Rearview Horizon: Full Story
A casual bookstore "yes" collides an unpopular gamer’s world with the popular elite. Will their revolutionary prom date survive the ultimate night of high school drama?
Life provides its own bit of entertainment, and I try to capture the conflict and joy that arise from what we experience every day. My stories offer a brief respite from this crazy life, and I hope you enjoy them. There’s something new every Friday.
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The Piano Man Chronicles is a two-year anthology project. Every two weeks, you’ll see a story surrounding the fictional novel PIANO MAN (You can read about PIANO MAN below the story). Some stories are small three-part serials. Others will be from guest authors.
By Vince Wetzel
Part 1: Bookstore Stand
“An irreverent look at the wealthy classes through the eyes of artists who entertain their children, Piano Man is guaranteed to make you rethink the next birthday party you plan or attend.” – New York Times Book Review
Underneath the pendant lights hanging down and in the relative quiet after the chaos of post-story time at LandPark Books, Will looked at the book jacket he was stocking. His mom’s birthday was coming up, and maybe Piano Man was just the present he needed to give her. Paul, his stepdad, had already told him he was done covering for him. He was approaching adulthood. No suggestions. No extra allowance. And certainly no gifts purchased on Will’s behalf. It was all on him.
This could be easy. After all, he had an employee discount at the neighborhood bookstore. It was also a new release, and according to the New York Times, this Thomas Eberle novel was pretty good. There was even talk of adapting it into a movie.
It would also take this task off his to-do list. As a graduating high school senior, he had to decide where to attend college (San Diego State, Utah, or Purdue), plan a senior trip with his buddies, and find a prom date.
Stocking the end cap display, he had plenty of time to think. Located in a nondescript strip mall between a nail salon and a boba shop, a block from the zoo, LandPark Books was a quaint suburban bookstore that somehow managed to stay afloat despite competition from big-box stores and the internet behemoth.
Whereas those corporations had teams to manage the logistics of book sales, he had the pleasure of mastering everything except for the café on the other side of the store, where June practically marked her territory with espresso and dirty looks. He had three hours left in his shift, and he still had to manage the fallout from the bomb that dropped in the kids’ section, and display flyers for the activities to take place this week – the writing workshop on Thursday night, the cozy mystery and tea on Saturday afternoon, and the booklovers date night on Saturday night.
“How are we doing on that display?” asked Taren, his boss, sitting behind the counter and scrolling her phone. She was the owner’s daughter and ran it with the sophistication of a spoiled princess. There wasn’t one day when she didn’t make him want to throttle her. But he spent too much time and money in the Science Fiction and Sports sections, not to fully enjoy his discount, and who else was going to hire a 17-year-old who was about to leave for college? “The inventory has been sitting back there for three days; meanwhile, the book display has been empty for two days.”
Because you haven’t restocked at the end of the day as you should, Will thought, but he held his tongue again. He had only a few months to go. Then he could hopefully say farewell to retail for good.
Will quickly refilled the display and didn’t hear the bell ring when the door swung open. He looked at the back jacket. $28.95 for a book? At least with his fifteen percent discount, he could defray some of the cost. He’d buy it at the end of his shift.
“What’s up, Will Jenson?” he turned and smiled. Without seeing her face, he knew Amanda Wright was behind him. They practically had the same schedule at school, and ever since they watched a historic baseball game two and a half years ago, they had become good friends, despite their status discrepancy.
Amanda was untouchable. Even wearing a ratty camo A’s hat, sweats, flip flops, and a University of Oregon softball t-shirt – where she was committed to play next year – she was the most beautiful thing he’d seen today. She was also the most popular girl in school, but her status had waned somewhat because she had no time or patience to keep up with high school social circles anymore. She was focused on the future, away from Sacramento.
“Hey, Amanda,” Will managed to say, his skinny, awkward 6-foot-1 frame unfolding to stand up straight. His height wasn’t the problem. The issue was everything else. “Your study spot is empty and ready for you.”
LandPark Books was a community space where people could sit, read, have coffee, or, in Amanda’s case, study. Will had recommended it to her when she complained to him in AP Chemistry that Starbucks was becoming overcrowded. Not many at Kennedy High School had discovered the quiet tables, killer cappuccinos, and quiet vibes of LandPark Books. Will was in the same AP Chemistry class and knew she’d need some space today, so he had already placed a paper “Reserved” sign at her favorite table, behind the self-help shelf with a worn, yet cozy chair and a view of the window.
“Of course, Will. You’re the best,” she said and gave him a quick hug. Amanda knew about Will’s crush. After all, he had tried to kiss her at that baseball game, and she let him know that she didn’t think of him as more than a friend. But Will kept pining for her regardless, thinking at some point she’d realize that he was her guy.
