The Hanging Hill

33

“If you don’t like his changes, don’t do them!”

Judy was on the phone with her husband, Zack’s dad.

“You need to protect your intellectual property, sweetheart.” George Jennings was a lawyer.

“Well, I’m willing to take a look at the lyrics. See if I can make them better.”

“You can’t. That song is perfect the way it is!”

Judy smiled.

And then George started singing. “Curiosity helps us see, just how lively life can be….”

Now Judy was simultaneously laughing and cringing. Her husband was a great guy, a sharp lawyer, and a terrific father. He was also tone-deaf. When he sang, it sounded like a dozen different car horns honking in a barn full of bawling sheep. George Jennings had the kind of voice that could close karaoke bars.

“Okay, okay,” said Judy, pulling the phone away from her ear so no permanent nerve damage could be done. “You’re right. It’s perfect.”

“You want me to come down there and sing it to Mr. Grimes? Let him hear just how perfect it is?”

“No, dear.”

Judy wouldn’t change a word, no matter what the director said.

But she saw no need to torture the poor man.