All The Young Punks Pt. 34

"We have to go there?' Tina said. "I want to be there?"

"Where?"

"There," she pointed at the television news reporter on the scene."The Dakota."

Joe didn't share her need to be at the scene, but he said nothing. When the crowded B train arrived at 72nd Street station, it was clear many New Yorkers felt the same need. The intersection of 72nd and Central Park West was bedlam, mourners crowded the sidewalks with television vans doing remote work. The crowd spilled into the streets. Police tried in vane to maintain order and keep traffic moving.

They barely spoke while standing across the street from the archway entrance Lennon was gunned down in. There were no words that seemed sufficient. They stood quietly for an hour while some prayed and others sang Imagine.

---- SIX PARTNERS ---

In the weeks leading up to the record release, Joe realized he would have difficulty handling the responsibilities as road manager, tour scheduler, and frontman. He had told everyone at the first official company meeting that he thought they might need a manager to take some work off his plate. He did so hoping Sheila Abrams would step up and volunteer. She said nothing. He considered Stan, but the old man was retired. Joe didn't want to overload him.

A week later, Stan informed Joe that Guerilla Records had six partners. Sheila did not sign the papers. When Stan questioned her, she was evasive, not giving him a reason that satisfied him. That was nearly three months ago. In the weeks since, Joe struggled to keep up with his duties. He dropped hints to his New York crew, but neither Sheila nor Stan said a word. Finally, in the days leading up to Christmas, Joe asked Stan if he would approach Sheila. On Christmas Eve, he had an answer.

"She wants a five year contract," Stan said during a deli lunch.

"What for?"

"I guess she's been screwed over a few times and she's hesitant about agreeing to anything that's not in writing."

"I recall her telling me she had trust issues," Joe said. "Is that why she didn't join Guerilla?"

"I don't think so," Marty said. "She's been a free agent for years, since her divorce. She works out of her apartment with no overhead. Sheila likes it that way."

"You can't get inside her head," Stan said. "People have reasons."

"What kind of contract?" Joe asked. "I know nothing about this shit."

"A standard representation deal," Stan said while taking a drink. "It's simple stuff. I can have my guy Irving handle it. He has all those documents on file."

Joe took a big bite of his brisket. "Is that the guy who helped us incorporate?"

"What's wrong with you?" Stan barked, as Joe talked with his mouth full of meat. "That's disgusting."

"What?" Joe pretended to not understand, opening his mouth wider.

"You're a pig. Yes, it's the same guy."

Marty chewed with a finger up, then swallowed, "Except you'll need to write in some specifics that cover the duties you agree to. Those standard contracts are basic. You'll need to add an addendum."

Joe grabbed a napkin, "That's easy. Do you have a pen?" As he wrote, he had a counter offer. "I say two years is long enough."

"What if she declines?" Stan asked. "Would you do three years?"

Joe shrugged. "I suppose, but offer her three."

That evening, Joe experienced his first Costello Christmas Eve. Mary Costello was a super-hostess. Every year she had both sides of the family in her home, nearly forty guests. The spread was impressive; a full turkey, a spiral ham, prime rib, shrimp, and so many sides and desserts Joe couldn't try them all. Her Christmas decorations were legendary, two trees, a manger scene, a gingerbread house, and so many bows, wreaths, and bells. He met all the aunts, uncles, cousins, two grandparents, and several neighbors. He seemed to be a topic of conversation.

"Jesus Christ," he said to T in a quiet moment. "I feel like I'm under the microscope."

"You are," Tina said. "My aunts are very gossipy. They're looking for dirt."

"Fuck gossips. I won't speak to them again."

"Hey," Tina poked him. "Did you put your band's album into the secret gift pile?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"I saw what's obviously an LP, and knew it was you. What if my grandmother gets it?"

Joe shrugged.

"You need to do better than that," she said.

He smiled. "Maybe next year."

Tina's twelve-year-old cousin Penny got The Young Punks album, and she was thrilled. Joe stuck his tongue out at Tina.

After midnight, they said their thank yous and goodbyes and drove the 190+ miles to Providence for the Theroux Christmas morning. Joe didn't drink, so he drove, but they were both exhausted when he pulled up in front of his house. As he stood outside the door at 4:37 AM about to put the key in the door, he made a prediction.

"Jeanie is awake, waiting for us. In ten minutes, the entire family will be awake. It's gonna be chaos."

Before they could sneak downstairs to Joe's room, the kitchen light turned on.

"Merry Christmas!" Jeanie said. "Santa's been here." She walked over to hug Joe, and then Tina. "I'm gonna get Mom and Dad up."

"No, let them sleep," he said.

Ten minutes later, Mom and Dad stumbled into the living room. Jackie and Jules were right behind them. Jeanie was already pulling gifts from under the tree, but not opening.

"I put a pot of coffee on," Joe said.

"Thanks, hon," Mom yawned.

"We tried to sneak in."

"We didn't hear you," Dad shrugged.

This would become Joe and Tina's Christmas routine, the Eve in Brooklyn, and early morning in Providence. After the gifts were opened, they had cinnamon buns for breakfast, and then Tina and Joe took a nap in his room. She snuggled against him.

"I love your sisters."

"They love you too."