She pulled her A’s cap down, slung her backpack onto the ground, and pulled out her laptop. For a couple of weeks, Will had thought about asking her to the prom. But he knew better. She had probably already been asked by one of the many jocks or popular guys at school, or maybe even a college guy. He had no chance. Still, they were good friends. Maybe…
“Will, watch the front. I need to go into the office,” Taren said, bringing Will out of his fantasy land. He finished the display and went to the front counter, a battlefield of stickers, bookmarks, and impulse-buy trinkets that Taren inevitably screwed up with her “system.”
If he didn’t ask Amanda, who else could he ask? He avoided school dances, just as he did the popular tables in the high school quad. He could ask Maria or Kim. They seemed cool, and the night would be fun. If he had to, he could ask Kaysea, but he was pretty sure she wasn’t into guys.
The front bell rang again, and in walked Darren Foyle, full of swagger and Axe body spray. Will groaned. Darren was Amanda’s on-again, off-again boyfriend for the past two years. He was a skater who traded in his board for a brand-new Mustang when he turned 16, courtesy of his parents. Amanda liked him only as a sign of rebellion against her dad, a police officer. However, their relationship was at its end. He had cheated on her, and not just kissing, and the whole school knew about it, even Will.
Darren must have noticed Amanda’s used Volkswagen in the parking lot. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be caught dead in this bookstore. Will was surprised to learn that Darren knew that bookstores, maybe even books, existed.
“Hey, yeah, you go to Kennedy, right?” Darren asked.
“Yes, we went to the same elementary and junior highs, too,” Will said.
“Oh yeah, right. Hey, have you seen Amanda Wright?”
I glanced over to her table. She was already up and heading over to Darren and Will. She was not happy to see him.
“Hey, girl.”
“What do you want?” She was now inches from Darren. Will took a step back. While he enjoyed some protection from the counter, he didn’t want to take any chances. “I thought I told you I never want to see you again.”
“Oh shit, Amanda. C’mon. This is all one big mistake.”
“You’re right, dating you was a big mistake. Huge.”
Will instinctively smiled at the “Pretty Woman” reference from that movie from the ‘90s. Nobody else got it.
“Amanda, she meant nothing. It was stupid. We’ve got a few months before we go our separate ways. Why not make the most of it? This is our senior year.”
Amanda laughed at Darren to his face, then shook her head. She turned to Will.
“Can you believe this, Will?” Will wasn’t sure if he wanted acknowledgment and to be brought into this conversation. “He thinks my life will be better with him in it these next few months.”
“I, uh.” Will stammered
“Shut up, Will,” Darren said, a cross between a snarl and dismissing him completely. Will was surprised that Darren at least acknowledged knowing his name. “Amanda, come on. At least let’s have fun at prom. We’ll have some great pictures. Have some fun. Then we can party with everyone, and if we decide to go our separate ways, we can. We’ve had some good times. Let’s have one more great night.”
Amanda wasn’t buying it. She shook her head and then turned back to return to her study table. Darren wasn’t having any of it. He grabbed her wrist. She tried to yank it away, but Darren had a death grip.
“Hey,” Amanda said.
“Amanda, hey, don’t tell me some other guy has asked you. That’s not cool.”
“You should let go of her wrist, Darren,” Will said, stepping forward. He didn’t know if he had authority, but he couldn’t be a bystander either. Darren had fifty pounds on Will, but perhaps he’d act as an obstacle, allowing Amanda enough space to exit the situation.
“Don’t you have a Lord of the Rings to shelve or something?” Darren sneered, and Will had to resist replying Not for Gollum’s like you! But before Will could make himself a bigger fool. Darren snapped his head back to Amanda. “Now, who are you going with? Whoever it is, you won’t have as much fun as going with me.”
Amanda finally yanked her wrist away from Darren and stepped back, putting Will between her and Darren. She rubbed her wrist, and Will felt a pang of anger and relief. She was safer, but now he was securely in the line of fire. He hoped she’d tell off Darren so he would leave.
“In fact, I have been asked,” Amanda said with a quiet confidence that Will admired, though he was disappointed that she had been asked. Her smile turned mischievous as she looked over to Will. “I’m going with Will.”
Amanda felt accomplished, like she had solved world peace. Meanwhile, Will expected the iPhone tone to fill the store, signaling that his brain was rebooting. Will’s eyes went wide while Darren turned to him in disbelief. Amanda’s smile was broad as though she had just cured cancer, or at least teenage loneliness.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Darren said. “You are definitely not going to have fun with Will and all his geeky friends. The after-party is going to consist of some Dungeons & Dragons cosplaying.”
