“Isn’t he like twenty-five? He’s in his like tenth year of college!” Cassie smirks and I cringe.
I have no idea how old Todd Mitchell is. My skin is still crawling from that menacing look in his eyes.
“I think you girls should stay away from that boy, okay? I don’t think Todd is a very nice young man,” Cassie’s mom says, matter-of-fact.
Nope. Neither do I.
Garrett
Past
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Age 19
THE CROWD ROARS as Alex’s voice fills the room.
“Jaded…” he screams. “Weary…”
I stop strumming, and the room becomes silent as all eyes focus on Alex. His breaths are the only sound heard through the speakers.
The drums beat one last time, and he whispers into the mic, “Alone.”
The room erupts with screams and applause and we’re finished with our set.
That’s always the perfect song to end with because it draws raw emotion from the fans. I look through the rows and rows of people rushing the stage, trying to find the record label executive who is supposed to be here tonight. I finally find her, seated at a small round table, feverishly writing notes in her spiral-bound book. She has a smile on her face.
Good.
Based on Dax’s research, this label is the one to go with. He handles most of the business side of things, and he’s confident this will be the best deal for us as a band. I trust him—I guess I have to.
Alex disappears into the crowd and I make my way to the back. Dax and Tristan are already there. I throw myself onto the couch, my fingers still vibrating from my guitar.
“That was amazing!” Tristan shouts, and I nod in agreement.
“Dax, that chick from the label was out there, and man she looked happy. I have a good feeling about this,” I say, and Dax frowns.
“Don’t get your hopes up, G. Who knows what they’re going to offer us. I do know that part of their offer is likely to require a three-record deal. That type of deal makes me nervous. We’re committing to so much. I’m not sure Alex will agree.”
“What does it matter if he agrees or not?” I ask, annoyed that Dax always keeps Alex in the top of his mind.
“Because he’s our songwriter. Without his words, we have nothing. He needs to be all in or we don’t sign shit.” Dax tosses his drumsticks onto the couch next to him and rubs his hands together. He’s nervous.
“Where’s Alex?” Dax asks.
“He said something about a girl and he jumped off the stage to find her in the audience.” Tristan smirks.
“Dude, we don’t need him getting all serious with a chick,” I state. “As Dax said, he needs to be all in. We can’t have his dick leading the charge.”
Dax nods his head in agreement and Tristan snickers. “Man, how long have you known Alex? He’s never been led by his dick.” He falls over onto his side and laughs hysterically.
“I’m going to see what’s up with the label exec. I’ll be back in a few.” Dax gets up and leaves the room.
“He’s so uptight.” I shrug. “That dude needs to get laid.”
“Says the ladies’ man.” Tristan laughs again. “That reminds me, what happened with that blonde the other night. Did you bang her in the bathroom?”
“So what if I did.” I don’t know her name, but I most certainly did bang her in the bathroom. Twice.
“She was hot. She had her eye on you all night.”
I remember spotting her in the crowd from the stage. She stared at me like I was the only one there, and she made me feel really good afterwards.
I wonder if she’s here tonight.
I’m about to get up when Dax comes back into the room, excited. “She just gave me her card and told me to call her in the morning. They’re working up an offer as we speak!” He can barely contain himself as he high-fives Tristan.
“That’s amazing, bro!” I shout, thinking about the blonde again. “I’m going to try to find someone,” I say as Alex comes rushing through the door.
He’s muttering to himself, and he’s not happy.