“Wow.” I lean back into my seat, not even knowing how to process this.
“Fuck,” Austin swears.
“That’s amazing.” Lexi grins. “Congrats.” Her joy is unbridled, without jealousy or envy.
“But that’s not all.” Bedo’s smile stretches so wide I’m afraid his face might break. “There’ve been rumors ...”
“The good kind or did they catch on to Austin’s fetish for wearing high heels,” Sean shouts out.
“Fuck you. I like my heels on my hookers.” Austin punches Sean’s arm.
“You all are idiots,” Lexi mutters.
“We are. But you love us, Lexi.” Sean blows her a kiss.
“IloveTrent. I tolerate your dumb asses.” She rolls her eyes.
“She’s such an angel when she talks like that.” I kiss her neck, brushing my tongue along the skin. She shivers, pushing away my head with a glare that warns me to save it for later.
“Okay, okay, enough clowning around,” Bedo says and he’s back. The phone is out like an extra appendage as he swipes the screen. “Just thought you’d be interested to know you guys are serious contenders.”
“For what, exactly?” Austin leans forward, his arms resting on his knees.
“A Grammy nomination.”
Wait. What?There’s a rustle as we all sit up straight, perking at even the mention.
“Which single is getting the buzz?” Austin asks.
“Think bigger,” Bedo pops.
I shake my head, my hand raking through my hair as I try to wrap my mind around the prospect. “Shit. I’m almost scared to say it. Isn’t that bad luck.”
Bedo grins, again, glancing up from his cell. “I told you I had good news. And the label wants to push harder, capitalize on the opportunity. I know you thought you had a month off before we take this tour overseas, but instead we’ll be recording a new single.”
Shit.That’s not gonna go over well. We’ve been working hard, but we also need some time apart, especially before we spend a solid two months together again. Bedo’s eyes widen, and I’m sure he’s expecting a chorus of applause, but it’s hard to get excited about being locked in a studio right now. We all had trips planned. I was going to surprise Lexi one of the weekends.
A glance around the group confirms I’m not the only one who feels this way. “Dude. Bedo, I’m happy, but we need a break,” I say.
“Seriously, you don’t understand what it’s like to listen to those two go at it every night.” Austin points and Lexi pulls away from my touch.
“Damn it, Austin, I told you guys to use headphones,” I say.
“You could hear us?” Lexi covers her face with her hands. “Oh, God.”
“Yeah, and you sounded just like that. On repeat.” A chuckle leaves Sean’s lips.
“Oh, God, oh, God, oh, God! Yes, Trent!” Austin mimics in an exaggerated pitchy scream.
I reach for the first thing I find, a water bottle, and chuck it at him.
“Fuck!” he cries when it smacks his chest.
“Fine!” Bedo shouts. “Two weeks off. Then you’re in the studio. It’s only one single. Shouldn’t take you too long. But there’s one other thing ...”
There’s a collective groan because Bedo’s not smiling at all this time, and I’m not sure what anvil he’s got left to drop.
“The bad news.” His lips pinch together as he meets my stare. “Off Track Records wants a permanent drummer. I’ve been putting off the issue for months, but they’re done waiting. We need to make a decision.”