Darren is wrong, Will thought. They’d probably play Mario Kart all night. But still, it would be a lot more fun than sitting around and drinking until someone puked.
“I’ll be fine. Now, if you excuse me, I need to continue studying.”
Amanda left, leaving Will and Darren standing, the register and a counter of bookmarks, stickers, and other book-related knick-knacks between them.
“Don’t think that she’s going to go with you,” Darren snarled. “That bitch just wants to make me jealous. Soon, you’ll be on the curb, crying to mommy that nobody likes you.”
Better than crying in that Mustang that reeks of your awful Axe spray, Will thought. But he took a breath and instead asked, “Can I help you find anything else?” A nasty stare greeted him before Darren turned and left the bookstore, the bells signaling his departure.
Will adjusted the bookmark display, then looked around to see if anyone else knew. His heart pounded. Not only had he averted death, but he was going to the prom with Amanda Wright.
Part 2: The Protocol of Us
Jay wasn’t buying it. He and Will were sitting at an outside table at In-N-Out, eating double-doubles and sharing an order of fries, while they watched cars parade around the parking lot to get through the Drive-thru.
“I know you’ve fantasized about her since you were like twelve, but how did you get up the cojones to ask her to prom?” Jay asked, barely audible through a mouth full of cheeseburger, “And how did you get her to say yes?”
“She asked me,” Will had to explain again to Jay the circumstances that made the most popular girl in school his prom date after his shift at the bookstore.
Will wasn’t sure if he believed it either. Two hours before, Amanda Wright, with whom Will had a crush, had asked him to the prom without pomp or circumstance. In fact, he knew her decision to ask was impulsive. She wanted to be done with Darren Foyle, and the easiest way to dismiss him was to commit to the most important event in high school: the prom with Will, her unpopular gamer friend.
“This definitely elevates our prom celebration,” Jay said. “To be rolling in with Amanda Wright, man, that will be cool.”
For a moment, Will allowed himself the fantasy, complete with a slow-motion roll into Buca di Beppo Italian Eatery, before pulling up to the country club in a limo. He’d walk into prom with Amanda Wright on his arm and alongside his buddies. In the fantasy, there’d be paparazzi snapping pictures, and maybe explosions firing off in the background. After four years in the shadows, they were getting their glow-up when it mattered most.
Then reality hit. He hadn’t exactly worked through the details with Amanda. Heck, he wasn’t sure if the invitation would be rescinded in the coming hours. The one good thing about their friendship is that he did have her number and could text her with these questions.
“Well, I’m not sure what our plans are yet,” Will said. “She asked me, so does that mean she takes care of our itinerary? I don’t know the protocol.”
Jay dipped a fry in the little well of ketchup. While Jay was somehow elected class treasurer, Will wasn’t sure if he had mastered parliamentary procedure to guide the protocol.
“Dude, we had this planned, even before Amanda Wright tapped you on the shoulder to be her date,” Jay said. To all of Will’s friends, only the full Amanda Wright name was used for reference. “We are going to have an epic night. My uncle has access to one of those party vans for work and said he’d drive us around. We get the big Pope Room at Buca di Beppo. We hit prom, then back to my place for an epic night of gaming.”
“I’m not sure Amanda is going to go for that. This is her swan song, too,” Will said. “I’m just going to have to check with her.”
Jay made a sound of agreement, but Will assumed it was confirmation through the Double-Double “Animal Style” that Jay had in his mouth.
“You did what?” Riley asked in shock. Amanda wasn’t sure if Riley might lose all function in her hands, dropping a Dutch Bros. iced latte all over the passenger seat of Amanda’s Toyota Corolla.
“I asked Will Jenson to the prom because I didn’t want to go with Darren,” Amanda said. Repeating it back, Amanda cringed. She liked Will. He was a good friend, and ever since that baseball game a couple of years ago, he had been her tether to reality, one that wasn’t caught up in popularity, college recruitment, or any of that. They talked about baseball, parents, and studying, and it was all real. Sure, she had to hear a little too much about video games and sci-fi novels, and yes, she knew he still had a crush on her even though she told him she didn’t think of him like that, but he was sweet and no drama. That wouldn’t be the case if she went with Darren.
“Well, you should text him and tell him it was a rash decision made in the heat of the moment,” Riley said. “He’ll understand. Just you talking to him will make his day.”
“That’s so wrong,” Amanda said.
“What’s wrong is that he’s going to be so out of place with all of us. Can you imagine him when we’re in that suite at the Hyatt, and he’s hooking up the videogame console to the TV.”
Amanda pictured the Hyatt suite, Will sitting on the couch with his controller, focused on the big screen on the wall, while she stood against the wall, bored. And she wouldn’t be alone.
