Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

Adam

Listen to It’s Time

by Imagine Dragons

W ithin a week, everything changed.

I’d made fun of Landon and her addiction to social media, but that same thing I sneered at had been a game changer. Suddenly, my inbox was flooded with messages after Gabby posted my live performance and something had hit right. I wasn’t na?ve enough to believe I was the best musician out there—it had been a perfect storm. And I needed to take advantage, even if I wasn’t happy with the terms.

I was a song writer at heart, but in order to get to the next level, I needed to use my looks and voice to grab attention. I’d refused the route for years, but after sitting down with JJ, I realized I may be forced to compromise.

JJ was a music manager who’d been responsible for a few break-out stars. He worked with big companies and had a long list of big record deals and viral sensations. After our meeting, I liked that he saw the same vision for what I could be: Ed Sheeran. Harry Styles. Rob Thomas. The dream was to write for bands like Fallout Boy and Panic at the Disco—pop rock, alternative shit that I could dig into the lyrics. I wasn’t a moody poet sort—I liked the versatility of writing different type songs but JJ said if I started singing with a solid up and coming band, I could get my stuff played. If I wrote them with worldwide pop appeal, I’d be in a better position to sell my songs. On my terms.

But in order to get my name out there and gain leverage, I had to get my ass on stage, front and center.

Even though I despised it.

At least, the two bands I met were a good fit. Yeah, I’d be the outsider since they’d been doing the music circuit together playing other people’s music, but JJ was convinced with my songs, and their talent, we could hit. I didn’t like groups with too many egos, but Unison was super chill and I liked their vibe. The band had a drummer, guitar player, and bassist so there were less egos to deal with.

The goal to cut a demo and book places to play were the key. If I had to whore myself out to the public to get them to listen to the music, I’d do it. I sensed there wouldn’t be another opportunity like this again.

I stretched out my legs and waited for the guys, who were meeting me for coffee. I sipped my Americano and thought about Landon’s comment the other night. She’d seemed upset I’d reverted my position on singing—the only one who seemed to get how big my sell-out was. The others didn’t give a shit. They’d all been vocal about doing whatever was needed to be known—in acting, modeling, or music. We tried to all help each other. Some more than others, though.

Max had gotten a bit pissy that too much time was spent on my shit and quickly pulled back the reins. It never bothered me—I didn’t need the group falling over me—but the way he’d grabbed Landon had made my fists curl. It was hell watching them grind against each other and kiss in front of me when I remembered her looking at me with begging blue eyes and trembling lips. It would take some time for me to disconnect from thinking about her. From wondering if she’d ever be mine.

Now I knew. She’d made her choice and I was going to grit my teeth and respect it. Hanging up on Max had been my last impulse move—I’d called him back later and lied that my phone had died. Then I pretended to be happy for him and Landon.

It was excruciating.

Now, was the time to focus on my music and career. Not a woman who tied me up in knots with want and who dated my best friend. Even though Max’s standards for friendship sucked.

The guys walked in, and we bumped fists in greeting. They ordered their coffees and we sprawled out at the table, casually catching up with shit.

“Did you decide on a band?” Noah asked. He’d been the one most excited for me. Coop and Max were supportive but they got bored if we talked too long about music.

“Yeah, Unison seems the best fit. We’re meeting later to go over contracts.”

Max nodded and bit into an apple cider donut. “Got a lawyer, right? Need to protect yourself.”

“Yeah, she’ll be there, too.”

Cooper grinned. “Sweet stuff, man. If you do an album, can I shoot your cover?”

I laughed. “Not sure how that works but I’ll try. Didn’t you book a shoot for Red?”

“Yeah, they’re trying to piggy back on the Vanderpump Rules series that blew up, so they want to do a sexy shoot for the restaurant. Max, Landon, and Elle all pushed for me so I got the job.”

“Nice,” I said.

“If Coop’s doing your cover, I’d like to pitch an idea,” Noah said.

Max shook his head. “Dude doesn’t even have a contract and you’re already asking favors.”

Noah shrugged. “That’s what we do. One success can bring us all for the ride.”

“What is it?” I asked.

He shot a look at Cooper before continuing. “Elle’s having issues getting roles. With the strike going on, there’s no new material and things have kind of shut down for her. But if she got to sing with you on a song, it may give her a whole new set of eyes.”

“Like Daisy Jones and the Six, man,” Coop said, grabbing Max’s last piece of donut. “Never thought about it. Kind of brilliant.”

I cocked my head. “Elle’s got a killer voice. But it isn’t about me—I’m the one who needs to fit in with Unison. Who knows if they like the idea.”

“I hear you. But keep it in mind. I had her work on this new song I put together, it’s got an amazing sound. Want to hear the final cut at the studio?”

