. But she didn’t want to tell him yet. That would spoil the effect. “What’s the latest I can give you the name?”

“Wednesday morning. I’m going to record a radio spot that afternoon.”

“Okay.”

They exchanged cell phone numbers. He said he would call her a little later to set up a time to meet with Cindy.

She walked out the door and saw the line of losers. They don’t stand a chance, she thought.

Then she noticed a newcomer at the end of the line. She was petite, mid-twenties, long black hair. Did she bring that big red guitar, or did it bring her? Sondra had no idea whether the girl could play, but she loved her instrument. It was a Gibson ES-335 with classic 1957 humbucker pickups. “Nice.”

“Thanks.”

“What’s the name of your band?”

“Rainbow Bridge.”

“Y’all renamed your band for this gig, didn’t you?”

“Yeah. Dumb, huh?”

“Well, they do want something local sounding.”

Rainbow Bridge was about twenty miles from where they were standing, between Bridge City and Port Arthur. It was built in 1938, yet is still the tallest bridge in Texas.

“I don’t know where the rest of my band is. They should have been here by now.”

“I’m Sondra.” She offered her hand.

“E. Z.”

Sondra looked amused.

“No, no. Not Easy. It’s initials. E. Z. Bender.”

“Oh, I get it. You play lead guitar.”

“Right.”

“I like it.”

“Thanks.”

Sondra leaned in, and whispered, “Could you come over here for a minute?”

E. Z. nodded and followed her some thirty feet away from the line.

“Would you be interested in auditioning for my band?”

“I told you I’m already in a band,” said E. Z. “They’re just running late.”

“Yeah, but would you consider a change for the better?”

E. Z. studied Sondra’s eyes, and saw mischief—maybe even danger. “Sure.”

“Good. How about getting together tonight?”

“That’ll work. Do you already have a name for your band?”

“Yes, I do.” She waited a moment, for effect. “Orange Puke.”

“Sounds nasty.”

“Yeah.” Sondra laughed. “We’re gonna blow chunks. But in a good way.”

END OF EXCERPT

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Everybody wanted to be forgiven. But when it came to forgiving others—many people fight it. The pastor said these folks were the Forgiveness Fighters. He read a scripture passage.

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

When Greg heard these verses, which he knew by memory, it was like a slap in the face. How many times had he already forgiven his father? But he knew that ‘seventy times seven’ did not mean literally 490 times. The number ‘seven’ in the Bible symbolized completeness. It meant forgiving an unlimited number of times. But how could Greg ever forgive his father for killing his mother?

Maybe if Greg had been there it wouldn’t have happened. But he had moved out of the house during his first semester at Lamar University—even though it was only forty minutes away, in Beaumont. A fellow music major had been more than happy to let Greg share the little rent house and the expenses.

Ralph Tenorly had sent his wife to the grocery store for more chips and dip. The big game was already starting, and there were no snacks in the house. But on her way back home, a pickup truck blew through a stop sign, crashing into the driver’s side of the car. Barbara was killed instantly.

Couldn’t Ralph have done without the stupid chips and dip? Or driven to the store himself?

Greg knew he needed to forgive his father. The instructions from the Bible were clear. And he would forgive him. But not today.

**********

“What did you think of the sermon, Mom?” Cynthia asked her the question every week.

“Very good,” said Beverly. “It’s so important to forgive people. Holding grudges will just eat you up inside.”

Cynthia nodded in agreement.

Greg acted as though he wasn’t listening—looking around to see if he knew anybody standing in line. Luby’s Cafeteria was always crowded at this time of day, when the church people arrived. “I’m going to have the fried Cod today.”

“I love their fried fish,” said Beverly.

“Yeah. It’s got that crunchy coating,” said Greg. “That’s what makes it so good.”

“It’s pretty fattening though,” said Cynthia. “You could get the broiled fish instead.”

“That’s okay. I don’t eat it very often,” said Greg, holding in his stomach.

They slowly made their way up to the food, filled their trays, and found a table. Once Greg had said a prayer of blessing, they began to eat.

“Greg and I have been invited to his dad’s 75th birthday party,” said Cynthia. “But he and his dad are not on speaking terms.”

“That’s why he didn’t come to the wedding?” said Beverly.

“Right,” said Cynthia.

“Well, how long has this been going on?” said Beverly

Greg wished that Cynthia had not brought it up. “A few years.”

“Oh, Greg,” said Beverly, “that’s terrible. You need to work things out with him—like in today’s sermon. You need to forgive each other. Life’s just too short.”