“Most of the guys will probably join him.”
“Exactly,” Riley said. “And I don’t want Samuel playing video games when we’ve got our own room.”
Amanda thought about it. This was the kind of drama she didn’t want. She wanted to have a good night – dance, laugh, have fun, and have a memory that she would fondly remember for the rest of her life. Regardless of who she brought, she knew the post-party thing at a house or a hotel was going to be fraught with angst and drama. She’d seen enough ‘90s teen movies to know that something always went wrong.
“So, ditch Will, and you can ask Eric. I’ve heard he hasn’t asked anyone yet.”
Amanda smiled. She could at least relate to Eric. He was going to San Diego State on a soccer scholarship, and they shared endless stories of traveling with club teams, showcasing their talents at camps and tournaments across the country, and living with an abnormal dedication to a sport in hopes of landing a coveted college scholarship.
“I’ll think about it,” Amanda said.
“Good. Your pictures will look so much better with Eric than with Will,” Riley said. “Now that you’re in your right mind, did you see what Zendaya was wearing yesterday at that movie premiere?”
Amanda always did her best thinking in bed. Hours after Riley went home, and Amanda should be getting to sleep, she churned the idea of the prom in her head again and again. She knew she’d have a great time with Will. She also knew this was the last time she’d be with this group of friends.
As if on cue, her dresser rattled with the buzz of her cell phone. She looked at the screen. A text from Eric:
Eric: WYD
Amanda: Shouldn’t you be asleep?
Eric: Shouldn’t you?
Amanda: True. WU
Eric: Riley said you may looking for a date to the prom.
“Of course she did,” Amanda muttered to herself. Her fingers hovered over the phone for a minute.
Eric: You there?
Amanda: Yeah.
Eric: You want to go with me?
This was the moment. A quick acceptance, a conversation with Will tomorrow, and the high school social structure wouldn’t register the blip.
Eric: Wow, that’s a no?
Amanda slammed her bed. She was going to do it. Her fingers typed quickly before she changed her mind.
Amanda: Thanks, but I already have a date.
Eric: Really? Who?
Amanda: Will Jenson
Eric: Wow. That’s bold. But you have always gone your own way.
Amanda: Yeah. He’s a good friend.
Eric: All right. I get one dance thought, right?
Amanda: Of course. Thanks for understanding.
Eric: No worries.
With resolve, Amanda immediately pulled up Will’s phone number. She knew he was up. Will bragged about his late-night gaming sessions with her during AP Government. How they didn’t fall asleep on their consoles, she had no idea.
Amanda: Hey, prom date
Will: Right! That was crazy today. Thanks for asking me. Takes the pressure off.
Amanda: Oh yeah? Were you going to ask me?
Will: I wish. I mean, if I knew you wanted to go with me, I would have. I think we’re going to have fun.
Amanda: Was there someone else you wanted to go with?
Will: Nope. I’m there. Committed.
Amanda: Good. My friends were surprised I asked you.
Will: Same. We threw them all.
Amanda: I think that in itself is a reason why we should go together. Throw off the whole system.
Will: Right. Revolution! We can make it a Reverse “She’s All That.”
Amanda: ??
Will: 90s movie with um Freddie Prinze Jr? Paul and my mom showed it to me once. Kinda lame. The girl looks nerdy until she puts on makeup and takes off her glasses. Then she’s a movie star.
Amanda: So, are you Rachel Leigh Cook?
Amanda laughed. This was one of the reasons she enjoyed Will’s friendship. He’d pull out these strange but cool pop references, then get flustered when no one else got them. Fortunately, she did, but still liked to make him sweat.
Will: Wait, you saw the movie?
Amanda: Of course. I’m sure you’ll glow up just as well, but please don’t wear a dress. I’m having a hard enough time not picking a dress like my friends. And to be clear, there was no bet in asking you.
Will: I know. But… I was wondering. Are we going with my friend group or yours?
Amanda: I don’t know. What are your friends doing?
Will: Well, we planned on going to Buca di Beppo and taking a party bus. Then massive Mario Kart gaming after.
Amanda: My friends are planning to get a suite at the Hyatt. I’m not so sure, though. I’m kinda over it.
Will: Whatever. I’m fine. I mean, I’d like to hang out with my friends a little, but you asked me, so…
Amanda: Let me think about it. Talk later?
Will: sure
For two days, Amanda felt the pressure from Riley and her friends on one side, and the constant puppy dog forlorn look from Will, hoping he’d pick his group for the night. All of these plans, and she had to choose instead of going her own way.
