loved getting into trouble and breaking rules. I wasn’t opposed to a little rebellion, but I had my goal, so I tried to only bend rules, not completely break them.
“We need to get going, Lacey.”
“Our gig’s not until nine.” I needed to rework equations. Like a bazillion times. Do them faster.
“It’s seven thirty.”
“Oh crap.” I glanced out the window and found it was dark outside. I’d lost track of time because I was desperate. The SAT was tomorrow. “My keyboards.”
“Already set up.” War skimmed his knuckles along the edge of my jaw. “Bry and I took care of it for you.”
My heart rate sped up at the mere mention of his name. Bryan and I were still friends, though not as close as we’d once been.
I wanted us to be closer. I tried, oh, how I tried to make that happen. On the walks from school twice a week when Bryan escorted me, and War had voice lessons with the young and beautiful choir teacher. Also, Bryan took me home once a month when War had some mysterious day-long commitment.
During those one-on-one opportunities with Bryan, I babbled about every topic I could think of. Music, mainly, because that was the only subject that got me better than a one- or two-word response. But my childhood friend remained distant—I suspected because War told him to keep his distance. But I couldn’t confirm my suspicions. War wouldn’t admit anything when I asked.
“That’s great. Thank you. But I won’t have time to go by the house to change. I have to go like I am.” I glanced down at my ruby-red sweater set and jeans. It could be worse. Luckily, I hadn’t remained in the T-shirt and sweatpants I’d woken up in.
War scowled at me. “You look great, and who the hell cares what you wear? No one can see you behind your keyboards. If you would sing up front with me—”
“No.” I cut him off with a frown. We’d had this argument over and over. “You’re the lead singer. I’m backup.”
My role in the band was the only important argument I’d won. Typically, War made unilateral decisions, and most of the time, that was okay by me. After all, in War’s eyes, Tempest was his. And I loved being in the band with the guys. I just didn’t believe in Tempest the way War did.
I had my own dream. One that I felt like I had some control over. One that I had to make work for me.
“See you later, Chad.” I leaned in and gave him a one-armed hug that he returned. Pushing my chair back, I gathered my things and stuffed them into my backpack.
War stood too and threw his arm around my shoulders.
“You coming to Footit’s to see us tonight?” I asked, giving my study partner a questioning look.
Footit’s was a small club in a not-so-nice section of Southside. The proprietor, Addy Footit, was the only club owner who had given us a chance when we first started out. We didn’t have a big following yet, but a respectable number of people showed up whenever we played.
“I don’t think so.” Chad dropped his chin, avoiding my gaze.
Had War said something to warn him off? I had a few school-friend acquaintances who were girls, but only one friend of the opposite sex that War tolerated.
“Why not?” I asked. “I’ll save a dance for you after our set.”
It was our first time playing on a Friday night. We weren’t the headliners, but it was a big break, a chance for more people to discover us. Also, it was a chance for me to do some dancing when the top-billed band, Rebel Heart, played.
“I think I’ll pass.” Chad exchanged a glance with War. “I need to get a good night’s sleep before the test.”
“Okay.” I hid my disappointment. I liked when Chad came to our shows. He was always in my corner, and he didn’t often let War run over him like the guys in the band and most everyone else did. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I’ll pick you up in the morning.” Chad pointed at his watch. “Early, remember.”
“Yeah, thanks for the reminder,” I said with a grin. “I’ll set my alarm.”
Chad was the only kid I knew who had a car, which was helpful since the test was at eight a.m. on a Saturday at a middle school several miles away. Thinking about the test, worrying about the test, made my stomach hurt, negating the pleasure of being held by War.
There