out how to convince her. With the way things are, I give you less than a fifty percent chance.”
“Fuck the odds.” I gritted my teeth. “Talk to her for me.”
“No, War. No fucking way.”
“Listen, man. I screwed up. I realize that now. I couldn’t even get off with Missy without imagining Lace.”
“You want me to share that with Lace?” he asked, his mouth flattening into a disapproving line.
“No.” I shook my head. “Fuck no. I just want you to understand how bad I have it, and put in a few good words for me with her. Talk her into hearing me out. Okay?”
Bryan gave that some thought. “All right.”
“Good. Thanks.” I let out a breath, took my hands out of my pockets, and shook them, relaxing a bit. “In other news, I just learned we might have a drummer and a bassist for the band.”
“Really? Who?” he asked.
“You ever heard of a guy called Juaquin Acenado?”
“King, you mean?”
I nodded. “Yeah, he’s the one.”
“His brother saved Jorge’s life.”
“King is Adrian’s little brother?” I asked.
“Yeah,” he said. “Only King’s not so little.”
“No, he sure the fuck isn’t. The guy’s built like a monster truck.” And about as subtle when it came to things he was passionate about. Like Lace, unfortunately. “If he plays the drums with that power—” I shook my head, having difficulty imagining it.
“He does.”
“How do you know?” I asked.
“He was in the band his freshman year. Got crosswise with the band director and got kicked off. He has a bad temper.”
“Excellent,” I said. “He’ll fit right in.”
“Probably.” Bryan laughed. “Who’s the bassist?
“Sager Reed. Supposed to be able to groove, and has some songwriting chops.”
Bryan’s brow creased. “Never heard of him.”
“Friend of Juaquin’s.”
“Ah, a friend recommendation is biased. So, basically, Sager is an unknown at this point.”
“Yeah,” I said, “but not for long. And neither is where we can go as a band if we play our cards right.” I filled him in about my talk with Kyle, except for the Lace part of the deal.
Looking impressed, Bryan nodded approvingly. He knew once I set my mind on a course of action, I’d see it through. I’d just have to make some modifications with Kyle, and soon. I didn’t need anything else ruining my chances with Lace.
Lace
“Hey, Diz.” Emotion stung my eyes when I saw my brother lounging against my locker, waiting for me at the end of the day.
“Heard you gave it, and then some, to not just one but a couple of guys today.” He searched my gaze.
“Apparently, there’s not much going on at this school,” I grumbled, “if that’s the top news on the gossip chain.” I shooed him aside so I could open my locker.
“You’re the new girl. You’re pretty, and you’re not afraid to stand up for yourself. I don’t think they’re going to have any better entertainment for a while.” He suddenly seemed to zero in on one side of my face. “Did Belinda really hack off a hunk of your hair yesterday?”
“She did,” I said, exchanging the books I had for the ones I needed. “But it’s over and done. Not worth mentioning.”
“You should have told me.” The previous incredulousness of his tone changed to concern. “I don’t want anyone harassing you. I’ll have a firm word with one of her higher-ups.”
“Not necessary. I met someone who already did that.”
He tilted his head. “The guy you were sitting by at lunch today?”
“His name is King.”
He was one of the few highlights of the day. Talking to Bryan for those few moments was another. It had almost been like old times. Plus, giving it further thought, I had to admit that Chad was turning out to be a good friend, and then there was my brother. My heart warmed at the knowledge that Dizzy kept tabs on me during the day.
“King introduced me to his best friend. Sager likes to sketch, like me. They’re both coming by the house later, to try out for the band.”
“No one told me anything about a tryout.” Dizzy’s brow creased. “Who told you?”
“I did.”
Bryan moved across the hall toward us. Handsome as sin, he moved with smooth, effortless strides, like his fingers on the strings of his guitar.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Dizzy gave Bryan a hurt look.
“I saw Lace after fifth period. War sent me to talk to her. Didn’t see you until now.” Bryan slid his cell from the front pocket of his jeans. “Here.” He handed it to my brother. “Put your cell number in