Page 85 of Sangre
“He’s usually super pissed at something. I haven’t noticed him madder than usual. Are you guys finished?”
“Yeah. We never should’ve started. We’re much better as friends.”
“Me and the other guys agree with you on that. It was a lot of drama last year.”
“Wasn’t Melody supposed to fly out to see you? Is she coming for the show this Saturday?”
He shook his head as he threaded the third string into the tuning peg. “She can’t take too much time off work, so she wants to save it for Sturgis.”
“I didn’t know you like motorcycles.” She placed her mike on the stand.
“I didn’t knowyoudid. I’ve see you on the back of that dude’s bike. I’m not really into them, but his is wicked-looking.”
“It’s a Harley, and I love riding on them. It’s so freeing, and with the wind all around me, it feels like I’m one with nature. It’s exhilarating.” She turned her microphone on.
“Is that dude the friend Benz is bent out of shape about?” She nodded. “No offense, but he doesn’t look like anyone I’d want to meet in a dark alley.”
She giggled. “He does look badass with his swagger and tats, but he’s a nice guy. He’s super cute with his nieces and nephews, and he’s got a big heart even though he doesn’t want anyone to know that. He’s just awesome.”
Gage looked up from his task, locking gazes with her. “Sounds like he may be more than a friend.”
“We’ve known each other a long time. I’ve always had a crush on him.”
“So, you’re with him now?”
“Yes. I am.” The admission made her stomach flutter and a rush of warmth spread through her.I’m dating Sangre. We’re together, having the most amazing sex. He wants me.
Before Gage could comment, Benz and Jac strolled into the room. “Glad you decided to show up,” Benz said, walking past her and going over to the drums. She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from snipping at him. “Where the fuck’s Arsen? I’m really getting sick of this unprofessional bullshit from all of you.” He adjusted the drum heads.
No one responded. They’d all been around Benz long enough to know that when he was in one of his moods the best thing was to let him get it out of his system, but sometimes he was too much and she’d end up getting into a fight with him, or Jac would tell him to shut the fuck up. Even Gage, who was normally calm, would go off on him if Benz kept goading them. Arsen seemed to be the only one who knew how to handle him, but then they went back since high school.
“Are you guys ready to go?” Terry Z asked as he came into the room.
“Our lead guitarist isn’t here yet, but he’s on his way,” Isla said.
Benz glared at her. “Did he personally tell you that, or are you just talking outta your ass?”
“That’s what he told me, dude,” Gage said.
Still scowling at Isla, he picked up the drumsticks. “Then why the fuck are you acting like you talked to Arsen? Are you trying to show us how important you are?”
Anger pricked at her skin. “Give it a fuckin’ break. This is petty shit and you know it. If you’re going to be a major asshole the whole time, I’m leaving.”
“So you can fuck your friend?” The drumsticks slamming on the cymbals clashed deafeningly.
Arsen walked in at that moment. “Sorry I’m late.”
Isla turned around, her back to Benz, and smiled at him. “We’re just getting ready to start. Why don’t you tune up, and I can lay down the vocals?”
“The drums go first. You should know this. You’re supposedly a musician,” Benz said.
Terry Z folded his arms across his chest and stared at Benz. “I don’t know what the fuck’s going on with you, but this shit stops now, or you can take your pain in the ass attitude outta here. I don’t have time for juvenile bullshit. I told Isla we’re laying down her vocal tracks for ‘Before I Ever Leave You’ then we’ll lay drums for the new song. I’m the one calling the fuckin’ shots.” He glanced at Isla. “Ready?” She nodded. “Let’s get going.”
As Terry Z went into the soundproof booth and settled in front of his sound board, she picked up the microphone and put on headphones. She could feel the intensity of Benz’s stare burning through her back, but she ignored him and watched Terry Z for her cue to start singing. Soon Benz faded away as she lost herself in the music.
Two hours later she sat in the lobby, drinking a bottle of water when Arsen joined her.
“You sounded great. You nailed that song.” He pulled out a joint and offered it to her.
