As the drummer hit the cymbal a final time, silence filled the small jazz club. A pause, then a burst of applause sounded. He nodded a bow before striding off the stage.“Good set, boys,” Ralph the stage manager said as the four musicians hit the backstage area.“Thanks. It felt good.” Luc packed his saxophone in its velvet-lined case. “I’ve missed playing.” He’d dearly needed the emotional release tonight. He and Justin had spent all afternoon at the funeral home, planning his grandfather’s funeral. At least they’d managed to keep his mother away— she’d have turned the somber event into a social setting.And CoCo hadn’t called him back, despite his having left her three messages.“You’re too good to let so much time pass.” Ralph turned to include the other three men. “Drinks are on the house.”Lifting his case, Luc smiled at the club owner. “A cola sounds perfect right about now, merci.”The four band members followed Ralph around side stage to the club itself.
