CHAPTER SIX HUNDRED and THIRTY-FOUR

(part six)

“Let me,” Jeraine said. “I have to make Miss T’s tea anyway.”

Jeraine went into the kitchen. He made Tanesha’s tea and set it out so the water would cool off before he closed the lid of the travel mug. He grabbed a couple of bowls, spoons, milk, and a box of cereal.

When he got back to the couch, Jacob was asleep.

“Jake,” Jeraine said.

Jacob looked up at Jeraine and smiled.

“Perfect,” Jacob said.

Jeraine grinned. Jacob stood up to take the bowls and milk. Jeraine set the cereal down and went to the kitchen to get Tanesha’s tea. While he was gone, Jacob poured cereal into the bowls. Jeraine sat down and the men started eating. They ate in silence.

“How are you doing?” Jacob asked.

“I don’t know, man,” Jeraine said. “I’m just living day to day. It’s kind of weird.”

“I understand,” Jacob said.

“If I were honest,” Jeraine crunched at his cereal and swallowed. “I feel kind of cursed.”

“Cursed?” Jacob asked, setting his empty bowl on the table. “How so?”

“When I was a kid, everything I did was additive,” Jeraine said. “I sold a song and then an album and then I had a live concert in a small venue which grew to stadiums and. . . I know it had to end. It just seems like when I get things going, something happens and it doesn’t pan out.”

“You mean like Las Vegas?” Jacob asked.

Jeraine nodded.

“I understand,” Jacob said. “I was ‘done’ with Lipson, taking time to sort out what was next for me, and wham — I’m back dealing with the same old assholes and all of their ridiculous paperwork.”

Raising an eyebrow, Jeraine gave a nodd.

“I’ve been thinking,” Jacob said.

Jeraine lifted an eyebrow. Leaning forward, he put the top on Tanesha’s tea.

“Maybe we’re just not flexible enough,” Jacob said. “I mean, I can do this stuff. Not everyone can. Maybe I should not take myself so seriously and just get people to work.”

Jeraine bit the inside of his lip. Jacob raised an eyebrow.

“You’re talking about me,” Jeraine said.

“And me,” Jacob said.

“I only have a minute before I have to go,” Jeraine said. “Lay it out for me.”

“Did you know that we have a ballroom?” Jacob asked.

“A. . .” Jeraine leaned forward toward Jacob. “What?”

“Go pick up Tanesha,” Jacob said. “I can show you when you get back.”

Denver Cereal continues on Monday...