Things a Man Oughta Know Pt. 01

A few words from the author:

I am reposting this under Celeb/Fan Fiction so it aligns with the other two chapters. However, be advised, the celebrity's name isn't mentioned until Part 2, and doesn't enter the story until Part 3. Also, there's no explicit sex (unless 2^nd base counts?).

I do appreciate comments and feedback. If you think it stinks, that's fine. But please don't be rude. Tell me WHY it stinks, so I can fix it.

Finally, thank you to PastMaster and Dircan for their invaluable help in making this a better story.

Hope you enjoy it.

**********

Seth Broderick was sitting in his kitchen with a very beautiful woman on his lap, and they were kissing. He hoped that he was getting it right, as it had been, for him, a very long time. His partner did not seem to be complaining though; she was holding his head with both hands, fingers entwined in his hair, as she caressed his lips with her own. Her scent was intoxicating.

He almost groaned when he heard the sound of car doors slamming outside. He pulled back from his partner, and searched her face as she slowly opened her beautiful hazel eyes. She smiled and made shooing gestures, as she moved to the chair beside him, and he reluctantly got up and went to greet his mother and daughter.

"Daddy!" shouted Emma.

He knew he had a big grin on his face as he hugged his daughter. He rubbed his cheek against hers, and she pushed at him.

"Daddy, stop, I'm not a baby!" she complained. But she was laughing.

He asked, "Did you have fun with Nana? Get any cool stuff?" Emma had spent the weekend at her grandmother's, and judging by the number of shopping bags, they had been busy.

"Yep, we had lots of fun, didn't we, Nana?" Emma started to tell him about her weekend as she walked into the kitchen. And then her eyes got huge as she saw who was sitting at the table.

She turned and stared at her father, with a stunned expression on her face. He turned to look at his companion and she nodded at them both, smiling. Seth turned back to Emma, took her hand and led her over to the woman, who drew the girl into an embrace. "Hi Sweetie, I've missed you!"

**********

15 years ago

"Seth, I think I've put up with this nonsense for about long enough," said Rick Broderick, Seth's dad. Not for the first time, as Seth recollected.

"You need to buckle down and focus on your future," he continued. "One way or another, when you turn 18, you're not staying here."

Seth was aware that his dad was just trying to pressure him into going to college. But the problem was, Seth wasn't the college type, and he knew it. He had a job that he really enjoyed at a local classic car restoration shop. He'd been hanging around there since he was 14, and the owner finally just put him to work. He enjoyed working with his hands and learning the different aspects of the restoration process.

"You gonna be able to provide for a family as a mechanic?" his dad scoffed.

He also loved his music, but Rick just saw that as a hobby, not a profession.

"Playing bass in a garage band is no way to make a living, Seth," his dad would lecture.

To be fair, they were more than a garage band. Drummer, guitar, Seth on bass, and a lead singer who could play keyboards too. She sounded a little like Carrie Akre from Goodness, so they cultivated that image. Maybe a little odd, some kids from Philadelphia playing Seattle alt rock, but it made them different, and they did pretty well locally. Seth kept trying to convince them to try some different genres, but they were happy doing what they were doing. That was fine, it just started to get repetitive for him, so he had let them know that they should probably start looking for a new bass player.

Anyway, when his dad came down on him again, he was so tired of being lectured. He blew up, and yelled, "Dad, I'm not ready for college! I don't know what I want to do, but I know it's not more school! Don't worry, I won't be sticking around."

Tensions were high between Seth and his father from that point on, and finally, he realized things were never going to change. So the day after graduation, he loaded up his old beater, hugged his mom and his little sister, and headed for Nashville.

**********

Seth wasn't dumb; he did plan ahead. He'd mailed out applications to some auto body shops and restoration places around Nashville, and he had a included a good letter of recommendation from his current boss. One of them made an offer after a phone interview, so he was fortunate to have a job waiting for him when he got there. It didn't pay a lot, but enough for a cramped studio apartment. Frank and his wife Mary, the owners, seemed to take a liking to him, and that made it easier. Frank ran the shop, and Mary ran the office. They had a nice business going and Seth was excited about the opportunity.

