Starting From Here (Starting From #3) - Lane Hayes Page 0,21
didn’t go quiet when I closed the door behind me.
“There you are,” Charlie exclaimed, tapping his watch. “Let’s get to business. Time is ticking, and I have no idea what they’re talking about.”
“Baseball, baby,” Ky replied affectionately. “There’s a ball and a big stick involved. I’ll give you a private lesson later.”
Charlie pursed his lips in reluctant amusement. “Only one ball and one stick?”
“Nope. We’ve got two sticks and four balls between us. Plenty to keep us entertained.” Ky waggled his brows lasciviously and chuckled when everyone groaned.
They were an unlikely couple, but they seemed to get each other. Ky was a professional skateboarder turned bassist. He was tall and lean with unruly dark-blond hair and a laid-back vibe that screamed California beach dude. Ky could be fun and mischievous, but he was highly focused when he needed to be. His mellow nature counterbalanced Charlie’s manic one, which was definitely a side benefit for the rest of us.
“Okay, that felt graphic,” Justin chided sarcastically. “Looks like Declan has finally graced us with his presence. Let’s get this over with.”
I gave Bobby J a fist bump, then made my way to the table, greeting Gill with a friendly nudge before taking a seat next to Charlie…and across from Justin. I met Justin’s scathing once-over with an ultra-friendly smile. My maturity level knew no bounds, I mused, clearing my throat.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. This shouldn’t take long. Cade is out of commission, we have a song to record asap, and we need help. I talked to Tegan last night. He said he’d do it.” I held up my hand when Justin leaned forward menacingly. “I apologize for not consulting you all first. Cade’s injury caught us off guard. We’re short on time and understand that you’re up to your eyeballs in deadlines too, but we’re grateful for the help.”
Justin folded his arms and sat back in his chair. “Zero didn’t say yes.”
I clenched my fist under the table and widened my grin. “No, not collectively. But Tegan said he’d meet us at nine this morning and—”
“And it’s a great idea.” Charlie smacked his palm on his notepad. “A PR perk! We have to grow the label. This is a great way to advertise Scratch Records.”
“I don’t like it, but I get it. If Tegan is willing to help, Zero will support him,” Justin sighed before rounding on Charlie. “But you have to fucking communicate.”
Charlie sprang to his feet. “Fine. Let me communicate something. Like it or not, you need each other. The drummer from Zero playing on Jealousy’s album is great for business…and not just because it’ll save us cash. It shows a united front. We’re building a brand from the dregs of something scandalous.”
“We’re not selling scandal,” Justin warned.
“We need to sell something. It’s not enough to tolerate each other. Look, I hate to admit it, but I think I’ve spent so much time planning tours and worrying about distribution that I’ve been lax about building a mystery.”
“What kind of mystery?” I asked.
“A social media mystery! Perception matters…almost as much as actual content on the interweb. Do you have any idea how many horrible acts get airtime based on bad behavior alone? I’m not just talking about musicians. YouTubers and Instagram hotties don’t have to be talented or particularly smart. They just have to be savvy. I know this guy, Trent Dover…he’s reasonably attractive, but I have more talent in my pinky finger than he has and let’s face it, I’m the most untalented person you’ll ever meet!” Charlie set his hands on his hips and sucked in a breath to continue his tirade. “Trent is the kind of guy who—”
“Hold up, Char.” Justin furrowed his brow. “What does this have to do with…anything?”
“I’m telling you a cautionary tale about why social media currency matters. Trent’s story is a good example. That douche canoe gets into the most elite bars and nightclubs with a smile and nothing else. He also gets VIP access and red-carpet treatment almost everywhere in LA, including the fucking IHOP on Sunset. And I bet you his barista never forgets his order. Why? Because he has a blue check next to his name and over one million followers. He’s an expert at getting attention and keeping it by opening his life to the masses. He tells his viewers what he ate for breakfast, what designer brand shirt he’s planning on wearing, and then he gives a little side story about which of his glamorous LA friends