Page 31 of Every Shattered Note
Jules crosses her arms, jumping in.“These were just for us.We can’t show clients just anyone.Nobody’s hiring a band named—what was it again?—The Flaming Groomsmen?”
Rafe grins.“And you complained about my names?”He looks back at me teasingly.
“Oh, the name wasn’t the problem,” I say.“It was their sound.Their original covers came with ...creative choices.”
“Creative?”he repeats, amused.
“They added a kazoo solo in the middle of ‘Unchained Melody,’” Jules says, deadpan.
“Ah.”Rafe nods, lips twitching.“A bold artistic decision.”
“Bold isn’t the word I’d use.”I exhale.“But yes, let’s call it that.”
He studies me, then tilts his head slightly.“So, this was your way of saying I’m good enough to make the cut?”
I lift my chin.“This was me saying you’re good enough to be considered.”
He chuckles, shaking his head.“Listen, I don’t want to sound like I think I’m a big deal, but ...call me when there’s a real gig.I can’t keep showing up for auditions.”
“How will clients believe you’re as good as I say you are?”
“Email me your address.”His tone is lighter now, teasing again.“I’ll mail you a demo.”
He winks—infuriatingly casual—then turns and walks away with Rosie, shoulders relaxed, like none of this mattered as much as it clearly did.
“What about your stuff?”I call after him.
He doesn’t look back.“The guys will get it.”
And then he’s gone.
Jules watches the door close behind him.“There’s something fishy about him,” she says finally.
“Fishy how?Like it stinks and he’s a drug lord?”
She shakes her head.“More like he’s not comfortable with something.”
I stare at the empty stage.The mic’s still tilted toward where he stood.The air feels ...changed.
“He’s an emergencies-only contact,” I mutter, mostly to myself.“We’re not sending his demo to clients until I know more.He could?—”
“Make your panties wet while playing ‘The Chicken Dance’?”Jules interrupts, her grin spreading wickedly.
I glare at her.She bursts out laughing.
And I try—truly try—to roll my eyes, to match her tone, to shrug it off like it’s just another gig.But the laugh that slips out.It’s unsteady.Almost nervous.
Because she’s not wrong.
Not even a little.
ChapterTwelve
Alyssa
This day has been long.
Too long.
