Broken Melody (Graffiti On Tour Series)

by Jennifer Miller

  “I know you aren’t thrilled about Rick’s idea, but I think you’ll be happy with a compromise I was able to get him to agree to,” Jace says.

  “A compromise?” I ask, my interest piquing.

  “Yes.”

  “Well, spit it out,” Henley says impatiently.

  “Rick and I have six women lined up to audition tomorrow,” he tells us talking about Rick the owner of our label. “He’s taken a personal interest in getting you all back on track and has been pursuing singers with me trying to find a voice that he feels would blend well with your sound.”

  “And what do you think? Is he on the right track as far as what he’s looking for or are we going to hate this every step of the way?” Rocco asks the dread in his tone clear.

  “I think the choice will be tough, and that all of them would be an asset to the group. They have great voices, and positive attitudes as far as I can tell. Their experience varies, but I have to admit that I think this will be a good thing. A great way to push past the negative press that’s out there and put the focus on something else.”

  “I just can’t imagine that it will be a good thing. It’s hard to imagine anyone else joining us - it’s always just been the four of us,” Nixon says with a frown.

  “I know, and I get it, I do. A few of the ladies we already had demos for, another we requested, one is a solo artist that’s had a couple hits so far and is also signed with Black Lamb Records, and the last girl is one we… well… it doesn’t matter.” His voice falls off and my brows rise curious about why he’s not telling us more. “The point is I’ve spent a lot of time with Rick over the last several days as we’ve spent hours listening to their music, working with a sound technician to hear what their voices would sound like blended with yours before we extended an invitation to the audition, if possible. But again, I know you have reservations, which is why I think you’ll be happy that I was able to get Rick to agree to sign the singer on a conditional basis.”

  “You said that already,” Rocco says impatiently. “But, what does that mean?”

  “It means that after you listen to them and choose the singer you think would fit best with the group, we will extend them an offer on a conditional basis – we will try them out, and they will try us out. A probationary period, if you will.”

  “In other words, this is temporary? Sold!” Nixon says and we all nod our agreement.

  “Hold it,” Jace lifts up a hand halting our outburst, “let me finish. There’s a lot to do in a relatively short period of time. The label wants you to get a new album recorded quickly. They want to push it out at the same time you tour, so that doesn’t give us a lot of time.” We all nod in understanding. “Rocco, I know you’re working hard at adding the female part to each song that you already had written,” Rocco nods confirming this. Rocco plays the drums in our band, but he not only plays the drums, he can also play the guitar and keyboard too. He’s multi-talented and one of the best song writers out there right now. He’s even written songs for some other bands, including The Sinners - a really popular band that we’ve dreamt of collaborating with at some point.

  “Then, she’ll go on tour with us and you’ll perform your new songs, along with some old ones that we’re adjusting with the new female part. This will be a chance to introduce your fans to your new work, get them more excited about the album, and ultimately, to see how it feels having an additional vocal lead aside from Maddox.”

  “We can handle that,” Rocco says.

  “I know you can, and I want to be upfront with you. Rick agreed to sign someone on a temporary basis, but who knows what’s going to happen here. She may be the best thing to happen to the band.” We make sounds of protest and Jace holds up his hand silently telling us to shut up and listen, “You don’t know. What I’m saying isn’t crazy, although it may be hard to imagine. The trial period is not only for you guys - it’s for her too. She may decide she can’t handle your asses - who knows. What I do know is that it’s entirely possible that Rick may say she stays. And if all of you feel that that’s the wrong decision, then we’ll meet and discuss what you want to do going forward. What the future of the band is with Black Lamb Records, understand?”

  We all nod. “Okay good. The hope is that during this time, things will calm down, sales will pick up, and we’ll be good to go – girl or no girl. Truth is, Rick and the label are putting a lot of stock into the new music you’ve got coming out. And they are doing so on faith really because they believe in you and to show respect for your historic contribution. But, not meeting their projections would not bode well for us, and I don’t think it would be in our best interest right now to be dropped. Not with your reputation like it is at the moment.”