“I know,” said Greg.

“We need to go to his birthday party,” said Cynthia. “Then you’d have a chance to sit down and talk to him.”

No, no, no! Greg wanted to scream it. But he knew Cynthia was right. It would be a waste of time trying to talk to his dad. But, for Cynthia…he would try.

**********

“This is not gonna work, Sondra,” said Val. “I said you could stay here for a few weeks, but you’re eating up all my food.”

“What?” Sondra kept her eyes on the TV, reaching into the family-sized bag to grab another potato chip. “I’ll pay you back.”

“Okay.” Val didn’t move.

“Right now?”

“Yes, right now—before you eat the whole bag.”

Sondra sat the bag down beside her on the couch, reached into her purse, and pulled out a five-dollar bill. “Here you go.”

Val snatched it out of her hand. “And from now on, buy your own food.”

“Fine. I will.”

“And I’m gonna need some money for rent and utilities.”

Sondra muted the TV. “You’re kidding.”

“No, I’m not. Look, I barely get by as it is. I can’t afford any extra expenses.”

“Okay. How about fifty a week?”

“Seventy-five.”

Sondra gritted her teeth. “Fine.”

“In advance.”

Sondra’s nerve endings began to tingle—the way they always did right before she performed her magic act. In the blink of an eye, she could transform a living, breathing human into a corpse. She slipped her hand into her purse, and felt the large, cold pocket knife. In less than a second, without even thinking, the knife would be out, the blade exposed. Val would barely see the flash of metal before it ripped into her chest and punctured her heart.

She saw Val collapse to the floor—in her mind. She would have to leave town. Her plans would be destroyed. It’s just not worth it, she thought, taking a slow, deep breath. She retrieved the seventy-five dollars from her purse and handed it to her evil witch of a mother.

**********

“Shouldn’t we test out these popcorn machines?” Lenny could almost taste the buttery stuff.

“We just ate hamburgers two hours ago,” said Craig. “And I’m sure they work just fine.”

Their voices echoed in the huge metal building that was becoming Billy-Eye’s Arcade and Dance Barn.

“But what if they don’t? Daddy’s gonna be mad.”

“Okay, yeah, I guess you’re right. So, where’s the popcorn?”

Lenny’s blank look gave his answer.

“Well, I guess it was a good idea to try out these machines—so we’d realize that we don’t even have any popcorn!” He punched Lenny in the arm.

“Hey, nobody told me to buy the popcorn.”

“Well, can’t you figure out anything for yourself?”

“Hey, did you hear that?”

“Don’t try to change the subject.” But then Craig heard it too. “Somebody’s knocking.”

“I told you.”

Craig walked across the wide-open concrete floor, and unlocked and opened the door. He was going to be rude to whoever it was. It was Sunday afternoon—why was somebody bothering them? They needed to get some work done.

Then he saw her. She was beautiful—mid to late twenties, short thick blonde hair. “May I help you?” And oh, how he wanted to help her.

“Yes. I’m here about the auditions for the house band.” She had a slight accent. It was sexy, European.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Registration is tomorrow…at 1:00 PM. You’re not from around here, are you?”

“Yes. I live in Little Cypress.”

How was this possible? Craig thought he had met every available woman within a fifty-mile radius. He had dated most of them.

“So, I’ll come back tomorrow,” she said, and then turned to walk away.

The sexiest butt he’d ever seen was leaving him. “What’s your name?” he blurted out.

She stopped and turned around. “Cindy. Cindy Banya.”

He walked out to her. “I’m Craig.” He held out his hand.

“Good to meet you, Craig,” she said, shaking his hand. “So, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Could I buy you a cup of coffee?”

“Okay,” she said, holding out her hand for the money.

How long has she been in this country? he wondered. “No. I meant—”

“—I know what you meant.” She grinned. “Come on—we’ll take my car.”

“Great.”

As they walked toward her little convertible, he said, “What’s the name of your band?”

“Well, I’m not actually in a band right now. I was hoping to hook up with one that needs a good drummer.”

“I like your accent. Where are you from?”

“I grew up in Dallas. My family and I just moved here a few weeks ago.”

Craig felt better. That’s why he had never met her.

“My parents are Russian.” And then, in a perfect Texas twang, she said, “But I’m a true-blue Texan.”

“Yes, you are. And a beautiful one.”

“Thank you. Now, where are we going?” she said, as they got into her car.

