Wicked (Somerset University #2) - Ruby Vincent Page 0,30
to shit, J. Did Bianca have you scouting last night?”
I shook my head. “I was on bedtime duty for Adam.”
“Ah. I remember those days. At least you five can share it around. It was only me lying on your Ninja Turtle sheets—which you showered with piss almost every night.”
“We don’t need to trip down memory lane,” I mumbled. “Val and I stayed up till past two. I’m running on less than four hours of sleep.”
“Get that coffee in you. Beyond Berlin has an interview in Marchant today to talk about the upcoming album.”
I straightened. “I didn’t hear about an interview.”
“Morning Melody had a last-minute cancellation and a buddy of mine is the producer. He rang me up to see if I had a band that would like the spot.”
“Are they in the studio today?”
“Nah. You’ll have to round them up.”
Getting to my feet, I saluted him with my coffee cup. “It’ll be done. You just keep mucking around up here while I do all the work.”
Laughing, he put his hands behind his head and reclined. “That’s the plan, J.”
I took my food and carried it down to my space. Walking into pitch darkness, I flicked on the lights and illuminated the small, wrapped box sitting on my table. I put my food down and picked it up.
“Jaxson?”
“Yeah, mama.”
“Are you busy tonight?” asked Gwen. “I— What’s that?”
“Don’t know. Haven’t opened it yet.” I tugged the ribbon off.
“Who is giving you presents and not me?”
Flicking off the lid, I tipped the box over and a silver keychain plopped in my hand. “It’s a Bob Marley keychain,” I said. “Must be from Dad. He’s our favorite.”
“Aw. That’s sweet. You two can be cute,” she said. “Anyway, back to what I was saying. Mr. Meyer needs me to help out in legal again but today is my anniversary. Maxie is taking me out to dinner.”
My fist curled around the metal. “I can’t. Beyond Berlin has an interview.”
“I know but you’ll definitely be back in time.” Her eyes got all googly. “Please, please, please. Maxie and I are both so busy we barely see each other. And tonight’s our anniversary. This is in the name of love.”
“You’d owe me a serious favor,” I warned.
A smile split her cheeks. “Anything. I promise. You’re the best, Jaxson. Thank you.” She ran out, no doubt to get away before I changed my mind.
Grumbling to myself, I put the new chain on my borrowed keys. What could be better after a night of no sleep than spending another with Daniel Meyer?
I finished up my breakfast, dropped in on Bianca, and then got in Ezra’s car and drove out.
Rylan lived in Cottonwood with his girlfriend. They had a small, but swanky apartment that he was waiting outside of when I pulled up. As for Serena, Ty, and Chandler, they moved to Evergreen the day after their first big checks came through. They couldn’t quite afford the neighborhood Ezra, Ryder, Maverick, and I grew up in, but between the three of them, they were splitting rent on a pretty decent mini-mansion.
“This is our first time being interviewed on TV,” said Rylan. The guy was bouncing in his seat like a little kid. “Any tips? Advice?”
I turned into the driveway as I spoke. “Try not to laugh too much. People do that when they’re nervous and it gives away that you’re nervous. Take a breath and think about your answer before you give it. Make sure everything you say is something you want attached to you for the rest of your career.”
“Good advice,” he said. “But do you think I’ll get to do much talking or will they ask Serena all the questions?”
“The hosts will have questions for all of you.” I killed the engine. “Home, family, relationships, and what it’s like being in a band. Think of what you’ll say.”
“Okay.”
I left him mumbling to himself in the car.
Serena, Ty, and Chandler’s rented home was a part of a recently developed complex built to attract new money that wanted to rub elbows with the old. Only one of the ways this white, modern place suited them.
The fountain in the front lawn was littered around with red plastic cups and beer bottles. Inside, posters of great bands were posted in every room, and one of the bedrooms was converted to a studio/stage for entertaining guests. It was what you imagined of a home for young rockers on the edge of all their dreams coming true.