Having a lot of musicians and record executives in the area made it a good market for luxury items like restored old cars, so business was pretty good. Seth's first passion was still his music though, so he spent every spare minute wandering around bars and clubs in town (the ones he could get into anyway), getting to know the local music scene, and practicing. Country was a lot different than rock and roll, so it took him a while to get used to it. But he persisted, and when he finally felt semi-comfortable, he started going to auditions.

There were a lot of rejections. He didn't quite fit the image, his playing style wasn't what they were looking for, or whatever. He tried not to let it discourage him.

He caught a big break when Jesse Smith from Sun Records came in to the shop to pick up his 1969 Mach 1. Jesse was one of those hands-on kind of guys and wanted to meet the people who had worked on his car. Seth had done some of the body work, and spent a half-hour showing Jesse what he'd done to try to fix gaps and make minor improvement to the lines of the car. Jesse was impressed, and asked if the design was his idea.

"No sir, I'm still just learning. The design stuff is all Frank. He showed me what to do, and I just did my best to make it look like he wanted."

Jesse appreciated the young man's honesty. Then he noticed the gig bag in the corner, tucked safely under a bench.

"You play?" he asked.

Seth laughed. "I guess everyone in Nashville dreams about music. That's why I came down too, I guess. Yeah, I play some, was in a band back home, but haven't had much luck here yet. But I have an audition after work today, so fingers crossed!"

Jesse asked him what he'd been doing to try to break in, and Seth described how he'd been practicing, checking out local artists, talking to other musicians, going to auditions, and learning as much as he could about Nashville.

Again, Jesse was impressed by Seth's seriousness, which belied his age.

"Well, that's a good way to go about it. But think about this. Being in a band is fun and all, but for steady work, have you ever considered maybe trying to hook up as a studio musician?"

"No sir, to be honest, I'm not too familiar with what that means."

"Basically, you work in the recording studio, and it's pay-for-play. People come in and want something recorded, and you play it. I'm not trying to insult you, but can you read music?"

Seth nodded.

"How are you on sight reading?"

"Ok, I guess?"

"Here's my card. Come by the studio next week and we'll see if you've got what it takes."

"Holy crap, thanks!"

**********

Seth did as he was asked, and it went about as well as could be expected for a not quite 19-year-old kid from the northeast.

Jesse told him, "Look Seth, please don't let this discourage you. You're not bad, I see real potential. I'm not blowing smoke. You're just a little young still. Need some seasoning. Listen, keep doing what you're doing, work your craft, and try again in a year or two."

Seth tried not to let it bother him. Emotionally, it was disappointing, but intellectually, he understood what Jesse was saying, and he thanked him and promised to keep plugging. He started looking further afield, his search expanding outward to the surrounding areas.

He caught another break outside of Cumberland University, in Lebanon. He saw a flyer on a bulletin board and called the number. Either they liked his vibe or they just needed a bassist right away. Seth suspected the latter, but they gave him the job, which was the important thing. They quickly jumped into playing the local brewing companies and places like that in Lebanon. The band already had a bit of a following, and as they continued to play, it slowly grew. They played some shows in Gallatin, then a few bigger shows in Mufreesboro. They were playing mostly covers of current country hits, as well as some southern rock from the 70s and 80s. For Seth it was a nice change of pace from his high school days, and he felt like just maybe, he was on his way to bigger and better things.

**********

Debbie saw Seth for the first time at his second show in Lebanon. She was there with a group of girlfriends and they were dancing and having a good time. He noticed her giving him a few lingering glances, but didn't think much about it. He was new to the group and anxious to make a good impression, so he never even thought to pursue anything with the voluptuous blonde. That just made Debbie more determined, and she and her friends showed up to their next show and the one after that.

Finally, she cornered him after a break and introduced herself.

"Hi, I'm Debbie."

"Seth. Nice to meet you." Surreptitiously, he admired her form. She was about eight inches shorter that Seth's 6'2", and curvy, in all the best ways. She had wavy, light blonde hair past her shoulders, and soft brown eyes.

She heard his accent, and asked, "Oh honey, where you from?"

"Philly. I moved down here a little over a year ago."

She nodded and looked him up and down, and he shifted nervously. As he was trying to think of something... anything... to say, she continued.

"You go to school here?"

He looked blank.

"Cumberland. I'm a sophomore there."

"Ah... Nah, I'm just working. College isn't for me."

"Oh really? You a musician then?"

Seth was nonplussed. He was just up on stage, right? She saw him playing, he was almost positive.

