“Let’s go, Eleanora,” Kellie says, reaching for my hand. “If you could show us a way out that wouldn’t require us to go by your mother, we’d appreciate it.”
Sofia walks away. I’m not sure if we’re supposed to follow her or not, but Kellie does and she’s pulling me right along with her. Sofia stops at the section of fencing that’s attached to their garage. She lifts a gray box, pushes some numbers and the gate opens. The realization that we were trapped starts to set in.
“I don’t understand, Sofia.”
“Leave,” she says. “Don’t ever call me again.”
Kellie doesn’t think twice about it. We have to step through two cacti plants, scraping the skin on our arms and legs as we pass, and we all but run to my car, where Alicia is standing. I try to smile, but I know for a fact it’s nothing more than a grimace.
We get in. I start the car and don’t even worry about putting on my seat belt. One last look ahead, I find Alicia standing there, waving.
23
Quinn
I knew joining a band would be time-consuming. What I hadn’t banked on was being so tired at the end of the day, which in band life, is the early hours of the next morning, resulting in me neglecting the important things in life. For instance, I’d really like to take a shower, at least one that lasted longer than five minutes. Shaving would be nice, but instead, I have this nice beard coming in. I’ve never been a fan of them but removing it any time in the near future doesn’t seem to be on my to-do list. My mother would like to have lunch, or at least, see me because talking to my sister to get to me is not enough proof that I’m still alive. Calling Nola or responding to one of her text messages would also be nice. I’m sure by now she’s made the assumption that I’m a total douche and wants nothing to do with me, which honestly, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. As much as I like her, starting a relationship while this band is getting off the ground probably isn’t the best idea. Most of my time is going to be tied up with my new “family” and I’m sure Nola has better things to do than to wait for me.
I’d also like to grocery shop, clean my apartment, and sleep. All of which have gone by the wayside.
Right now, it’s circle time, just like we had in kindergarten. It’s actually our daily meeting where Elle encourages us to open up, get to know one another and air our differences so that there’s nothing creating a wedge between any of us. I suppose now is the time to tell Ajay that I’m completely jealous of how good he is on the drums and my dad dotes on him or tell Elle that I think she’s turning into a massive diva.
Nope. Instead, I sit here and keep those thoughts to myself because they’ll make me look petty and childish. I’m already struggling with this envy thing that I have with Ajay and my father, and I don’t want to drag the rest of the band into it. Honestly, it’s not something that can be fixed by anyone but myself. I don’t want my dad to stop mentoring Ajay, and I definitely don’t want to hurt Elle’s band.
That’s all we are right now, Elle’s band or this band she’s put together. We haven’t decided on a name. Hendrix, who I have grown to love, suggested we have “experience” at the end of whatever we decide on. Elle vetoed it, saying we’re not a Jimi cover band. The dude looked pretty dejected, but I agree with my sister.
“Quinn, do you have any ideas on a band name?” Elle asks.
I shake my head. “Sorry, I don’t.” It’s one of the reasons why being a solo artist is easy. I don’t need a band name. I can just be Quinn James and I’m good to go, or I could be Quinn, like Prince or Bono, although, both of those men were part of a band.
Elle sighs and runs her hand through her hair. She’s doing that a lot lately, tugging and pulling on her hair. This band is stressing her out, and I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not. I know she wants us to be successful, but at what cost? The gig coming up at the Roxy is huge. We’re opening for our dad’s band and that in itself, is monumental. Everyone we know will be there, and while my sisters and I are used to being in the background when they play, this will be different.
Our no named band is expected to mingle, to visit with the record executives and the media. Elle demands it. She wants us to be personable, and at the ready. I get it. My sister doesn’t want us to be one of those bands that takes years to get off the ground. That’s how much faith she has in us.
“Distraction,” Ajay blurts out. Elle turns sharply to him.
“Keep going,” she says. “Because I like that, but that’s not it.” She stands and starts pacing. Her hands are clasped, then they’re in her hair again, and then she’s biting her finger. I’ve never seen her like this. This focused and determined.
“Envy,” Dana says, but Elle shakes her head.
“Easy?” Keane asks.
“No, that’s not it. There’s a word I’m thinking of, but—”
“Sinful,” Hendrix blurts out. Elle’s head pops up and she narrows in on him. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think my sister just marked her prey.
“What did you say?” she asks.
“Sinful. Sinful Distraction,” he says again.
“Why? What’s your reasoning?” Elle walks toward Hendrix. The rest of us lean closer, waiting to hear what he has to say. He looks scared. I don’t blame him one bit, but my sister is harmless… for the most part.
Hendrix looks around and from where I’m sitting, I think he’s looking at Dana. “She’s my distraction,” he says, pointing at her. “She’s sinful in ways no one will ever know about.”
“Until I start dating again.”
“God, no, woman!” Hendrix hangs his head and covers his ears.
I look over at Dana. She’s looking at her fingernails and ignoring Hendrix’s antics. He really must be in love with her, after all these years.