At least once a year, except for 2020, my friend Charles has driven in from Connecticut to visit, take photos of the cats, have a nice luncheon, and drive home with his station wagon loaded with cartons of books, CDs, and DVDs that I no longer need. He distributes the contents of these cartons to various libraries around the area for their bazaars and sales. On his last trip, I sent him home with nine cartons, and I always worry that I’ll pack too many and he cannot take them all.
So, I decided it was time to begin another round of housecleaning, and I ordered the storage cartons from Amazon. As I dragged a large box containing five cartons out of the elevator, I could hear Annabelle singing at the top of her lungs.
Don’t keep me waiting, Purina
The truth is I never left you
For other cat foods
And new endorsements
I stuck with your brand
So keep me happy!
I opened the door to the apartment to find Annabelle on my computer table singing into her hand mike while Stella beat that tambourine. Thatch sat in my computer chair and sang along.
Well, isn’t this a musical morning! I enthused as I dragged the Amazon carton into the apartment. In complete silence the cats watched me drag the box into my storage area. I set the carton next to the filing cabinet and limped out. Well, don’t stop, babies! Let me hear what you’re working on.
I’m putting a new number into my act, Annabelle told me. You know, Annabelle with an A?
Oh, we’re getting a revival?
Yes, Broadway’s opening up, and it’s time to remind my followers that Annabelle is alive and ready to thrill and delight audiences again!
So, what were you singing?
I’m adding a new number.
Last time you did this, it was just Rob Berman on piano. Is Stella going to play as well.
Yes, and Thatch will play guitar!
I turned to look at Thatch. You’re playing guitar? I asked, trying not to sound incredulous.
I’m learning! Thatch said rather defensively. Stella beat that tambourine.
Well, Annabelle, isn’t this exciting? Have you told Rob?
Not yet. He plays so well and he get so much color out of that piano, it’s very exciting, but I thought I could use a band this time. And since you’re an orchestrator, I thought you might write some charts for Thatch and Stella.
Kill me now, Jesus! I thought.
But Annabelle, I thought Rob told you he would never work with you again.
I remembered the rehearsals too well. Rob played the song’s intro and then waited ages for Annabelle to sing. Then she would turn to him and ask, Is that what you’re going to play? And he would say, very patiently, It’s what I’ve played at every rehearsal, Annabelle. Then she woould ask, Really? Are you certain? Okay, let me hear it again.
I had never seen Rob weep before.
Well, that was two years ago, she said after a moment’s contemplation. I know he will say yes, because I’m so easy to work with. And besides, how could he refuse? He appreciates real talent.
I walked into the kitchen.
And, Annabelle yelled after me, I need some money to rent a rehearsal studio!
I opened the refrigerator and reached for the vodka.
©2021, Larry Moore
Annabelle & Thatch 