“No.” I say, shaking my head. “I don’t think I can do that to the fans.”
“I think you should.” Steve says, leaning forward. “I’ve already spoken to your band manager, and you aren’t recording until this winter. You’re free until then, correct?”
“Yes, but-“ I start, but Larkin clears his throat.
“Careful, it would be a shame if Petals and Poison didn’t get the studio time they had planned.” Larkin replies, a smile pulling at his lips on his stupid smug face.
“Are you threatening me?” I seethe, my teeth lock together as rage bubbles below my skin.
“Not a threat, my dear, just useful information.” He shrugs, like it’s no big deal. “I’m letting you know that it would be an awful shame if your band wasn’t able to record until later next year. That would put your record out to release in….August? I can’t imagine that Julie and the other girls would take too kindly to that.”
Julie, Maggie, and Blake’s faces come to mind at the mention of them. They would be severely disappointed if the studio time was cut. We’ve waited almost a year to get back in the studio, pushing it out further could make us irrelevant, and the thought pushes my anger to nuclear levels. I don’t want to go on tour with Andrew, I had big plans for the summer. I was going to work on my tan and spend time with Eve. This motherfucker is pushing me over a barrel, and it makes me want to punch his smug face.
“Fine.” I yell, slapping my hand on the table. “But I want premium studio time, you shiesty prick. I want the best of the best come December. I’m going to need that in writing before I get on that damn bus too.” Steam pours out of me, my voice carrying through the length of the house.
“That’s fair,” Larkin smiles as he holds out his hand for me to shake, and I look to Andrew who has been silent for this entire exchange. “Also, no new guitar player. If I’m coming, Alex’s spot is empty. I don’t care if we sound like shit, nobody deserves to step into that spot.” I narrow my eyes at Larkin.
“Jesus, yes. You both are like a broken record over the guitar player, my god. Andrew has volunteered to play guitar and sing.” Steve rolls his eyes and wiggles his outstretched hand reminding me that I still hold negotiating power. There’s one more thing I want, one more ask.
“And I want Pistol removed from the set list.” I snake my eyes over to Andrew just in time to see his eyes widen. He sits back in the chair, letting out a defeated breath. He knows why, there’s no reason to mention it right now. Even though this shady asshole holds half the responsibility.
“Bristol-“ Steve starts, but I cut him off.
“It’s those three things or I won’t come. I had big plans this summer and you’re impeding on them, I’m doing you a favor remember?”
“Fine.” Steve huffs, his palm meeting mine. “You know everyone loves that song.”
“I do.” I say, keeping my lips sealed on the subject.
“Whatever.” He says, heading for the front door. He turns toward us as his palm meets the knob. “Bus leaves Wednesday night after the show. Don’t be late.” And with those parting words, he leaves. I look back at Andrew and want to yell at Steve that he forgot to take his dog, but I don’t. Instead, I take my seat at the table and wait for an explanation.
“Soo…” I start, attempting to gauge his mood, “do you want to talk about last night?”
“Do you?” He snaps, his eyes cutting to me, his tone biting as his eyes hold fire.
“Kind of.” I say lowly. “I had no idea you were helping Alex. You could have told me.”
“He asked me not to. He didn’t want you to know for whatever reason, and I kept that promise to him. I thought you trusted me, knew I wouldn’t do that to you, to us.” He spits, rolling his lips between his teeth.
“I did trust you.” I say defensively. “I trusted you until you couldn’t tell me why the pictures kept showing up. I trusted you with so much, and then you broke it. You-“ I stop myself, my chin wobbling as the heartbreak rolls through me. His betrayal still sears me. “You didn’t break my heart, Rhyit, you broke my fucking soul. It was a solid month before I even left my apartment. I’ve never had that kind of pain, ever.”
“I know I fucked up, I know I hurt you. You know now that I didn’t cheat on you, so that has to be worth something. There isn’t a goddamn thing I can do about it other than apologize. Which I’ve done a thousand times. ” Andrew yells, his voice booming through the dining room. Remorse flashes across his face.
“You can do something,” I yell. “you can take-“ I start again, but he cuts me off.
“It’s already out there! What do you expect me to do?” His voice rises again. “I’m tired of having this fight with you.”
“Me too.” I sigh. Leaning back in my seat, the fragments of our love story sit between us like a ripped book. Torn to shreds, no amount of tape or glue can put the pieces back together.
We sit in silence for a long time, both lost in the memories that sit between us.
“Nice shirt.” He finally says, breaking the silence, a smirk playing on his handsome face. I pull the shirt away from my body, pretending to inspect the shirt that I’m wearing. I know which one it is, I wear it constantly. Rhyit’s face sits forefront with Alex, Boston, and I behind him.
“Yeah. Look how good my hair looks.” I quip with a small smile.
“Your hair looks phenomenal, but look at my eyes. They aren’t that green, are they?” He asks, staring at his face on my chest.
“They’re prettier in person.” I whisper more to myself than him. He laughs lightly, and the sound sends a tingle down my spine.