Page 99 of Tumbling Hearts

“Yes, thank you,” Gene says to Dennis as well.

And so, Ray and Gene sing the rest of the song to everyone, exactly how they intended it. They teach it to the rest of the band and rehearse, perfecting it over the next couple hours until they’re ready to record. Toshiko watches from the main room as the band plays in the booth. It’s a bit awkward, having her watch them—especially after discussing all that—but Ray tries to keep his mind off her. He instead focuses on Gene. With a soft smile, a knowing look, singing such sweet lyrics, Ray’s heart is on fire. It feels so damn good—like hell would he want to sing this with anyone else.

Despite the friction from Dennis, despite Gene having a girlfriend, singing this song together with him is proof that their bond stays strong. That no matter what, they still have something special. It’s a victory, in a way, proving to everyone else this song is meant for them.

They’re the Flare Twins, and nothing can ever change that.

Ray sits at the dining room table of his childhood home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His younger brother, Mick, is right beside him, and their parents sit across from them. Though there is one person not with them today that his parents were expecting: Carol Knight. It’s time for Thanksgiving dinner, and it’s an understatement to say his parents are displeased by her absence.

Ray and Carol have officially broken up. He hasn’t spoken to her since she left suddenly that day in the studio earlier this month. She hasn’t been back to their home in Lake Orion, either—all her stuff is sitting there in the house, collecting dust. He’s asked Dennis if he’s heard anything, if she’ll be back, to which he said she hopes to be back to collect her things while the Dusty Brooms are away at the studio again. He’s scheduled them some more time at Sunset Sound, because in about two weeks they’re going to record a TV segment in LA for the upcoming New Years Rockin’ Eve program. Dennis figured that was a good way to get them back there, along with supporting Nicky, who still needs to return to LA for his court date.

But while Carol has been gone, Toshiko tagged along with them all when they returned to Michigan. She’s actually with Gene right now, having Thanksgiving dinner with Gene’s parents. Ray can only imagine how that’s going. He knows Gene’s mom is a sweet woman, but she’s always teasing Gene about grandkids. Now that he actually has a girlfriend to bring home… Oh god. Ray shudders. He can’t bear the thought.

I don’t think Gene wants kids anyway. He’s never mentioned it, but I can’t help but worry.

Ray’s parents say grace, as they do before every holiday meal, and then they dig in. The food is delicious; it always is every year. His mom is a wonderful cook. They eat for a while in silence, Ray trying to distract his anxiety-ridden heart with bites of turkey and stuffing. But it’s not long before one of them speaks.

“So, Raymond,” his mother says as she sets down her fork. “It’s a pity that lovely girl Carol isn’t with us today.”

It was only a matter of time before someone mentioned her. Ray clears his throat, dabbing his mouth with a napkin. “I know. But… I don’t think it’s all that bad. After being together for so long, it made us realize we weren’t really meant for each other.”

“She was so nice,” his mother comments. “I don’t understand how someone like her wouldn’t work out with you.”

“Unless… you did something to upset her?” his father says, rubbing his thick moustache with his napkin. “I haven’t forgotten how you broke up with that other girl, Harriet. You didn’t do the same thing with Carol, now, have you?”

Ray grimaces—of course his father would ask such a direct question. It’s just like him, being as blunt as he is. While he doesn’t want to lie to his parents, he also can’t say anything about Gene being involved. His tongue is tied; he can’t muster up any words—anything he says, his parents are going to be mad.

“Raymond?” his father prompts as Ray doesn’t answer. “Michael, do you know what happened with them?” he asks instead.

“No, Ray hasn’t told me anything yet, other than that they broke up. Which… you already know about,” Mick says, bringing another bite of food into his mouth.

“Well then. Raymond, you’ll have to tell me yourself. It’s a simple yes or no question.” His father gives him a stern look. “Did you cheat on Carol?”

Ray gulps. His hands are shaking, and he sets his fork down, making sure it doesn’t clatter against his plate. “Yes, I did.”

“Raymond!” his father yells.

“Oh, how could you?!” his mother gasps.

“Really? You did it again?” Mick asks with surprise.

“I know! I know, I’m horrible. Fuck—oh, excuse me. Sorry,” Ray says, looking down at the table.

“We even met Carol,” his mother says, placing her manicured hand flat up by her necklace. “I can’t believe you’d do something so terrible to such a sweet girl.”

“She’s right to leave you, then.” His father grunts. “If you can’t treat a lady with dignity and respect, then you shouldn’t even be with one.”

“Maybe, huh, may-be,” Ray says, shaking head. “Maybe I’m just no good with relationships? I’ve only ever been in two official ones, and both ended in disaster.”

“Of your own doing,” his father remarks. “If you could just contain yourself, maybe you’d still be with Carol. Hell, maybe you’d still be with Harriet! Oh, pardon me, excuse my language.” He coughs into his fist.

“Why would you even do such a thing?” his mother asks. “Is the temptation of the girls you meet while touring with your band that great? Are there drugs involved? I saw something in a magazine about that piano player you all know, how you went with him to the courthouse there in LA. I wanted to think you didn’t do any drugs yourself, that it was just him, but perhaps…?”

The fact that his own mother knows about Nicky’s drug charges without him ever telling her makes his stomach twist. “No, mom, no, I had nothing to do with it. He knew some other people in LA and their house got raided. I just went with our manager since Nicky is kinda part of the band. The thing with Carol is… completely different.”

“But you are meeting ladies constantly while touring, isn’t that correct?” His father sneers. “Wasn’t Carol with you the entire time? I thought that was the case.”

“She wasn’t…” Ray sighs. “She has her own career with modeling, so she wasn’t with me the entire time. I…” Damn, none of this sounds good. I am just a cheating asshole.