Bedo strolls by the guys, staring at me more as if I’m a product than a person. “Nerds are in right now. We could slap a pair of glasses on him maybe? Wardrobe will work their magic. Besides, I’m over the bad boy rockers. After the drummers we’ve been through, we need clean. I’m only hiring someone who can pass a full background check and drug test.” Bedo closes the space between us and slaps my back. “Leighton meets those qualifications, and he plays.”
“Dude, even his name is pretentious.Leighton.” Austin chuckles. “No offense, man.”
Right. Insult my appearance and my name. That’s cool, man.
“Austin, stop being a dick,” Trent says. “That was one song. Does he know the set list?”
“He’s ready. I wouldn’t hire him if he couldn’t handle it.”
“What’s his story? Where’d he learn to play like that?” Sean says from where he sits in the corner. He’s been quieter than the rest of the band and I wonder whether that’s the way he is, or if he’s doubtful about my ability to do the job.
“Why don’t you ask him?” Bedo lifts his brow, and then drops his gaze to his phone. “Shit. I’ve got to take this. Why don’t the four of you play? Test the waters.” He taps on the screen. “Hello?” In four long strides the door bangs shut behind him with a thud.
All eyes on me, I twirl the sticks between my fingers and meet their gazes. “Shall we?”
“Fuck,” Trent says under his breath, shutting his eyes and shaking his head. “I’m too young to babysit.”
“Okay, pretty boy. Let’s see those chops.” Sean walks over to the bass and straps it on. “But cut the fancy talk, yeah?”
I almost respond with “Pardon?” but catch myself before the word flies out. I have more to learn than music for this role. Eighteen years of pedigree aren’t easy to shed overnight. Clearing my throat, I meet Sean’s gaze. “Whatever you want.”
“Whatever I want.” Sean’s gaze dances with humor as he turns to Trent and Austin. “I already like this one.”
“Don’t tell me you’re a suck-up.” Austin groans, straps on his guitar, and struts in front of the drum set. “If you are, it’s my ass you should be kissing.”
“Don’t listen to him.” Trent rolls his eyes. “Enough chit chat, ladies. Let’s play. Demon’s Edge. From the top.”
I hold the sticks out, counting off and then beating down on the toms. Fuck, I love this. The melding of instruments makes a perfect sound. I keep my focus on the music, not willing to chance a look at any of the guys. I’m a trained musician. I’ve got this. Even if they don’t approve of my age or ink-free skin, they can’t say shit about how I play. The song is fucking rock perfection. As I beat out the final rolls, crashing against the cymbal, then stilling the sound with my hand, I finally lift my gaze.
They all stare as if I’m a freak of nature. With my IQ and musical training, that’s not exactly wrong.
“Another?” Sean slaps at the strings of his bass, the sick riff enough to bring a smile to everyone’s face. “Sapphire Nights, then transition right into Cut.”
“You can handle that, kid?” Austin lifts an eyebrow.
“I’ll manage.” I’m proud of myself for not rolling my eyes. With the tap of a bass beat, I break into the song and everyone joins along. This time I’m not so concerned about perfection, the rhythm’s simple enough a much less talented drummer could play without trouble. I allow myself to get lost in the music and I feel on fire, my body and mind sucked into the jam. It feels fantastic, and as I imagine playing this for thousands of screaming fans, touring the country, fuck, I can’t rein in the smile that spreads across my lips. This right here, it’s what I’ve always wanted, and for the first time in my life I get to steer the ship. I’m traveling my own map.
We jam out for a good hour and my uncle never returns, but it’s not a problem. It’s actually better he’s not here. We’re building trust as musicians—as a band—and it’s not something he can help with. I have to earn this.
“Hell, yeah!” Trent’s smile holds the same joy I feel in my bones. We rocked that last song as if we’d been playing together for years. I could hear it, and so could he. He nods to the door. “I guess Bedo’s not coming back.”
“You’ve really practiced.” Sean nods, walking over to pound his knuckles against mine.
I shrug, because if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years it’s that no one loves an egotistical ass. “Yesterday Bedo set me up in here with your practice tracks.”
“You learned all that in one day?” Sean asks, but there’s a hint of disbelief in his words.
I hold up my hands so he can see the blisters and calluses.
He lets loose a long whistle. “Savage as fuck.”
I think I’ve earned his measure of respect.
“Dude, what are you, some kind of genius?” Austin shakes his head. He doesn’t know the half of it.
“Something like that.”
Trent checks the screen of his phone and glances at the door. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”