But he just laughed. "Well, part-time, anyway. No, I do car and truck restorations full-time, but the dream is to make music a career."

Debbie was intrigued by the tall young man. He was tall and lean, and she liked his slightly wavy dark hair and sapphire blue eyes. He appeared to be about her age, and he was certainly not hard to look at.

Debbie had grown up a pastor's daughter in a small town outside of Chattanooga, and perhaps stereotypically, went a little wild once she was out on her own. Her parents had thought that a small-town private university would protect their daughter from 'immoral' influences, but... Debbie's freshman year had gained her a bit of a reputation.

She saw Seth as perhaps an opportunity to clean up her act. He was talented (as far as she could tell), hard-working (he had two jobs!), and best of all, had no idea who she was.

So, she decided to take a shot.

"I was wondering' if you were ever gonna notice me, Seth. I been here the last three shows. A girl could get her feelin's hurt." She smiled coquettishly.

"Uhhh, I'm sorry, Debbie, I wasn't trying to be rude, honest," Seth stammered. "I'm new to the group, and just trying to fit in, honestly."

"I understand, honey. Tell you what, you can make it up to me this weekend."

Wow, he thought. She was certainly direct. "Umm, well, I'd love to, but I have to work late on Friday, the band is rehearsing Saturday afternoon, and then we're playing again Saturday night."

She pouted. Then she brightened. "Tell you what, how'd you like to go on a picnic on Sunday?"

"A picnic?" Seth was from the suburbs. He didn't know crap about picnics.

"Yeah honey, don't you worry. I'll make us a nice lunch and you just come and pick me up around 11 on Sunday mornin', 'k?" She gave him a slip of paper with an address and a phone number on it.

"Oops, looks like you're startin' back up." She pointed to the stage. "See you Sunday!" And she headed off before the bemused young man could say anything.

**********

He showed up right on time. Debbie opened the door wearing a teal cardigan over a black tank top and white jeans.

"Wow, you look... amazing," he said, admiringly.

She dimpled. "Thank you! Come on in a sec. Almost ready."

He followed her into the apartment, and saw another young woman seated at the kitchen table. She was glaring at a textbook and tapping a pen against her leg.

"Seth, this is my roommate Mary Ellen."

"Pleasure to meet you." Seth held out his hand.

She shook it briefly, as Debbie introduced him.

"This is Seth, he's the musician I told you about."

"Ahh." Mary Ellen looked back at him and nodded. "Sorry, I'm trying to figure out this Economics assignment, and it's not going well."

Seth said, "Sorry! I wish I could help, but I can't even spell economics."

Mary Ellen laughed. "Don't y'all worry. Go on and have a good time, and nice meetin' you, Seth."

"Likewise."

Debbie finished packing her tote bag and they headed out.

Seth drove, as Debbie gave directions to a nearby park. She had brought some sandwiches and snacks, and Seth had packed a cooler with water and soft drinks. They found a shady spot, set their things down, and walked down to the creek that ran nearby. They sat on the bank, and chatted about 'get to know you' topics. Seth told her about high school and playing in his old band. Debbie talked about growing up a preacher's daughter.

He reached over and took her hand. "Sorry, that must have been rough." The sweet smile she gave him as she looked at their intertwined fingers made his day.

When he took her home a few hours later, she thanked him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I had a nice time, Seth. Maybe we could have dinner some time?"

"Of- of course, I'd like that! We're playing in Gallatin again on Friday and Saturday; how about Thursday?"

"How about we have an early dinner and I'll come to your show on Friday?" she asked.

His grin got a little bit wider. "That would be... really nice."

**********

And it was. Really nice, that is - the dinner. Over a shared dessert, Seth opened up to her a little bit more, and told her about his family, and when he said something about feeling like a disappointment to his father, she looked at him.

"Don't let him hold you back, Seth. You're your own man now."

"Thank you. Not assuming, but I guess maybe you know what I'm talking about."

Debbie just looked at her plate, and changed the subject. She talked about how she and Mary Ellen had met in middle school and had been best friends ever since.

"That's great that you're still friends." Then he noticed the time. "Oh, crap! We gotta get going, I'm gonna be late!"

They scrambled out of the restaurant, and piled into Seth's car. Still chuckling he said, "Sorry about that. I was so wrapped up I completely forgot the time." He smiled at her, and she reached for his hand. She didn't let go until they arrived.

