The Resistance(108)
We’ve had the band conversation many times over the last six months. Dalton feels The Resistance died when Cory did, but he also feels a responsibility to Dex. He’s torn.
“Johnny?”
All of us, including Dalton, turn to Rochelle when she calls his name, not expecting to hear her, not expecting her to call him Johnny. None of them do anymore. It’s been Jack for months now.
She stands and walks with the baby to the stroller under the pergola, then sets him down to sleep. When she rejoins us at the fire, she takes her wine in hand, and says, “The Resistance is one of the greatest bands that has ever lived. You have three gun tattoos to prove it. Cory may never get another, but you still can.” Raising her glass, we follow suit as she looks Dalton straight in the eyes—a look of determination on her face that captures all of our attention. “Cory may be gone, but Johnny Outlaw lives on.”
A year later, the lights go down and the chanting begins. Eighteen-thousand people are crowded into this arena in the City of Lost Angels to watch the return of a living legend, one that could have disappeared, but chose to rise again.
A spotlight hits Dex, drumming, as he kicks off the beats of the first song. I know it well, Dalton playing it over and over again when he wrote it for the new album. The audience goes wild, and the chanting begins, “Outlaw! Outlaw! Outlaw!”
As the energy from the room starts to spread throughout my body, I look around until I see two people that seem entirely out of place—his parents. They wave and I wave back. They want to surprise him. They’ve done a good job of surprising us all by showing up this afternoon to support Dalton to see their son do what he does best—entertain.
Two guitarists walk out—one a bassist, Cory’s replacement on stage. The other needed to round out the sound for the new direction of the band. Rochelle filled in on the studio recordings for the CD. Dalton thought it was only right since she taught Cory how to play and knew every song. She opted not to join the band on tour, choosing to stay with her kids instead.
Although I’ve seen a few rehearsals, as soon as the band stops playing and the lights go down, my heart starts thumping heavily. Like everyone else who came to see The Resistance reunite, my excitement builds.
I know it’s coming, but when a single spotlight hits the Rock God standing center stage—the music kicks in and I know he’s right where he was always meant to be. His destiny.
Throwing my hands into the air, I scream in exhilaration, knowing the world may own Johnny Outlaw, but Jack Dalton is all mine.
“Time stood still for just a little while. Then I crashed into it head first.” ~Johnny Outlaw
Very much like the quote above, this project blossomed from a seed to a full grown tree before my very eyes. I dedicated my days and nights to writing and editing. My world stopped for half a year as I engrossed myself into Holliday and Dalton’s world. I got to know these characters through rhythm and words, their emotions, and through time. It wasn’t fast, but a slow love affair that led me to a grander destination. I’m so honored to share this story with you and hope the destination is worth the journey.
It was a true privilege to work with Heather Maven on this novel. She has great insight, enthusiasm, and a fantastic head of hair. Thank you for giving your time, attention, and love to The Resistance (and me).
My team is everything to me. I count on them for way more than I should. But I truly value and trust their commitment, guidance, and honesty, and feel my story is better because of having their eyes on it. But these lovelies are not just editors, readers, and team members, they are true friends. Thank you: Daisy, Danielle, Hillz, Irene, Jenn, Kandace, Lisa, and Marla for working your magic and sharing your thoughts.
Life is a bowl of chocolate and these ladies deserve all of it because they make my world go round with their endless support. This makes no sense. Just humor me. These loverlies mean the world to me. Thank you: Jennifer, Kerri, Kirsten, Mary, Nina, Ruth, S & L’s, Sonia, Suzanne, Tracy, Tricia, and my TL & R girls.
All my love to my family. XOX