“You’re being pushy, Noah,” Max drawled, crossing his arms in front of his chest. I studied him, all broody and blonde perfection. Even his scowl of disapproval seemed practiced in the mirror. I was disgusted with his fakeness, but Max had shown up for me many times when I needed. He’d kept me sane on nights I couldn’t sleep; when bad memories crept into my head and pushed me to the edges of madness. He’d stay up and talk for hours to keep my mind clear. He didn’t try to flirt or one-up me when we were hooking up, and always respected who I wanted and stayed clear. He was generous with his money, and never held it over my head or made me feel disrespected. And when I did open up to him on some things in my past, he kept my secrets tight. He was a guy’s guy through and through.

Noah looked annoyed so I interrupted when he opened his mouth to respond. “No, I think it’s fire. Stop by tomorrow and I’ll take a listen. You sure Elle would be interested, though?”

“I’ll talk to her,” Coop said. “She’s been mopey lately so maybe this will give her something to focus on. Even if nothing happens, exposure can’t hurt.”

Noah stared at Cooper with a strange expression. Almost like he was pissed at Coop’s comment. I sensed he’d wanted to speak on behalf of Elle, but that didn’t make sense. Noah had always been a bit more distant with Cooper than the rest of us, though. Something about their personalities didn’t line up. Cooper was brash and loud and confident. His muscles were jacked and he revered the gym and was always on some new protein kick.

Even though Noah was a DJ and pumped it up for the crowd, he was a quieter guy. More reflective. He wasn’t obsessed with working out or hooking up with hot new girls. He liked to read, and was a music trivia nerd. He liked having a girlfriend on his arm, and Daisy seemed perfect for him. But he was also close with Elle. I’d spotted them in deep dialogue a few times, like they both enjoyed sharing thoughts and shit. As the newest to the group, sometimes he got kicked to the sidelines or was the last to be invited, even though he was part of the crew. But I liked the balance he brought to all of us, like Daisy leveled out the female side. We’d gotten closer over the past year, and I think sometimes, Max and Cooper didn’t like it.

“Okay, then let’s see what we can do,” I said.

“Good, now we need to talk about important shit.” Max leaned over the table with a grin. “Landon’s birthday is in two weeks and you know how she gets. It has to be epic. Especially since we’re moving in together.”

I took a sip of coffee and stayed quiet. The last thing I needed was to get stuck helping plan their celebration.

“Are you looking for suggestions?” Coop asked. “Take her on a shopping trip and bankroll the thing. Or buy a designer dress and take her to dinner.”

Max rolled his eyes. “This is Landon. Remember last year? We all went sky diving together upstate and did the winery tour.”

Noah winced. “I hate wine. I was sick for days.”

“I agree with Coop. Keep it private this year for a change,” I said, pretending not to care.

“Dude, this is a chance for us to go away! Let’s hit Atlantic City for the weekend. We’ll gamble, hang on the beach, and party all night.”

“I can get into that,” Coop said. “It may cheer Elle up, too.”

“We need to take advantage of summer while we can. I’ll make the reservations—tell the girls they need to take off.,” Max said.

Noah nodded. “I think Daisy can switch with someone if she’s working that weekend. She’s got more flexibility this month.”

I spoke up. “Can’t go. Not with this band thing going on.”

Max stared at me. “Adam, you have to go. If you can’t get away both nights, come up for one. We need you. Plus, I want Gabriella to come.”

“Why?”

Max shrugged. “Landon and her worked things out and you like her. It’ll be nice to all go as couples. No one gets in any trouble.”

Coop snorted. “Not like last time. But can you blame us? Not our fault those smoke shows crawled all over us.”

Noah narrowed his gaze. “Thought it was just Max who hooked up.”

Max and Coop shared a look, then cracked up. “You give him way too much credit,” Max said.

“But I only kissed her. And there’s no video of it,” Coop said smugly.

Max immediately lost his smile. “I don’t want to hear about that bullshit video anymore. It almost broke up me and Landon. We’re in a great place and I want to pretend it never happened. Okay?”

Coop threw up his arms. “Sure, man. What video?”

“One night won’t kill you,” Noah said to me. “Things will only get more intense once you’re with the band. Better take advantage now.”

I cleared my throat, sensing I was trapped. It was tradition to go away together during big celebrations and Landon used her birthday as a national holiday. Maybe if I hung tight with Gabby, and kept my distance, it would all be fine. Gabby hadn’t mentioned anymore smart-ass remarks about Landon, though I know she believed there was something between us. But Gabby didn’t worry me. No one but me and Landon knew what had happened, and now it was over. We were safe.

I needed to blow off some steam. Why miss a great trip? I could handle it. “Okay, I’m in.”

“Perfect. I’ll tell Landon it’s all planned so she can start working on her outfits,” Max said.

I finished my coffee, my mind whirring with all the crap I had to do. “Better head out. Catch up with you later.”

I said goodbye and pushed back into the muggy, city heat. Things were changing, and not in the direction I once believed. But it was time to lean in and take a shot on my career. Stop obsessing over Landon and Max and what-ifs.

I thought about Atlantic City and wondered why I suddenly got a chill. Like something bad was coming...something that would change everything.

Too bad I didn’t believe it.

Maybe I would have been better prepared for the fall-out.