Starting From the Top (Starting from 5)

I craned my neck, noting the glow from the neon lights against the twilight sky. I felt a familiar swell of pride every time I drove by. Five years ago, Vibes had represented a new chapter in my personal life and the biggest risk of my career. It had paid off in spades and introduced me to major LGBTQ investors and philanthropists like Darren and Harry. I wouldn’t be trying to wrap my head around multi-hundred-million-dollar deals if it hadn’t been for Vibes.

Damn, those numbers were big…and kind of scary. On to the next worry. The kids were fine. Parker had agreed to a guitar lesson on Saturday and—fuck, I forgot to call Johnny to confirm.

I asked my Bluetooth to dial his number as I turned left on La Cienega.

“Yo,” he answered.

“Uh…yo?”

Johnny chuckled at my stiff greeting. The cheery, melodic sound made my heart thump and skip a beat.

“This must be Sean.”

“How’d you guess?”

“You gave me your number, genius. And you questioned my ‘yo.’ My friends don’t usually do that.”

“Ah, and I thought we were friends.” I paused for a moment, then added, “Yo.”

Johnny guffawed merrily. “I suppose a late ‘yo’ works. What can I do for you, Sean, ol’ buddy ol’ pal?”

“I was calling to confirm a guitar lesson for Parker, if that’s something you’re still willing to do. I can pay you—”

“Don’t piss me off. Of course, I’ll do it. I’m free Saturday. I’m assuming the weekend is better. You can text me and let me know what time.”

“Sorry, I probably should have texted now, but I’m in my SUV and every time I use the dictation on my cell, autocorrect fails me.”

“I had the most epic autocorrect fail today. No joke. I texted a friend who asked about my place. We went back and forth with tame commentary about the size of the house and the yard, then I wrote, ‘You should see my dick. It’s huge.’ ”

His laughter bounced off the skylight and around the interior of the Range Rover. I couldn’t help joining in.

“And you meant to say?”

“My deck is huge,” he snorted. “It was kind of mortifying. Michel is my old boss at Aromatique. We aren’t the kind of friends who talk about anatomy in any form whatsoever. Thankfully, he responded with ten laughing emojis. Good to know he has a sense of humor. Since we’re talking now…what time on Saturday?”

“Eleven?”

“That works,” Johnny replied. “Tell me what I need to know about Parker.”

I furrowed my brow. “Well, nothing really. He’s a bright kid. He loves science, he’s good at math, and he knows his way around computers. He’s a little shy and reserved, but if he’s comfortable with someone, he’ll talk their ear off about Star Wars. Oh, and he loves Skittles.”

“I remember that. What does he think about having a lesson?” he asked.

“He didn’t say much, but he agreed to do it.”

“Hmm. Like a chore. Or a favor he’s doing to get you off his back.”

I sighed. “There’s some truth to that. Parker doesn’t talk much. He’s been withdrawn lately and—”

“Dude, I’m not a psychologist. Guys like me do more damage than good,” Johnny scoffed.

“No, you’re perfect.”

“Gee, thanks. How so?”

“You’re not me,” I replied flatly.

“I see. He has daddy issues, eh?”

“I hope not. Parker’s sensitive and he keeps a lot inside. His sister is the opposite. Penny talks to everyone. She’s open and easygoing. Within ten minutes of meeting her, you’ll find out more than you ever wanted to know. She strings sentences together like she’s weaving a tapestry on a time crunch. She’s always smiling and laughing and…she’s fun.”

“And Parker isn’t?”

“No, that’s not it. Parker’s amazing. He’s just harder to reach,” I explained.

I darted my gaze from the sea of red taillights to the screen on my console when Johnny went silent. I wondered if I’d said too much. It was more than I usually shared, that was for sure.

“Hmm. Okay. Eleven a.m. on Saturday. Does he have a guitar?”

“Uh, no. Should I buy one?”

“No, I can lend him one. No point in spending dough on something he might not like. I’ll drop one off at your doorstep tomorrow.”

“You don’t have to make a special trip,” I said, steering up the incline leading to the residential area tucked in the hills.

“He should have a couple of days to strum it and get used to the weight and feel of it. It might make it seem more like his thing if he can hold something tangible.”

I nodded in the dark. “That’s a good idea. But I don’t want you to make a special trip. Are you home? I can pick it up now.”

“Sure.” Johnny rattled off his address. “See you soon.”

A few minutes later, I parked at the curb in front of his mid-century modern home. I took a moment to admire the clean lines and tasteful landscaping as I headed up the winding path.