  “Meaning you think another label wouldn’t want to pick us up,” Rocco states.

  “That’s correct,” Jace says and his eyes swing to me. I know he places the blame entirely on me, like the rest of them.

  “It’s stupid, Jace,” I burst out feeling a mixture of embarrassment and anger. “We’re rock stars after all,” I say feeling ridiculous just saying the words, but desperate to find an excuse – any excuse. “Isn’t bad behavior to be expected?”

  “No, it’s not. Not in this day and age. Yes, the world is much more tolerant I suppose of this kind of behavior than they’ve ever been. Reality TV proves that, but the thing that people forget is that we are also much more educated and informed. Fighting, bullying, and promiscuity…those things are frowned upon now more than ever. People don’t find those things funny – not when you’re putting people’s mental health, or your own physical health in jeopardy in doing so. So, sorry, no, you can’t use that as an excuse because it’s not cool anymore, and frankly, you know damn well that Black Lamb Records doesn’t tolerate that kind of shit. They are a pristine company with an outstanding reputation in the industry – they won’t put up with anyone tarnishing their hard work.”

  “I bet they would feel differently if our sales were going through the roof,” I mumble.

  “Maybe,” Jace shrugs and looks at me hard, “But that’s not the case here. Not anymore.”

  “So, back to the compromise. Thanks for pushing that in our favor, Jace. We appreciate it.” Rocco says getting things back on track.

  “No problem. I hope that this record is a smashing success, that we break all kinds of records and hit the top ten on the charts. I’m feeling confident that a change will help us get there. A tour with the new songs, and a female lead that will help bring a softer side that we could use right now. But moreover, she’ll help create a much-needed distraction. Then, at the end of the tour we reevaluate things, see where Rick stands and go from there.”

  “Understood,” Henley says and we all agree.

  “Besides, like I said before, but I’m not sure you heard me. There’s one thing you may not have considered,” Jace says.

  “What’s that?” Nixon asks.

  “Maybe you’ll love her and she’ll fit right in and you won’t want her to leave.”

  “No chance of that happening,” I mumble.

  “Stranger things have happened. And to be clear, Rick also plans on being upfront with her when she signs. She’ll know it’s a trial basis and at the end of the trial we’ll determine where to go from there. Truth is, this is a great opportunity for whoever signs. Should she choose to do so, or we do, she could go on to have a successful solo career – who knows.”

  “So really, we’re doing her a favor,” I say.

  “No, Maddox. She’s doing us one. Don’t forget that.”

  I don’t respond, not sure that I agree but whatever. This all sounds like shit I can live with. I still don’t like it, but like Jace made clear, we aren’t in a position to argue.

  “So tell us honestly, Jace,” Nixon says.

  “Yeah?”

  “Do you have a favorite?”

  “A favorite?” Jace asks, confusion in his tone.

  “A favorite woman that’s auditioning,” Nix
on clarifies.

  I’m surprised when he breaks out into a smile. “Looks like he does, boys,” I laugh softly. “Is she hot?” I can’t help but ask and that was the last thing to say.

  “Don’t even think about it Mad. This is a business arrangement.”

  I hold up both my hands in a gesture of surrender, “Look, I’m just asking. It’s a fair question.”

  “There is one that stands out from the rest, actually. But, she’s a bit of a wild card.”

  “What does that mean?” Rocco asks. “I thought you want someone with a soft side, not wild.”

  “She’s a wild card in the sense that I’m not sure if she’ll show up. I haven’t heard from her since we extended the invite. We hope so, but we’ll see.”

  “Who wouldn’t show up for an opportunity like this?” Nixon asks.

  “This girl,” Jace says with a smile and a shrug that makes me much more curious than I’d prefer. Tomorrow should be interesting, that’s for sure.

