For the 다음 two weeks, Les threw himself into practicing his 음악 with Jimmy. He poured all the mixed-up feelings of starting a new life and worrying about whether they might succeed into his playing and singing, and even he could tell the difference in the amount of passion coming through, especially in the sad 또는 painful songs. His improvement inspired Jimmy, who sounded better than ever, trying out new and 더 많이 creative beats on his drums. Jimmy sometimes also talked and cracked jokes to an imaginary audience between songs. Venus and Mars remained the only audience to hear this, with Mars howling approvingly after every song and Venus joining his applause in her own way 의해 thumping her tail on the floor.
And Les felt the irresistible urge to take the 다음 step. He and Jimmy were better than they had ever been, and he wanted people to hear them. He wanted to share his 음악 with the world and show them how good he was. He also kind of wanted to show his father that he had been wrong.
"I think we're ready to let other people hear us," Les said to Jimmy one day. They were out in Jimmy's backyard, where Les leaned against the porch railing while Jimmy sat on the grass, letting the 개 crawl all over him and lick his ears. "I want people to know about us. And maybe that will show my dad."
"We are ready," Jimmy agreed readily, as Venus flopped down in his lap. He scratched her behind the ears. "But Les, let's not ever worry about showing your dad, all right? He's not worth it."
Les knew Jimmy was right, but part of him just couldn't let it go. He decided not to think about it anymore for the moment. "We just need to figure out where to start playing. A restaurant 또는 a bar 또는 someplace? There has to be somewhere that would be happy to have us play."
The back door opened as he was speaking. Jimmy's dad stepped out. "Hello, boys," he greeted them. Mars bounded over to ask for a pat on the head. "Ah, yes, I meant my boys and my granddogs," he remarked as he bent down to rub Mars's fur. Standing up again, he said, "Did I hear 당신 two talking about finding a place to play your music?"
Les nodded. "Yes. I think we're ready to let people hear us."
Jimmy's dad smiled. "I've been listening to you, and I'd say you're 더 많이 than ready." Les felt a little glow of pleasure.
He went on: "I've just heard about a new club opening downtown. They're looking for some up-and-coming acts who would be willing to play and draw in an audience. It's a little ambitious for a first gig, but I think 당신 boys are up for it. What do 당신 say?"
Jimmy grinned. "Cool, Dad! What do 당신 think, Les?"
Les thought. An ambitious gig... Were they up for it? Well, Jimmy's dad thought so, and Les knew he was ready... What was he thinking?! Of course he was ready! He'd show his dad he didn't care about what he said.
Les nodded determinedly. "Let's do this."