She wasn’t hungry. Heading into breakfast, Amanda began her morning ritual and pulled out the frozen berries and unsweetened high-protein yogurt, then placed them in the blender. But today, the choice of whether to put peanut butter or spinach seemed too much.
“Amanda, lid,” her mother exclaimed from across the kitchen. She was reading a copy of Piano Man by Thomas Eberle. Theresa Wright was also a teacher at Kennedy High School. While it sometimes cramped her style, Amanda drove her mom to school three days a week. “What is wrong with you? You’ve been distracted.”
“It’s nothing.”
“Don’t give me that. You almost made a mess that would have taken me years to clean. Now tell your mother what’s wrong.”
“It’s about prom,” she said.
“What about it. We’re still going to get your dress this weekend, right?”
“Yeah, you know I asked Will Jenson, right?”
“Yes. A little surprising, but he’s a good boy.”
“Right. I asked him on a whim. And he’s got a whole different friend group than me. And now I have to decide if I want to hang out with his friends, or if I want to drag him to be with my friends.”
Amanda’s mother nodded her head. She knew better than to offer advice in these situations. Amanda would reject anything she said. “What do you want to do?”
“I want to laugh. I want to have fun. I don’t mind going to dinner with either group. But then, after, I know what I don’t want to do. I don’t want to get drunk. I don’t want to hook up.”
“That’s a relief.”
“And I don’t want to have this pressure of making it the best night of my life. I just want to chill.”
“Can you go with one group to dinner and the prom and then go with the other afterward?”
“I guess,” Amanda said.
“You’re just so in demand, sweetie,” her mother stroked her straight black hair. “Look, I’ve been teaching for twenty-five years, and I’ve seen my share of drama heading into these final months. Look, the trick to nights like these is not to set big expectations. Let things happen. Live in the moment. Don’t put pressure on yourself to do what the crowd is doing. Do what feels right for you.”
Amanda thought about it. When she thought about it that way, she knew exactly what she wanted to do. Some people wouldn’t be happy, but they would tough it out. She worked too hard over the past few years not to take control of her own life for at least one night.
Part 3: Mustang Red and Baby Blue
All day at the prom, Will was antsy. He couldn’t even play Madden. Instead, his controller rested in the charger as he lay on his bed and stared at the dust-covered Brett Austen bobblehead on his desk, accompanied only by a bag of dried mangoes and an empty glass of water. He lacked focus and wondered when it was too early to get ready. Mostly, he had to talk himself down and get his mind out of romantic fantasyland and onto the practical. Amanda had no romantic interest in him. She didn’t want any drama. She wanted to have a good time and make the most of the moment. Playing up every scenario in his head was the opposite of what she wanted.
He was going to meet Amanda at Riley’s house at 5 p.m. Even scrolling through TikTok couldn’t make the time go any faster, as he saw some of his classmates posting videos of themselves getting ready.
He took it as a sign. He pulled out his black suit, hanging prominently on his door. Better lighting, and it might be his Bat suit. Instead, the too-long sleeves and oversized shoulders made it more department-store standard than billionaire chic. Instead of complementing it with a light blue tie, Paul suggested an open-collar baby-blue shirt. His stepdad had more class and style in a wayward eyebrow hair than Will had in his entire genome. He took after his late father in this way. The stand-up guy who ended up with the girl. His dad, who died nearly 10 years ago, was always on his mind. But Paul was a good second choice.
When he was finally ready, every hair in place, he figured, he joined his parents in the living room. Among bookshelves and his awards, Paul was watching an A’s game. His mom, sitting close to him on the large sectional, was engrossed in Piano Man, a copy he had bought her for her birthday using his employee discount.
“I guess I’m ready,” Will said with a big sigh.
His mom put down the book and covered her face with joy. Paul also looked proud. Will had fully embraced high school life, and they were happy to share in this rite of passage.
“You look so handsome,” his mom said, tears welling in her eyes.
“Looking good, sport,” Paul said. It was their inside joke for Paul to bust out the bad stepdad clichés. “You’re going to dazzle Amanda.”
Will wasn’t so sure about that. The one thing he had going for him was the use of Paul’s new Mustang. He practically had to sign a blood oath not to consume one ounce of any impairing substance, whether it was alcohol, weed, or gummies. He had also had to wash and vacuum the car before and after tonight. Still, it would be worth it to pick up Amanda at Riley’s in Paul’s red sports car.
“Remember, she asked you,” Paul said. “You. Not the ‘cool you’ or another fake you. Be yourself, and it will be a great night.”
A wash of acknowledgment crept across Will. Paul always had a way of slipping in sage pieces of advice. And he was grateful, that is, until Paul led a photoshoot worthy of Milan. Will felt his face hurt from having to smile for photos in the living room by himself, with his mom, with Paul, and for selfies, and he didn’t have Amanda by his side yet. He couldn’t imagine how many more he’d take over the course of the evening.
