Page 90 of The Invisible Roommate

“What about Garret?” Emory asked, adding the plastic bin to the huge pile of materials they needed to cart out to the stage that was being built down by the dock as they spoke.

“I have no idea about Garret. Last I heard he was in London playing a show at the O2 and that his plan was to fly to New York and have his assistant figure out the rest from there.” James set the duster down and took a sip of water from the sweating glass on the coffee table in their sitting room, which contained the rocker and love seat from their first apartment, generously gifted to them by Regina. “Getting in touch with his assistant is even harder than getting in touch with him. In the group text, when I asked if they’d both be there for mic check, he gave the message a thumbs-up.”

“That’s more of a response than he gave to our wedding invitation,” Emory joked in a knowing, loving fashion. He’d slid into the Wells family so seamlessly, adding a sixth energy to their topsy-turvy dynamic.

“He claims he got it on the day his solo album got a rave in Pitchfork, so we have to give him a pass.” James rolled his eyes at his brother’s ego. Faults and all, he loved the guy. Couldn’t help it. “Were you able to bring back the decorations from your classroom?”

After a year or two of working the Susanna again with Joe, Emory had finished his community service, paid back his debts, and gotten a teaching certificate online. He took a job teaching science at the school. “All but the pumpkin we carved. It already started rotting. The kids almost rioted when I told them I had to throw it out. All good in here?”

“Just about,” James said, draining the rest of his water glass.

The nervousness must’ve been evident in his voice because Emory asked, “Your dad knows this isn’t a We the Wells reunion, right?”

“I’ve repeated it enough. Hopefully it stuck.” When Garret went solo, the label had decided to set him up with a whole new team for a sound and image rebrand, leaving their father out in the cold. Instead of seeking other types of work, he’d attempted fruitlessly to parlay the success strategy he’d used for his sons as manager of a few other boy bands that failed to launch. The industry had changed too much, and he couldn’t keep up. But James was certain his dad would land on his feet eventually.

Emory tipped in and kissed him. “Everything is going to be great. Shall we load up the golf cart?”

43Emory

The performance stage set up on the beach looked incredible bathed in all the colorful show lights. Inside barricades, fans from all over the world crowded together, swaying along to soft rock. Food stations representing all the island’s eateries slung crab rolls and fried shrimp to ravenous music lovers along the perimeter.

“Before we end the day’s festivities, I thought a surprise might be in order for such an excellent crowd,” James said into the microphone. Above his head, a banner swayed that read SONGS FOR A SEAWALL.

Getting this fundraising concert approved by Iping’s mayor had been easy, but getting the entire island on board was hard. Tourists were tolerated when they came for the day and left promptly on the last ferry. This was a whole different beast. Special boats, yurts set up for those sleeping over. Porta Potties and outdoor grilling licenses. Still no liquor, though. The island remained dry.

The festival was a huge undertaking that Emory was proud of his husband for pulling off. It was a full day of music with all ticket sales being donations toward helping the island’s case with the federal government for a seawall to protect Iping’s shores from being swallowed up. Global warming had no intention of slowing down, so they needed to work fast. Emory helped with their scientific case as James worked tirelessly to get in front of lobbyists and lawmakers. In the end, however, James knew the biggest bargaining chip he had was his singing voice, so even if he didn’t love performing, he’d power through for the sake of the island. Emory was impressed as he stood in the VIP tent with Mr. and Mrs. Wells, Jen, and Jojo.

“Do you guys know my brothers?” James shouted.

The crowd went berserk. Emory swore the whole island shook underfoot.

“Gavin, Garret, can you guys come out here?” Emory’s brothers-in-law entered the stage with instruments and waves for the crowd. “We thought you might like that.”

As soon as the amps were plugged in, they soared into a romping rendition of “The Invisibility Song,” which Emory danced and sang along to with his family, happier than he’d ever been in his entire life.

Nearing the end of their set, James spoke through a sweat-beaded smile. “We’ve got one more for you tonight. I’d like to bring out another musician. For the Wellies in the crowd, you may not be familiar with a folk duo from the ’70s, but Ipingers know and love her as much as I do. Please welcome to the stage Regina Hallowitz of Hallowitz & Hart.”

No enthusiasm was lost as the crowd cheered for Regina. She wore a simple black dress. Over the years, her hair had grown more silver, but her face—made up for the lights—looked as youthful as it always had. In her hands, she carried her dulcimer. At her age, it was a marvel that her fingers were still nimble enough to play it.

“This song is an ode to the very place we find ourselves tonight,” said James into the microphone. “It brought me here. It brought me light, peace, joy, community, and the love of my life, Emory Griffin.” A surprise spotlight flashed on the VIP tent. Emory beamed against the severe eye strain, heart skipping several beats. He blew his husband an unselfconscious kiss, eternally grateful for whatever power had brought him safely to this beautiful moment. “I love you, Em. I love you, Regina, Gavin, Garret. My parents, love you both. I love all of you out in the crowd. All of us up here, we can feel your love in return, too. So let’s pour all that love into this last song we’re going to play for you. This one’s called ‘Island State of Mind.’”

The song wafted like a bay breeze from the speakers, causing the crowd to sway as they held up their phones with flashlights turned on. Tears sprang to Emory’s eyes at the beautiful sight as We the Wells and Regina debuted a brand-new ending to the timeless song.

We’ll hold the tides and save the land,

We’ll sing until they understand,

This place we love will be just fine,

If we share our island state of mind