“You ever been to The Buttard Biscuit?”

“What’s that?”

“You’re in for a treat, Honey. It’s my family’s restaurant. Our biscuits are better than cherry pie.”

“Sounds great.”

Lenny walked out the door just in time to see his brother and some blonde driving away.

Maybe it was time to go home for a while. Surely she could put up with her mother for a few weeks while looking for work.

She opened her Favorites list and clicked on the link for The Orange Leader. Sondra had not been back to her home town in a long time, but she liked to keep up with what was going on there. Occasionally, she’d see one of her old classmates in a wedding announcement. Those people led real lives, and held real jobs. As a working musician, she lived in a completely different world. She had more in common with actresses than a secretaries.

She checked the Classifieds. Nurses wanted. Nope. Part-time receptionist. Not enough pay.

Then she saw a full-page ad announcing the upcoming Grand Opening of Billy-Eye’s Arcade and Dance Barn. Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, 6:00 PM to Midnight. For ages 12-20. Free soft drinks and popcorn. Live band. Five bucks to get in. Only twenty-five cents for arcade games. Sounded pretty cool for kids. She wished there had been such a place when she was growing up there.

But what really caught her eye was the note about auditions for a house band. It would play two hours a night, and earn $2,000 per week. Divided by four band members…Sondra could actually live on that! Not very well—but she could get by. And besides, her band could do other gigs during the week to supplement it.

Only problem: the auditions were beginning next Friday night—and she didn’t have a band. Her all-girl group, Red Hot Curling Iron, had split up months ago. And there was no possibility of a reunion. Not after she broke the middle finger of her lead guitarist. But that thing would never point at her again.

The day for audition registration was Monday. She would go to Orange, sign up, and then put a band together. She was so excited that she wouldn’t be able to sleep. Maybe she’d write a song or two. Her dream of making a living as a musician was not dead after all.

First thing in the morning, she would go by Goldie’s Pawn Shop and get her Stratocaster and Fender amp out of hock. Then she’d make the two-and-a-half hour drive to Orange.

**********

“Judy, I need a another plate of biscuits.” He scarfed down two more bacon strips, followed by a large chunk of scrambled eggs. Billy-Eye Buttard didn’t weight 330 pounds from eating granola and yogurt. For him, it was bacon, eggs, hash browns, grits and biscuits seven days a week.

He blamed his father for his enormous size. If Billy Bob Buttard had gone into construction or the hardware business, maybe his son wouldn’t have learned such bad eating habits.

But who could resist his father’s special recipe biscuits? Everybody in Orange loved them. Folks would come to the restaurant and stuff themselves with them for breakfast, and then buy a couple dozen to take home. The Buttard Biscuit, better known as simply The Biscuit, was the most popular breakfast spot in town.

“You’re late.” Billy-Eye glared at his two grown sons as they approached his booth. Because of a ‘lazy eye’ condition that was never properly treated, he appeared to be looking out the window with his left eye while watching his sons with the right. It was the inspiration for a cruel childhood nickname that stuck. His real name was William I. Buttard. Nobody seemed to know what the ‘I’ stood for. But it must have been something even worse than being called ‘Billy-Eye.’ “You were supposed to be here at 6:00.”

“Don’t blame me,” said Lenny. “I was ready to go. But Craig wouldn’t get out of bed.”

“I had a date last night,” said Craig.

“You have a date every Friday night,” said Lenny.

“Yeah, but this one was special.” Craig grinned proudly and winked at Lenny.

“I don’t care,” said Billy-Eye. “If you two are serious about being partners with me on The Barn then you’ve got to get your act together—in a hurry. Otherwise, I’ll just hire somebody else—somebody I can depend on.”

“I’m sorry, Daddy,” said Craig. “You’re right. It won’t happen again.”

Billy Bob had died three months ago, leaving his son The Biscuit and a nice pile of cash to start his own venture. The restaurant brought in a good profit every year. But that was his dad’s success. Billy-Eye wanted to build a business of his own—from the ground up.

Judy delivered a fresh plate of biscuits. “What will you boys be having this morning? The usual?”

Before either of them could speak, Billy-Eye said, “They’re too late for a regular breakfast, Judy. They’ll just be having biscuits and coffee. Thanks.”

“Look, Boys, we’re opening next Friday night, and we’re nowhere near ready. Craig, I need you to take the truck over to Beaumont and pick up the popcorn machines and those other three arcade games.”

“I doubt either one of them are open on Saturday.”

