Jimmy Fassett’s band just broke up, but then he meets Landry Flannery, a truly gifted fiddle player. It doesn't hurt that Landry's a looker and has a bold pink stripe in his hair that drives Jimmy crazy. The two men jam together in the evenings -- banjo and fiddle -- and they hit it off. Soon, Jimmy wants to turn their budding friendship into something more, but Landry keeps putting obstacles in the way and inviting more and more people over to play. That’s not what Jimmy wants, so he walks away. Fate, however, isn't done with the two men. At the end of a festival where Landry's band was the headliner, Jimmy is forced to take Landry home because he's sloppy drunk. The two men argue the next morning, and Jimmy refuses anymore contact, until Landry forces the issue. Could things work out between the two men, after all?

Drowning in Neptune's Pool

“Jesus, Landry. I had no idea.” I felt so small right then.


“Why would you? It’s not like I go around advertising my issues. But the one constant in my life, the thing that’s never failed me and doesn’t care what I look like or whether I’m perfect, is music. I can always count on it take my fears away, to make me feel better.”


I sank back against the cushions. “I guess I can understand that.”


“I’m not excusing my behavior, Jimmy. But I wanted you to maybe get a little background as to why I might have reacted the way I did.”


I thought about what life must be like for someone with a challenge like that. I decided he was coping admirably well, despite it all. “You’re forgiven, Landry. But maybe you should avoid drinking completely. It really doesn’t do you any favors.”


“I know, and you’re right. Can I ask a question, though?” He pulled a leg under him and leaned back against the arm of the couch.


“Why did you get so angry about me being drunk?”


Chapter 9