When I reached studio ten, I saw the waves crashing plumes of spray against the pilings of the pier through the large window inside it, and I heard the clashing of tempers within.
“The song is good, Saber.” Ash’s hands formed a placating gesture. Not dressed like the man today, he was the dude in an Offshore tank and board shorts, his standard nonbusiness meeting attire. “But the chorus needs work. So does the intro, for that matter. You should have brought Ted in today to lend you a hand.”
“I don’t like him.” My boyfriend was in dude apparel too, a black Reef tank with blue tropical leaves, and knee-length board shorts that matched.
Saber’s tension was obvious. His PRS hung low from a shoulder strap, his arms were crossed, and his expression was dark. His gaze flicked to me, but he didn’t acknowledge me.
Ouch.
“He’s the best bassist around here,” Ash said.
Saber’s head tilted to a stubborn angle. “Maybe we need to cast the net wider, beyond just local candidates.”
“Or we could go back to who we had before,” Shield said from his position behind his drums.
“Not going backward with you guys.” Ash planted his feet and folded his arms, giving both brothers a firm look. “Figure out a way to get along with Ted. Bring Journey in to record as soon as he’s settled. You owe me a single, and you’re behind schedule already.”
“You can’t rush the muse,” Shield said. “She comes and goes as she wills.”
Ash frowned. “I don’t want bullshit excuses. Not when your entire album is months overdue.”
Eeep. Ash sounded pissed.
“Get the song done,” he said firmly. “Or I’m shelving the plans I have to debut you until next year.”
“What plans?” I asked, and Ash turned to look at me, his expression softening.
“Ah.” He put a finger in the air. “That’s for me to know for now. An incentive, since everything else I’ve tried with these guys hasn’t worked. Good to see you, by the way.” He grinned at me.
“You too.” I returned his smile.
Oddly, he smirked. “You have a big streak of sand . . .” He gestured with his thumb to his own cheek.
“Oops.” I reached up and released a shower of sand as I dusted it away.
“Where’ve you been all day?” Ash asked, tilting his head. “I thought Sunday was plant day for you.”
“I sold my inventory and went to LA with Journey and my brother,” I said, feeling Saber and Shield watching me. “We helped him get his stuff, and he took Cork and me surfing on the way back. It was nice.”
Ash’s blue eyes glinted with interest. “Good swells today?”
I nodded. “Really good.”
“Awesome. I’ll get Fanny and take her out before the sun’s gone. One week, gentlemen.” He shifted his gaze to the guys before exiting the room.
“We need to talk,” Saber said to me. His jaw was tight, his displeasure obvious.
“We do. I agree,” I said, though thinking about how that would probably go down made my stomach jiggly. “But where’s Cork?”
“I sent him to the snack room with a friend of Diesel’s.”
“What friend?” I asked.
“Koa Rossman.”
“Pro surfer Koa Rossman?” My eyes widened.
“Yup.” Shield guffawed. “Cork’s eyes were as wide as yours when he saw him. Knew who he was right away. Started spouting off ranking and stats at him.”
“I’m not surprised. He still likes to watch competitions. Rossman’s making a comeback. Cork identifies with that,” I said, wondering if he wished he could make a comeback attempt of his own.
“I heard Diesel is giving Koa some bass lessons. He’s also the one who gave Koa the pointers that vaulted him up in the rankings.” Shield set down his sticks. “I think I’ll head back and see what they’re all up to. Give you lovebirds some privacy.”
His expression was mocking, his tone thick with sarcasm. I gave him the squint-eye as he scooted past me, but he only grinned. I knew he enjoyed annoying me.
“You wanna tell me now what the hell’s going on with you and Journey?” Saber asked as soon as Shield was gone.
“He’s the guy I was with in LA,” I said, blurting out the truth. “It was only the one night, and you and I were broken up. You know we were.”
“Fuck me.” Saber’s eyes flared.
“I know you said you didn’t want to know who it was.” Dropping my gaze, I twisted my hands together. “But with him here, I had to say something. I tried to tell you last night.”