I was unpacking my suitcase in my new home. While back in New York, I finished school and started a music writing program. Things went uphill from there, and I was lucky enough to become a pretty well know music producer and writer. As soon as I had Pops settled back home, I made the decision to move back to good ol’ fuckin; California and check out the music scene. As it turned out, there were quite a few bands hoping to work with me.

The house was nice, it was big and roomy which was exactly what I wanted. Kieran had free time and did some decorating before I got here, we ended up getting pretty damn close while I was gone. He got all my furniture set, put up the posters I wanted, and really helped me feel at home.

Just as I was zipping up my suitcase, my aunt walked in, “ Are you sure you don’t want to just live with us? We won’t bother you, promise”, she said walking up to me engulfing me in a hug.

I smiled into her arms, “ I’ll be fine. You and Steve should really have your own space, and if I’m gonna be mixing some records, it’ll be kinda loud”.

“ If you ever get lonely, give me a call, and I’ll come over. And you can come over anytime. You still have your key right?” she asked.

I couldn’t help but smile at her, “ Yeah, I got the key, thanks Auntie, you’ve done a lot for me”.

“ You’re very welcome sweetheart, I love you, I consider you a daughter you know that. A daughter with the thickest accent I have ever heard” she said nudging me.

My accent had gotten thicker, which will only make the stupid people of this town even more annoying, except for Auntie that is, “ Thanks for noticing. Let’s go get some dinner, it’s on me”.

Just as I said that, Kieran ran into my room, “ Thank goodness we’re talking food, cause I am starving”, I couldn’t help but laugh my fucking ass off. Excuse the language, I meant, I laughed my damn ass off.

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I woke up in a surprisingly good mood after a very nice night of plenty of sleep. I walked my new house, and found that I really did like it. There were 3 extra bedrooms that I used as guest rooms, 2 huge extra bathrooms, the kitchen was gigantic, my living room was warmed with an addition of a large couch, the pool in the backyard, and most importantly the recording studio in the basement. My room was the same size if not bigger than my living room, and my bathroom had a jet Jacuzzi which made it even better. I could definitely get used to this.

I got ready to leave with Kieran to get some coffee and breakfast. Since I left here to go back home, I noticed a change, a new found maturity. I was still that sarcastic, borderline jackass I used to be at times, and I was also still the quiet, shy reserved person I was, but I grew up a little.

Kieran stormed into my room sporting flip flops, board shorts and a tank top, giving me a strange look, “ Hate to break it to you cousin, but you are definitely gonna stand out”. I looked at what I was wearing, vintage ripped jeans, a black button up tucked in, and my motorcycle leather jacket, it worked in New York, but it definitely wasn’t going to work here. I grabbed my car keys and my wallet and walked out with Kieran, “ Where we going Kieran?”.

“There’s this new place called RT’s Bistro about ten minutes from here, it’s supposed to be pretty good”, he said as we walked into the heat.

“ Yo, I’m gonna need to change” I walked back through my front door and just took off the jacket and the shirt leaving me in a black tank top and my jeans.

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We drove up to the bistro, which was a nice little restaurant in the middle of downtown. There was something about the place that seemed familiar to me. It was pretty cool, rock posters everywhere, seems whoever owned it loved Augustana in particular. The jukebox played all my favorite bands, it was like this place was made for me. It was awesome, finally some culture in this damn place. I had to meet the owner.

Kieran grabbed a booth in the corner, I sat down and immediately noticed a huge smile on his face. “So what you think about this place? Pretty cool, right?” he asked me.

“ it’s killer here. How long has it been here?” I asked checking the menu, and seeing that there were some pretty damn good things, including some New York style pizza. I’m sure it probably won’t be the same, but hell, at least they’re trying right?

“ The owner opened it 2 years ago, it’s one of the best places out here now. You’ll like, in fact cousin, you’ll love it”, he said, still wearing that huge grin on his damn face, “ I’m gonna hit the bathroom, I’ll be back”.

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Kieran walked past the bathrooms and into the room labeled “Office”. The boss’ chair was turned around, “ Hey boss lady, I was hoping you’d be here”.

“Oh let me guess, you want some free food”, the chair swung around revealing a beautiful blonde in a beautiful white sundress.

“ Give me more credit than that Tiffany. I have a surprise for you, and it’s waiting in your favorite booth” he said, proud that he was this clever.

“This better be good Kieran” she said standing up following her good friend.