**********

Except for Seth, the band was doing well, and the crowd got into it. Mary Ellen showed up and almost immediately, she and Debbie were both asked to dance. Debbie looked at him the first time it happened, and he just shrugged. He was confused. He didn't like her dancing with other guys, but he also didn't think it was his place to say anything in such a fledgling relationship, if that was even what they had. As a result, he had a hard time focusing on his playing, getting more upset as she accepted several invitations.

Matt, the drummer, hissed at him, "What the fuck, dude?"

"Sorry. I guess I'm a little distracted."

"Well get your head out of your ass, man!"

He nodded, and tried to concentrate on the music. But when he saw her slow dancing to one of the ballads in their set list, he had to turn away.

At their first break, Debbie smiled and started toward him, but he just made a beeline for the restroom.

What the heck is wrong with me? We've been on two dates! He splashed some cold water on his face and looked at his reflection in the mirror.

Grow up Seth, he told himself.

The issue was, Seth didn't have much experience with women, especially someone like Debbie. It wasn't like he was a virgin, but the girls he'd been with before were just more casual. They had a common background. Debbie was so different than any girl he had ever known, and he needed to think. So rather than sitting down with her and Mary Ellen, he went back up on stage and pretended there was something wrong with his bass.

Debbie turned to Mary Ellen, looking a little hurt. "Why's he avoiding me all of a sudden?"

"Really, Debbie? You're out there slow dancin' with Carl, right in front of him, and you wonder why he might be upset? Look at his face! Damn, girl." Mary Ellen shook her head.

**********

The second set started, and Seth watched as the same guy headed for Debbie. This time, he saw her shake her head 'no' several times before the guy finally left her alone. She looked up at him and mouthed, "I'm sorry," and he felt his stomach unclench. He smiled and nodded back at her.

She only danced with Mary Ellen for the rest of the evening.

After they finished playing for the night, he came over to the table. Debbie jumped up and gave him a hug. "I'm sorry," she whispered in his ear. "I didn't realize..."

"It's fine," he interrupted. But he didn't sound convincing.

Before he could continue, Mary Ellen jumped up, and said, "Well, you two have a lot to talk about. I'm gonna head out." She hugged Debbie, and surprised Seth by giving him one too.

She whispered in his ear, "Give her a chance, ok?"

He stared at her as she gave them a cheeky finger waggle wave and walked off.

He turned back to Debbie. He sighed. "Look, I'm just gonna say it, okay?"

She nodded.

"You're just not like any girl I've ever known. I know we've only been out a couple of times, but I think I might really like you."

Debbie smiled.

"I guess I figured that out when I saw you slow dancing with that guy."

"Seth, I said I was sorry about that," she started.

"I know. Shoot, that didn't come out right." He took her hand. "What I meant was that I'm the one who should be sorry for my reaction. It really caught me off guard. We haven't made any promises, and I really didn't have any right to be upset with you."

"You can't help your feelings," she said softly.

"Maybe so. And I guess that's the reason for what I need to tell you. I know this is way too early, but I am who I am, and I need to be up front with you. I don't think I can just casually date you. I don't think I could stand it if I knew you were dating other people. So, I'm asking if we can be exclusive. If you can't, I understand. We can just go our separate ways, with no hard feelings. Well, that's not exactly true. I'd be really disappointed, but I'd rather know now, if that makes sense?"

She stared at him, wide-eyed.

"I know it's a lot. I hope you understand."

When she still didn't say anything, he looked down sadly, and said, "Come on, I'll take you home."

As they walked slowly to his car, Debbie took his arm in both of hers. He could feel her soft breast pressing against him.

As he opened her door, she turned. Her eyes searched his, then she spoke a single word. "Okay."

He looked at her, dumbfounded, and her smile slowly spread. "I said okay, dummy," she teased. Then she went up on tiptoe and kissed him.

**********

From that point, life was a bit of a whirlwind. The band was doing well, playing more and more places, and gaining more fans. Nothing to get rich on, or even make a living for that matter, but progress! His day job was also going well, he was learning a lot, and enjoyed working on the cars and meeting the people who owned them. He hadn't met anyone with as much clout as Jesse Smith, but he'd talked to a few musicians who were willing to take a little time to impart some wisdom to young Seth.