“Genius boy can’t work his iPhone?”
My gaze snaps to my uncle’s humored grin.
“No. I think my parents shut it off.”
He chuckles and shakes his head. “Felicity always did hate not getting her way.”
“I expected the loss of financial support, but I didn’t think about the phone. I assumed they’d leave it on, if only to harass me.” I blow out a breath. Well, fuck. I need a phone. Don’t I? But I can’t just go out and get one. Not without an income or bank account of my own. Adulting sucks. “Shit.”
“It’s a phone. You’ll live,” my uncle scoffs.
“Says the man who carries his around like it’s a fifth limb.”
He doesn’t respond, because we both know it’s the truth. The studio isn’t far from his condo and even with the morning rush he pulls into his reserved spot twenty minutes later. Not five seconds out of the car and he’s already buried inside his phone.
I can’t help but laugh.
“Save it.” He leads the way to the back entrance, his eyes never leaving the screen. Impressive since he doesn’t trip once. “I don’t have a problem. It comes with the job.”
“Isn’t that what all addicts say?” My words earn a brief glare and it causes my lips to pull wide with a grin. Inside his office, I strut over to one of the couches and splay out, resting my hands behind my head. “So, what’s on tap for today’s agenda?”
Bedo thumps his briefcase onto his desk with more force than necessary. “I’m not here to entertain you. I have meetings until ten. Do whatever you want until then.”
I lift my head to peer over the back of the sofa and catch his gaze. “What happens at ten?”
He doesn’t lift his eyes, instead settles behind his computer. “I get to break the news to Three Ugly Guys they’re bringing you on tour.”
I practically roll off the couch, I’m so excited. “Really?”
“Yeah, just don’t piss them off.”
This is it. It still hasn’t seemed real, but now that I’m meeting the guys, it’s actually happening. “I’ll go practice.”
He nods, a quick lift of his chin but I can tell he’s impressed. Being the best doesn’t happen of its own accord. I’ve worked damn hard to become the musician I am today, and I’m prepared to carry that same work ethic into this band.
* * *
I charmmy way into an empty practice studio and keep busy practicing, but by a quarter till ten I’m overcome with restless anticipation. I’ve never been one to seek approval of others. Frankly, no one cares about your personality when you’re the best of the best or have pockets as deep as my family’s. But these guys won’t give a fuck about my classical music training or performances. They’ll only see a privileged white kid—which technically is true. I don’t fit the mold when it comes to famous rock stars, but I do have the talent. I’ll just have to convince them.
“Hey, Lizzy.” I tip my chin to the pretty receptionist and she giggles. “Know where my—”Shit. Almost said uncle. “Favorite manager is?”
“Oh.” Her eyes widen and she bites the inside of her cheek. “They didn’t come find you yet? Trent, Aust, and Sean showed up early. I think they’re in Studio Five. Just past the practice rooms.”
Shit. “Thanks, Lizzy.” Not wasting another second, I jog back down the hall until I find the correct room. I blow out one last nervous breath, knock, and push through the door. Sure enough, everyone’s already gathered inside around a long table.
“So glad you could finally join us.” My uncle tips his chin in greeting.
With a slow swagger I slide into the open chair at his left. All eyes meet mine for a brief second before turning back to Bedo.
He clears his throat. “So, a little change of plans.” My uncle taps the edge of the conference table and sets down his phone. “The guy I hired to play drums had a family emergency.”
“Fucking A.” Austin groans and rubs his hands over his face.
“What are we going to do?” Trent leans forward and rests his forearms against the table.
Sean clears his throat. “Maybe we should delay the tour?”
“We’ve already rescheduled the first week. We can’t cut any more.” My uncle narrows his glare on Sean. If I hadn’t been staring, I would have missed it, because my uncle’s face grows with a smug smile as he rocks back into the padded chair. “Besides, I’ve already hired someone better.”