“Well, if not, you can help Lenny with the plumbing. We’ve still got three new toilets to install in the men’s bathroom.”

Craig frowned. “Can’t you just hire a plumber to do that?”

“No.”

“I know you can afford it,” said Craig.

“That’s not the point, Boy. You need to get your hands dirty. So far, you don’t have a durn thing invested in this project. And yet you expect me to make you a partner.”

“But you know I don’t have any money, Daddy” said Craig.

“That’s why you need to invest some labor. Am I right?”

Craig wanted to make his fortune, and buy his own house and a fancy car or two and a powerful speed boat. He was 30 years old, and yet he had no education beyond high school, no valuable skills and no assets. “Yes, Sir. Your right. I’ll do whatever you say.”

**********

Norma handed Ralph a cup of coffee at the kitchen table. Then she sat down across from him and began to make notes in her spiral notebook.

“Thanks, Honey.” He took a sip and picked up the newspaper. Then he lowered it just enough to see her over the top. “Now, you promised you wouldn’t make a big fuss.”

“I’m not.”

“Just a few friends, right?”

“And Ed, of course,” she said.

“Good.” He returned to his paper for only a moment. “What about Greg? You didn’t invite him, did you?”

“Well…he is your son.”

“Norma! You know I don’t want to see him. And he don’t want to see me.”

“Well, I just thought I’d let him decide. How do you know he wouldn’t want to come? It’s your 75th birthday. It’s special.”

“I ain’t got no use for that holier-than-thou do-gooder. He thinks I’m the Devil. And maybe I am. But I don’t need him telling me so.”

“No, of course you’re not the Devil. And maybe he’s changed. How would you know? You haven’t talked to him in…how many years?”

“It don’t matter, Norma. He’ll never change. He’s been that way ever since that preacher got a hold of him. Barbara thought church would be good for him, so she started taking him. But by the time he was a teenager, I couldn’t hardly stand to be around the kid. I was glad when he went off to college. We finally had some peace in the house. Then Barbara had her accident…”

“I know. He should have been sympathetic. But instead, he blamed you. I remember.”

“I’ll never forgive him for that.”

“Oh, I don’t know. I think you could—if he’d meet you halfway.”

He reached across the table and gently held her hand. “Look, Honey, I know you always want everything to turn out right, and for everybody to be happy. But believe me, it just ain’t gonna happen.”

“He’s got a new wife, you know. Her name is Cynthia. You might really like her.”

He released her hand. “Not if she’s anything like that first wife of his.”

“And what if they have kids? You’d want to see your grandkids, wouldn’t you?”

He picked up the newspaper and pretended to read it.

“Of course you would. And so would I.”

Ralph Tenorly looked over at his new wife and longtime friend. He could see how much she wanted grandchildren. Norma and her first husband, Vic, had never been able to have kids. “Okay. I don’t care. He can come if he wants to.”

Norma smiled.

“But don’t get your hopes up.”

Cast of Characters
• Greg Tenorly
  Part-time private music instructor, part-time music minister at First Baptist Church, Coreyville.
• Cynthia Tenorly
  Vice President of First State Bank, Coreyville. Greg Tenorly’s wife.
• Ralph Tenorly
  Greg Tenorly’s father, who lives in Orange, Texas.
• Norma Tenorly
  Ralph Tenorly’s wife and Greg Tenorly’s stepmother.
• Edsel ‘Ed’ Torkman
  A mechanic and Greg Tenorly’s uncle who lives in Orange, Texas.
• Angie Silverstern
  Manager/co-owner of “Angie’s Country Fried Two-Step” restaurant, located in Orange, Texas.
• Herman Mayberly
  Angie Silverstern’s father and co-owner of the restaurant.
• Clifford Silverstern
  Angie Silverstern’s ex-husband.
• Sondra Crench
  Tall, blonde rocker. Forms the band “Orange Puke.”
• Valerie Crench
  Sondra Crench’s mother.
• E. Z. Bender
  Lead guitarist in the all-girl band “Orange Puke.”
• Boomer Hertz
  Bass guitarist in the all-girl band “Orange Puke.”
• Cindy Banya
  Drummer in the all-girl band “Orange Puke.”
• Billy I. “Billy-Eye” Buttard
  Owner of “The Buttard Biscuit,” a popular restaurant, and “Billy-Eye’s Arcade and Dance Barn.” Both are located in Orange, Texas.
• Craig and Lenny Buttard
  Billy-Eye’s grown sons.