“I wish your dad could see you,” she said with a crack in her voice. Jim Jenson was a constant presence, and his physical absence wasn’t lost on anyone.
“He is,” Paul said as he placed a reassuring arm around her. He brought Will in close as well. “We’re all so proud of you.
Paul pulled away, fished the keys to his Mustang out of his pocket, and held them in front of Will with a tight grip. Will held his hand open, the anticipation mounting with every second. The moment stretched… and stretched.
“C’mon, Paul,” Will’s mom said.
“Have fun tonight,” Paul said, his eyes intense. “Just not too much fun.”
When the keys hit Will’s hand, his anxiety turned into hopeful and nervous excitement. The reality of it all hit him the moment he entered the garage and opened the garage door. There was the Mustang, gleaming without a speck of dust. The smell of leather was more musky. The stereo’s sounds became crisper. The red paint was flawless underneath the fluorescent light of the garage. He was going to drive this car. He was going to take Amanda Wright to the prom.
As expected, Will felt like an outsider taking pictures with all of Amanda’s friends. The paparazzi, disguised as parents with iPhones, snapped pictures as everyone posed and pasted on plastic smiles. He laughed to himself when he thought twenty-five years into the future, when all of them would ask themselves, “Now, who was that with Amanda?”
Meanwhile, the drama was already a low hum of discontent. Darren, attending with a random sophomore fembot happy to be elevated to this upper echelon of high school society, kept eyeing Amanda with longing and Will with disdain. For each picture, Darren stood in a position that blocked Will from the photo.
“Will, did TJ Maxx have a sale on suits this week?” Darren asked, who looked like he had just come from a runway in Milan.
“Darren, stop it,” Amanda said.
“Yeah, c’mon, man,” Eric said, though Will wasn’t sure if Eric was being sincere or angling to steal Amanda away during the first dance. It was odd, Will thought, being the guy that everyone wished was out of the way. But Will kept his focus on Amanda and helped her make this the best night of her life.
As part of the compromise he made with Amanda, they took pictures with her friends, had dinner with his friends, and then let the moment decide the after-party. Will was scared that Amanda and his vibe wouldn’t jibe, and he’d either be in some odd scenario or the seventh wheel.
“The party bus is cool, but arriving in this car is so much better,” Amanda beamed as they drove to Buca di Beppo. Despite Paul’s orders, Will had found a back road to gun the Mustang and showcase the deep rumble of the engine. Amanda grabbed his hand on the gear shift, providing Will with more of a thrill than the sports car
“Well, it was the only way we were going to make everything,” Will smiled. This was where he felt the most comfortable with Amanda. Alone and just talking.
“I know, right? And here, I thought it would be easy. We’ve got a busy night,” Amanda said. “By the way, if I haven’t said it before, I’m glad I’m going with you. All the times before, there’s been drama, but I just want to have fun and enjoy myself. You’re the guy for that.”
“Thanks, I guess.” Will didn’t know how to take it. No drama meant, once again, his fantasies of romance with her would be unrealized. He was in the friend zone, but to be honest, their hangouts were more fun than the few dates he’d been on.
“Seriously, I am so much more relaxed right now than I would be with Darren or Eric or any of the others.”
“Just wait until you have dinner with my friends,” Will said as they pulled into the parking lot. Only a few minutes late, Will hoped they wouldn’t need to wait too long for their table to be ready. “Just keep your embarrassment and amusement to a minimum.”
Amanda laughed. “They’ll be fine. We’re all one big happy family.”
“Dysfunctional family.”
Will helped Amanda out of the Mustang. She looked more beautiful than anything he could have imagined. Her light blue dress contrasted perfectly with her dark caramel skin. She was a movie star with baller skills. As he walked to the entrance of the restaurant with her on his arm, he felt like all of Ocean’s 11 rolled into one.
The second leg of their epic night was less stressful than the first. The debate over which vintage Italian photo was funniest drew the only drama at dinner. Was it the old man looking longingly at the younger woman’s rather large breasts? Or the small boy tinkling on the wall of some Italian villa. He knew Amanda would match the energy of his friends. He just wasn’t sure if his friends would act stupid around her. But she surprised them with her knowledge of Manga and Anime, as well as some of the video games they played.
The main topic of conversation was the future after graduation. Amanda was excited to hear that everyone knew what they were doing. Will was heading to Utah. Jay was off to Nevada, while his date, Stacy, was off to San Diego State. Another friend was heading to the fire academy, and another had already started an electrician’s apprenticeship.
