Chapter 17

Jacob had been back from Nashville for three weeks when Tommy showed up at The Blue Note. He spotted his friend immediately, Tommy’s tailored charcoal suit standing out among the venue’s casual patrons like a peacock among sparrows. Jacob nodded a greeting from the stage, continuing his set without interruption, though he wondered what had prompted this unexpected visit.

After his last song, as he packed away his guitar, Tommy approached. “Sounding good, Jacob. That new one about Nashville—it’s different. More open somehow.”

Jacob secured the latches on his guitar case. “Thanks. Didn’t know you were coming tonight.”

“Spontaneous decision. Thought we should catch up.” Tommy glanced around at the dispersing crowd. “Got time for a bite? That diner next door still open?”

Twenty minutes later, they sat in a corner booth at Margie’s, coffee mugs steaming between them. Jacob had just finished recounting his Nashville experience, the studio sessions, the reunions with Jet and Lydia, the connection with Stan, the engagement of a music and entertainment attorney.

“Sounds like it was good for you,” Tommy observed. “Stepping out of your routine.”

Jacob nodded slightly. “Different than I expected.”

“Different how?”

Jacob considered the question, searching for words to express the subtle shift in his perspective. “Thought I’d feel exposed. Uncomfortable for the whole time. But it was ... not like that. The focus was on the songs, not on me.”

Tommy smiled, a hint of ‘I told you so’ in his expression. “That’s usually how it works. We build things up in our minds, make them scarier than they are.” He stirred his coffee thoughtfully. “So, you’ve got these connections now—Stan, Jet, Lydia. A lawyer looking after your interests. Songs going into production. Royalties coming in like clockwork every quarter.”

“Yes.”

“Which brings us to why I wanted to talk tonight.” Tommy leaned forward slightly. “Jacob, you need to buy some property. Maybe two properties. Real estate is a good investment and has significant tax implications that could benefit you, especially with your increasing income.”

Jacob blinked, caught off guard by this unexpected suggestion. “Property? I have an apartment.”

“You rent an apartment,” Tommy corrected gently. “That’s different. You’re building someone else’s equity, not your own.”

“Never thought about owning,” Jacob admitted. His concept of home had always been transient—foster homes, group facilities, a series of rented apartments. Ownership represented a permanence he’d never considered possible or necessary.

“Well, start thinking about it,” Tommy advised. “Your financial situation has changed substantially. The royalties from Lydia’s album alone would make a solid down payment. Add in what I project should be coming from Stan’s upcoming release and Jet’s new album—you’re in an excellent position to invest in yourself.”

Jacob sipped his coffee, processing the suggestion. “What kind of property?”

“That’s the interesting question.” Tommy’s eyes lit up with the enthusiasm he always showed when discussing financial strategy. “You could buy locally—a condo or house here in the city. But you mentioned how comfortable you felt in Nashville, how your friends are establishing themselves there.”

“You think I should buy in Nashville?” The idea seemed radical, a complete departure from the carefully structured life Jacob had maintained for years.

“Why not? Your friends are there. Your music is finding roots there. You’d have a place of your own when you visit, which I imagine will be more frequent now that you’re collaborating with multiple artists.” Tommy spread his hands. “I’m not suggesting you move permanently—unless you want to. Just that having a base there makes financial and practical sense.”

Jacob was quiet, contemplating the implications. “Two places?”

“Eventually, maybe. A primary residence here, a second property in Nashville. But you could start with just one, see how ownership feels.” Tommy smiled reassuringly. “And Jacob? I’ll always be here for you—just a plane ride away if you need anything. That’s what friends are for.”

The conversation shifted to more specific financial details—mortgage rates, property taxes, potential areas to consider. By the time they left Margie’s, Jacob had agreed to at least look at listings to explore the possibility.

What began as exploration quickly gained momentum. Rebecca connected Jacob with a real estate agent in Nashville who specialized in properties offering privacy and character—places suitable for a songwriter who valued solitude but needed proximity to the music industry.

After reviewing dozens of options remotely, Jacob flew to Nashville for a weekend of viewings. Stan drove him to each property, offering commentary and local insights. Jet and Lydia joined for several showings, each contributing perspective on neighborhoods and practicalities.

It was the last property—a small, ten-acre parcel with an old farmhouse about thirty minutes from downtown—that immediately resonated with Jacob. The house itself needed work, a century-old structure with good bones but outdated systems. But the land spoke to something deep in Jacob’s soul—gently rolling pasture, a small pond, mature oak trees surrounding the house like protective sentinels, a detached barn that could be converted to a studio space.

“This one,” he said simply after walking the perimeter, surprising both himself and Stan with the certainty in his voice.

The purchasing process moved quickly, guided by Tommy’s financial expertise and Rebecca’s legal oversight. Six months after that conversation at Margie’s, Jacob stood on the porch of his first proper home, keys in hand, watching movers carry the few possessions he’d brought from his apartment—his guitars, his painting supplies, books and basic furnishings.

The renovation had been managed remotely, with Stan overseeing local contractors. Jacob had been specific about his requirements: updated electrical and plumbing systems, a modernized kitchen, but retention of the farmhouse’s original character—the hardwood floors, the exposed beams, the stone fireplace. The result was a perfect balance of historic charm and practical functionality.