  “Are you sure about this?” I ask looking at myself in the mirror while talking to Britt who keeps adding more clothes, jewelry, and shoes to our pile in the dressing room. I can barely see her over the large stacks she’s carrying. How she’s gotten past the attendant with this vast array of items escapes me. That girl just does whatever she pleases.

  “I’m positive. If you’re going to go to a pop rock band’s audition, you are sure as hell going to look the part. I can’t have you ruining my reputation.”

  “Your reputation? What reputation? You’re a hairdresser.”

  “A hairdresser with exceptional taste in fashion.”

  I sigh, “I just don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard.” I take off the top that’s full of pre-ripped holes and try on another.

  “You won’t,” she says while coming up behind me her eyes tracing my form. “You have always worn your clothes, they don’t wear you. Understand?”

  “No, not at all,” I tell her with a laugh and she shakes her head and sighs making me giggle even more.

  Looking away from her, I check out my reflection. I’m wearing ripped jeans, a long white tank, a black leather vest that belts around the bottom, and ridiculously high red stilettos. “I don’t know, I like it but, I don’t think it’s the look I want to go with for tonight.” I turn and walk into the dressing room, kicking off the shoes on the way. From the piles, I pull out a couple pieces I keep eyeing and remove everything else I have on but the jeans. After putting on a black ribbed tank, I add a white one on top of that that’s looser and flows around my hips a little, the black underneath playing peek-a-boo. Next, I dig out a long necklace that I place around my neck, and then grab a pair of black booties from their box and place them on my feet before walking to the mirror and looking at my reflection once more.

  I’m on the short side and curvy, like I remember my mother being. I have her dark hair, but the ample cleavage and booty are all my own. Right now, my dark hair flows down my back and my makeup is minimal, but it will be aces tonight. I like this look and I like it a lot. “This. This is it. I feel more comfortable. I won’t be distracted by fixing or fiddling with my clothing, or worse, stumbling around in those stupid shoes. That would be embarrassing. There’s nothing worse than women that wear awesome shoes, but then look stupid when they can’t walk in them.”

  “I agree, but you walk in them just fine.” She sighs at me, but there’s a smile on her face as she looks at me from head to toe. “There isn’t anything you could put on and not look good wearing. I pretty much hate that about you.”

  “Oh please, crap is too tight on my ass all the time and you know it.”

  “Whatever, that hardly ever happens.”

  “Well you’re not one to talk. You’re tall and thin and can wear any damn thing you want.”

  “Yeah, you’re right,” she laughs and flips her hair behind her shoulder in a sassy move that makes me laugh. “It’s amazing I don’t have a man.”

  “Well, you have to actually date in order to get a man, you know.”

  “I’m well aware, thank you. And if I ever meet someone worthy of my time, I’ll do just that,” she states prissily. “Until then, I’m completely happy on my own.”

  She says that, but I’m fairly certain she doesn’t mean it. There’s been a few times we’ve either gone out or stayed in and had a little too much to drink. During some of those alcohol induced vulnerable occasions her lips have gotten loose, and revealed her true desires about finding someone to share life with. Moreover, she’s confessed to feeling lonely sometimes in that way that not having a steady man in your life can make you feel. One misses feeling special - the flirtations and compliments, being taken care of, having someone to dress up and go out with, and of course the kisses. All the kisses. I sigh missing that a little bit myself, but quickly push the feelings aside. “Uh huh, sure,” I comment, but leave it at that.

  “Do you really think you have room to talk?” She asks glaring at me, hands on her hips.

  “You know very well that I have no interest and don’t miss that at all,” the lie leaves my lips smoothly. “Nothing but heartache and trouble.”

  “She says before she gets ready to go audition for a band that has four guys. Four hot guys.”

  “Ugh.” Her words make my stomach drop. Not because the guys are good looking – I don’t care about that. Well okay, I may care a little. I mean, I’m not dead. No, my nervousness is for another reason altogether. “Did you have to bring that up? I was doing a good job not thinking about it.”