“Many of my friends don’t have a clue,” Amanda admitted to Will on the way to the country club for the prom. “They’re milking every moment of these past couple of months, before they have to face reality.”
“There’s no harm in that. Carpe diem and all of that,” Will said.
“I guess. Still, I am ready to move on. Aren’t you?”
“No doubt,” Will agreed. “I’m ready to be in a place where there is no ‘crowd,’ just trying to find and be yourself. At least, that’s what I’ve heard college is.”
Amanda didn’t answer, and Will looked over to gauge her reaction. Had he offended her in some way?
“Aren’t you scared? I mean, we’ve grown up together. Now, we’re going somewhere where we don’t know anyone. At least I’ll have softball to meet people. But, we are going in brand new.”
“Yeah, but it’s a good kind of scared. More, like excitement. Everything is open and unwritten.”
“You’re a wise soul, Will Jenson.”
“That’s why you asked me to prom. For my soul.”
“It’s why I’m already having a great night.”
She giggled and laughed, reached over, and grabbed his hand, interlocking her fingers, and kept it there. Will’s heart fluttered when her thumb brushed back and forth on his. Will quickly glanced over, and she smiled. Was there something else happening? He was finding it hard to keep his perspective and not give in to wild ideas. As they parked at the country club, he tried to remind himself of what Paul had told him. Own the moment. He stood as tall as he could. He took her arm once again with a confident smile and strolled in with the most beautiful girl in school.
“Here we go,” Will said. As they entered, he was surprised at the grandeur of it all. For Amanda, this was nothing new. Will, however, looked at all the twinkly lights spread across the trees, creating a magical glow that bathed everyone in warm yellow light. The DJ played a variety of tunes that appealed to everyone’s tastes, as long as there was enough thumping bass to get everyone on the dance floor.
Will and Amanda agreed up front that they wouldn’t spend the whole time together. They would spend some time in each of their friend groups, both together and individually. Again, no drama. Just make the most of the night. They danced together, including some of the slow dances.
But as each moment passed, Will knew he was coming closer to the end of the perfect night. Each time he looked over and saw Amanda laughing with her friends, he wondered if he’d be left behind. He tried to shake it off, but the feeling persisted.
After a quick trip to the bathroom, he was nearly bowled over by Darren, who smelled of mint gum and alcohol. Darren’s smile turned to a sneer as though this was his moment for a dramatic speech.
“You know she’s going to leave you high, dry, and with a set of blue balls that will last three days, right?” Darren slurred. “She’s so out of your league. You’re only here to get back at me and take pity on you. So don’t even try to guilt her into playing Minecraft or whatever you fucking betas do. Because I guarantee that she will be lying next to me in my suite when she wakes up in the morning.”
For a moment, Will dropped his head, his insecurities and anxieties bubbling up and confirming that Darren was right. But images of Amanda laughing at dinner, holding his hand in the car, and dancing flooded his mind. They might not end the night together, but he knew Amanda was with him by her choice.
“You know, Darren,” Will said finally, easing his way to the side and away from the wall. “Have a great time tonight. Yet, you might have a better time if you just let it play out and not worry about loser ol’ me.”
Darren tried to grab him, but Will slipped away from his grip and left the bathroom. His heartbeat was not only from adrenaline, but he was determined to enjoy the night, whatever came next. As he approached the dance floor, Jay approached, his wet hair pasted to his forehead, shirt open, jacket off, and smile as wide as the Sacramento River.
“Epic night,” Jay said. “And it’s just begun. What’s your plan? Are you going with us or the cliquebots over there?”
After his confrontation with Darren, he had no desire to hang out at the hotel suite, and he was concerned about what Darren might do if he wasn’t around to protect Amanda.
“Best night ever,” Will agreed and hugged his friend. “But yeah, I don’t know what my plan is. Whatever happens, know that I’m so glad you’re my friend.”
Will was struck with a sense of time and place. As Amanda had said, this was the end of an era. But that wasn’t a good or bad thing. It just was. His eyes caught Amanda. Regardless of where she was in the room, Will felt a spotlight on her, as though she was the star of his movie.
“Oh snap,” Jay said, pulling Will out of the trance. There was commotion at the edge of the dance floor. Will caught sight of the second or third stream of vomit emitting from Darren’s mouth onto his date’s yellow dress, the splattering of bile cutting through the monotoned voice of The Weeknd. The crowd pushed back, while the school chaperones circled the stumbling jerk.
“Oof,” Jay said. “Guess you won’t have to worry about him anymore.”
Will shook his head. He looked at Amanda, whose hand was to her gaping mouth. She turned to him and winced with a small laugh, and Will couldn’t help but feel some small satisfaction in the turn of events.
