The office door swings open behind me, and I back up a step as Logan strides in with a paper bag reeking of burger. He grins as he catches sight of me. “Hey, Ned. What are you doing here?”
I swipe the bottle of scotch from the floor and hold it out to him. “I wanted to drop this in, to say thanks for rebuilding the band’s website.”
“You already paid me in concert tickets, but I’m not stupid enough to turn down good scotch,” he says, accepting the bottle. “Thank you for this, and for the tickets. Patrick and I had a blast that night. Best first date ever.”
I nod. “Glad you enjoyed it.”
“You’re happy with the website?” Logan asks, putting the bottle on his desk.
“It’s great.” I force a smile. “The boys love it.”
“But you don’t?” Toni asks from the other side of the room.
I glance at him, then back at Logan. “It’s great.”
“You already said that.” Logan’s eyes narrow with concern. “If something needs to be changed…”
“Absolutely not,” I say, shaking my head. They both continue to stare at me. “I suppose it’s a little flashier than I expected.”
“That would be my fault.” Toni saunters over to join us. “Loganwasdesigning a more demure site, but I don’t happen to think demure and rock belong in the same space. So, I fixed it.”
I frown at him in confusion. “You worked on the website?”
“That’s how Toni and I ended up joining forces,” Logan replies. “We were chatting about your site in the early stages, and he offered some suggestions on the design. I think it looks awesome.”
“It does look awesome,” Toni insists. “You may be a web developer extraordinaire, Logan, but your graphic design skills lack one important ingredient.” Lifting one hand, he wiggles his fingertips in the air. “Pizazz.”
“Is that what that is?” I deadpan, drawing his attention back to me. “You know we’re a pub band from Brisbane, right? Not some globe-trotting rock phenomenon.”
Toni’s smile falters. “So?”
I shrug. “Pretending to be something we’re not seems a bit, I don’t know, fake.”
He flinches at the final word, his face shuttering as he turns away. “I prefer to think of it as hopeful. The site implies a greatness your band can aspire to. If Fifth Circle isn’t up to the challenge, that’s not my problem.” Retreating to his desk, he jabs a finger at his keyboard. The large monitor lights up in a flash of colour as he drops into his chair. “You’re welcome, by the way.”
My mouth falls open, but any words of gratitude I spout now will sound false. I glance at Logan, who’s scowling at me. Bloody hell, I didn’t mean to offend the guy. God knows, if we’d had to pay for the website Logan and Toni provided, it would have cost a lot more than a bottle of booze and some concert tickets. I’m grateful for what they’ve done, even if it is a little over the top.
I stalk back over to Toni’s desk. “Thank you for working on the website. It was generous of you.”
“I’m a generous person,” he snaps.
Pausing to take a deep breath, I try again. “If you like scotch I can—”
“Keep it. I prefer cocktails.”
My jaw clenches and I cast another glance in Logan’s direction. He’s now watching our exchange with barely contained humour.
There’s one more option I can think of to make this right. I’m not keen on using it, but what choice do I have?
“We’re playing a gig at The Claremont this Friday night. You should come along.”
Toni’s gaze lifts to mine, his surprise tainted by wariness. “Really?”
Nodding, I ignore the red flags waving in my head. Having this particular man anywhere in my vicinity when I’m indulging my creative side could lead to… consequences. Natural compliance to a stranger is the definition of a bad idea and I know almost nothing about this man. But unless I want to come off as a total arsehole, the offer needs to be made.
Besides, he’ll be in the audience. I’ll be on the stage. It’ll be fine.
“We always keep a few tickets aside for friends, family, and for graphic designers who make us look like superstars online.” I add a wry grin for that last part. “The website is phenomenal, Toni. I apologise if it sounded otherwise. It’s just… more than I expected. It caught me by surprise.”
