Dangerous Dave and The Tech Titan were tittering like little schoolgirls when they wandered off toward the little Rancho Nicasio market. Iām keeping my balance by grasping the wrought iron gate in front of the little white church. Iām in a mental state somewhere between euphoria and PTSD having just survived Dangerous Daveās unbridled four-wheeled assault on Lucas Valley Road. Or maybe I actually died and I need to pass through the gate, then through the church to heaven?
I feel alive, so Iām probably still alive. Whatever that means.
To his credit, Flood is a really really good driver. Given the money and opportunity as a young man, he probably could have made it as a professional rally driver, so I shouldnāt be such a pussy about riding in the back seat. But my sense of self preservation takes over when someone else is at the wheel. If Iām driving, game on. Someone else at the wheel? Settle down son!
My equilibrium is returning now, so I wander over toward the little market and go inside. Oddly thereās nobody inside, but the back door is open and thereās a bluesy and soulful song being played on the piano in the bar adjacent to the market. The back door looks off limits to the general public (employees only) but I decide fuck it, Iām going through anyway.
I turn the corner, Dangerous Dave and The Tech Titan are leaning against the wood and leather barstools while at the piano, the shopkeeper from Southern Alabama (who I met last time through) is singing and playing piano, and if Iām perfectly honest, he is extraordinary. Most of the time, when someone sits down to belt out a tune for you spontaneously, it sounds like Mary Rottencrotch and Her Nose Flute Symphony. Mr Shopkeeper has a barrel chested timbre in his southern voice and an almost supernatural ability to find the melodies and harmonies to his own piano accompaniment.
Mr. Shopkeeper's ten fingers come slamming down simultaneously on the keys for a big triumphant finish to his song and all three of us give a roaring round of applause. Mr. Shopkeeper spins around toward us āHowdy boys! Thank You, Thank You.ā
The Tech Titan: Guys, I want you to meet Mike. Mike is the manager of Rancho Nicasio, and in a former life he was a hit songwriter for Huey Lewis and the News!
Mike: Well it seems like Iāve met all of yāall in here from time to time, but I had no idea you knew each other.
Mike: Did you find the albino buck yet?
Mike: How about the book?
Me: No sir, Iām trying to order it from somewhere other than Amazon.
Mike: Ha! Well good luck or die tryinā. You boys sticking around this afternoon for the band? Got live music all day!
I shrug my shoulders, Iām not sure what The Tech Titan has planned for the day.
The Tech Titan: You guys want to grab some breakfast in Point Reyes Station, kill some time in the Tesla and then come back for some afternoon tunes?
Mike: Well, I guess Iāll have to dedicate a tune to you boys. See you this afternoon!