As the night concluded, Will and Amanda came together for the last dance. Was this it? Or was it beginning? Ed Sheeran’s voice played as Amanda swung her arms around Will. He put his hands on her waist. Amanda looked perfect in the soft light as they swayed together.
“How’s your no drama prom going so far?” he asked.
“Besides the glory of watching Darren make a fool of himself and get kicked out, fine,” Amanda laughed. She was happy, which made Will joyous. “Though I do feel bad for Katie.”
“Yeah,” Will said. Katie had left and been picked up by her parents. “She’ll have two more opportunities, though I’m not sure how long this trauma will last.”
Amanda brought Will closer, and he could feel her breath on his ear. “Thank you for tonight. This was all that I wanted.”
“Does it continue? You and me?”
Amanda’s smile dimmed a bit before she shook her head. “I want to spend more time with my friends. I mean, it doesn’t seem right to be away from your friends on prom night. And I know you feel the same.”
Will nodded and smiled, though he couldn’t hide his disappointment. The song was in its final moments, Sheeran’s vocals both haunting and hopeful. Without warning, he pulled her in and hugged her tight until the song ended. When he pulled away, he noticed her eyes were glistening with tears.
“Are you ok?” he asked, the mask of prom magic fading.
“Yeah,” Amanda said in a rush to get in the words before normal life returned. “Promise me. No matter what happens at graduation and in college, don’t lose my number. I want to keep in touch.”
“Of course.”
“Amanda, come on,” cried Riley from across the lawn. Amanda looked over and nodded before turning back to Will. To his surprise, she wrapped her arms around him again, pulled him in close, and kissed him deeply.
It wasn’t lustful. They weren’t making out, but it was intense; her lips pressed against his, her body as close as anyone had ever been to him. It also wasn’t a kiss goodbye. It felt like she was leaving him to say goodbye to the high school life she led. But she’d be back. Their relationship would endure beyond this time. And he felt love and comfort.
When she pulled away, Will had to shake himself back to reality. Amanda giggled.
“Don’t worry,” she said. “Our time will come. Thanks again for tonight. Talk to you later.”
She turned, grabbed the sides of her dress so she could run after Riley. She giggled. Will stood there speechless, his life and his perspective forever changed. When he turned, none of his friends had noticed the kiss. He wasn’t sure they would believe him anyway. Instead, he decided to keep the moment for himself and go to Jay’s with the knowledge that this had already been a perfect night.
About The Piano Man Chronicles
Piano Man, written by the fictional author Thomas Eberle, is a creative spark that connects a wide variety of stories, like a quiet ripple. I am writing three‑part arcs that introduce new people, new places, and new turning points, but the shared thread is how this one book nudges something in each of them.
Some characters read it.
Some argue with it.
Some only know it because someone they love won’t stop talking about it.
But for all of them, The Piano Man becomes a spark — a moment of reflection, change, or connection.
Guest authors, such as Sandolore Sykes, are contributing their own takes on the story, creating a wide world of literary interconnection. This project is meant to feel like wandering through a neighborhood at dusk, catching glimpses of lives in motion. You’re not following one plot; you’re following the echo of a story inside a story, watching how art lands differently in every life it touches.
The Birthday Party Underground
When washed-up rocker Cole takes a pity gig at his nephew’s birthday party, he expects juice boxes, tantrums, and the slow death of his dignity. What he doesn’t expect is applause, cash, and a new career path—one paved with glitter, chaos, and the occasional piñata-related injury.
Welcome to the children’s party circuit, where the princesses aren’t Disney-approved, the clowns have criminal records, and the magicians might be dabbling in more than sleight of hand. As Cole dives deeper into this surreal subculture, he finds himself entangled in illicit rendezvous with moms (divorced, married, and morally flexible), navigating the drug-laced underbelly of suburban affluence, and dodging emotional landmines disguised as balloon animals.
But beneath the costumes and confetti lies a question Sam can’t escape: Is this his second act or just another detour on the road to self-destruction?
Eberle’s Piano Man is a tragicomic romp through the absurdity of reinvention, where the music never stops, but the consequences keep piling up. Sharp, irreverent, and unexpectedly tender, it’s a backstage pass to the party you never knew you wanted to crash.
“A rock ballad wrapped in confetti and regret. Eberle’s prose is as sharp as a broken guitar string.”
— Javier Stone, author of The Last Encore
“Thomas Eberle has written the most unwholesome children’s party novel imaginable—and I mean that as high praise.”
— Mira Caldwell, author of Suburban Gothic
“A hilarious, heartbreaking descent into the party circuit’s glittery underworld. Think Almost Famous meets Bad Moms with a dash of Hunter S. Thompson.”
— The Sacramento Tribune