“Let’s talk business, boys.”
“Let’s talk restraining order,” Harrison fires back.
Moreno waves it off as if it’s nothing important. We could call the cops, but the likelihood that they’ll care is slim. They’re busy dealing with drug deals and dead prostitutes. Our gripe is a waste of time and Moreno knows it.
He brings his leg up, resting his ankle on his knee. “I’m going to cut to the chase. You need me. After the media frenzy the other day, you need strong representation.”
“You caused that frenzy,” I point out.
“Eh, it was purely to show you what you’ll be dealing with if someone like me isn’t around.”
“This sounds like a threat, Moreno,” Harrison states.
“Just stating the facts.” He shrugs and stares at JD. “You’re young. Make sure these guys make the right decision. If they don’t, you know where to find me.”
“Nah, I think I’ll pass. I’m happy with my mates, ta.”
“I don’t understand why you want us,” I say, as I sit in front of him. I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “What can we even offer you?”
Moreno mirrors my position and chuckles. “Sex appeal, fan following, original music, instruments… the list goes on and on. I’m not interested in that pop rock computer shit. I want real music. I’ve told you before; your stage presence alone makes women wet themselves. Sam was right when she signed you.”
“I’m glad you think so, but I’m not sure we’re interested.”
He looks from me, to Harrison and finally to JD. “I think you need to ask your friends what they think.” Moreno doesn’t wait for a response as he gets up and leaves.
“What do you guys think?” I don’t wait, asking them right off.
“I think we have a gig to get to,” Harrison states before standing up and walking out of the room, JD following him. Neither of them says anything else, leaving me to wonder if I’m the only one who feels this way. If I am
, I can easily be replaced.
“I think Harrison is going to be beat for our show.” JD is pacing backstage, glancing every now and again at Harrison as he plays for Layla. JD wasn’t around when I first met Harrison. I used to watch him play for multiple bands, night after night. He awed me, which is one of the reasons I needed him with me when I signed with Sam. The other reason is because he was my friend, and I couldn’t see walking this path without him.
“He’ll be fine,” I say, trying to calm JD down. “He’s used to this.” He may not be used to surfing all morning and then coming in to play multiple sets, but I don’t say that to JD.
“No, he used to be. He’s old now.”
I crack a smile and fight off a laugh, but to no avail. I’m buckled over, holding my sides as I laugh at JD. Harrison may be older than him, but he’s not old by any means.
“Stop worrying, we’ll be fine.”
JD shakes his head, throwing his arms up in the air.
“Hey, why don’t you tweet or whatever it is you do. We could use some more people out there.” I point through a small opening and show him the crowd. It’s not what I thought, but better than nothing. I spot Moreno in the back corner. I’m not sure why he’s here – there’s no new talent playing tonight and the one band that could be interested in him is already signed. He’s likely here to get under my skin, which he’s very good at doing.
“I did tweet, but all the birds in LA know I’m married so they don’t want to come see me… us.”
“That’s great, JD. So, because you’re off the market and they can’t hook-up, they’re not our fans anymore?”
He shrugs and offers me a slight “I’m sorry” smile. I grin back, letting him know that I’m just bullshitting him.
“Are you ready for your duets?” Trixie appears next to me with a smug look on her face. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she’s trying to hook Layla and me up.
“Not interested,” I tell her.
“It’ll be fun, sexy. The women will go nuts and they’ll buy a ticket again for tomorrow night.” Trixie walks way, effectively ending our limited conversation.
“I need some liquid courage,” I say to JD, who is glued to his phone. He’s probably sexting Jenna and I want to get out of here before he drops his drawers and starts taking pics of himself. I send the same shit to Josie, but from the privacy of my hotel room.