  “Uh, sorry?” she shrugs.

  “Am I really going to do this? I mean, should I?”

  “You’re kidding, right?” Britt asks me stopping in her task of hanging the clothes she knows I won’t be purchasing.

  “No, I’m being serious. I mean, what if this is all just some sick perverse way of getting me to the studio and something awful happens. What if this isn’t really an audition at all? Oh god, I’m so stupid. Guys walk into a bar and give me an offer that sounds too good to be true and I’m just ready to jump in with both feet?”

  Britt walks to me and takes my hands in hers and makes eye contact. “Breathe,” I do. “Again,” she instructs and I immediately obey already feeling my anxiety taper off. “I get why you feel this way, okay? And I’m hearing you. I’m not blowing off your concerns, but let’s think about this one step at a time. You called the record label that was on the business card and confirmed that Rick McEntyre is really who he says he is, right?” she asks knowing I did exactly that because she was with me for every call and each search. I would bet money that she also did a search of her own.

  “Right.”

  “And you did a search via the internet that confirmed he is who he said he is,” she states matter of fact.

  “Yes, I did that too.”

  “And then we searched the agent…what was his name?”

  “Jace Green.”

  “Yes, Jace. Remember, we searched for information on him and we found multiple photos of him with the band, mentioning of him in articles or conducting his own interviews, remember?”

  “Yeah,” I take a deep breath. “I remember. I’m being stupid.”

  “No, you’re not,” Britt says squeezing my hands and looking deep into my eyes, the understanding and lack of judgment shining through.

  “Thank you, Britt. I’m just scared and not sure about this, I guess.”

  “You’re nervous, I get it, but let me ask you this. If you didn’t go and give this a shot would you ever forgive yourself?”

  I take a minute to respond, but the answer had already popped into my mind immediately upon being asked the question, “No. No, I wouldn’t forgive myself. I would always wonder what could have happened. It’s just…what are the chances? Who the hell walks into The Hook of all places just to hear me sing? It just doesn’t seem very likely, that shit doesn’t happen, Britt. Especially not to people like me.”

  “Well, I’ve got news for you, honey. It
is possible, because it happened to you. And why not you? If not you, it would be someone else! I say you walk in there, with me of course because I’m going with you,” she clarifies in case there was any question, which makes me smile because I wouldn’t have it any other way, “as though you have a right to be there and just do what you do. You give it your all and you blow them the hell away with that amazing voice of yours.”

  “Who knows who the hell else will be there. I may not have an ice cream cone’s chance in hell of making this happen for me.”

  “You have just as much chance as any other person that walks in there. And you have absolutely no chance if you don’t go.”

  “I mean, is this really a situation that I want to get involved in? I told you what Jace said when I phoned him first thing this morning to get more details, right?”

  “About how they are looking to add a woman’s voice to the band to help change up their sound? Yeah, you told me that.”

  “But, I get the feeling there’s more to it than that.”

  “Why? What would make you think that?”

  “I don’t know, a feeling I guess. Intuition? When I looked into the band, I read that they’ve been friends for years. Started their band in a garage. It had a really stupid name…what was it? Oh yeah, Radioactive Waste.”

  “Seriously?”

  “I know, but they were kids, what do you expect? Anyway, they were hired for random gigs while they were in high school. Dances and that kind of thing and people interviewed after they became famous said they were surprisingly good for high school kids. When they graduated, they started doing gigs all around town, even went on a mini tour of sorts in California and other states within reasonable driving distance. Before they could even start college, they were discovered by a talent scout, put together a demo, were picked up by Black Lamb Records, decided to forego college for a chance to make it big, and well…the rest is history.”

  “All of it sounds good to me,” Britt shrugs while sorting through the jewelry pile mess she made. Whoever has to put all this stuff away is going to hate us.