Jake Brennan

He knew it was true.

His first few years with Tammy were some of the happiest in his life.

Taking the stage with Tammy by his side made him feel confident and energetic.

And Tammy made the paralyzing stage fright that he usually beat back with alcohol just a little bit less paralyzing.

For a while, he barely drank more than a glass of wine or a beer here and there.

But a few days after Tammy gave birth to his daughter Georgette, the demons inside George whispered in his ear until he couldn't ignore them anymore.

They went off on a bender that ended up with him being forcibly admitted for 10 days to a mental institution in Florida.

The marriage never recovered after that.

George began spending more time on the road without Tammy.

And without her by his side, the stage fright came back with a vengeance.

And so did the drinking.

Just when George thought his body couldn't take any more of the travel, the bad food, and the constant need to be the life of the party at every roadhouse along the highway, he found something to take Tammy's place.

Something to make him feel energetic and confident.

Unlike Tammy, it didn't care how much he drank.

And this something was cocaine.

D-Doodle hooted from the back seat, salivating at the mention of the drug.

George pulled out a baggie.

Couldn't resist a little taste.

Only the old man abstained.

He just shook his head in disgust.