“We haven't decided anything yet. There are all kinds of meetings to have and it's a band decision at the end of the day.”
Dani jumps in again, “And let me tell you, Liz, we weren't fussed about the rest of them. We only wanted Ash, but he's insisting it's the entire band or no deal at all.”
“I’m not surprised. My boy is nothing if not loyal.” Then she turns to me. “Come on then, spit it out. What’s the deal?”
“Just stay calm when I tell you this, okay?”
She uncrosses her arms, placing her hands on her knees, but I’m still worried. I dare any son not to be scared stiff of his mother when she's scowling the way mine is. I wouldn't mind, but she hasn't heard me out yet.
“Dani’s dad is Bernie Hill, the owner of Election Records.”
“I know who he is, Ashton. He put Braebeach on the map.” Her cheeks bloom with colour, which is odd, but I don’t point it out.
“Okay, well, Dani saw us play The Gig House and then asked if we’d make a demo for her dad.”
Dani cuts in, “I wasn’t intentionally scouting, just on a night out with friends, then once—” She stops, closes her eyes for a second and tuts to herself. “Sorry Liz, I should explain. A scout means a person who hunts for new artists to sign on behalf of the record label.”
“I'm familiar with the term. I wasn't born in the dark ages, contrary to what you might think.” Go Mum for telling her how it is. I also note the humour in Dani's face from the corner of my eye. It's a little condescending, to be honest, but then again Dani has no idea who she's dealing with. She might want to think twice about what she finds funny.
“Okay,” I jump in. “So, to cut this story short, Bernie liked our music and made us an offer. They want to sign us to their label, Mum.”
“Everything has been checked and double-checked by a solicitor, Liz, and the boys will be fully briefed about any small print.” Dani states. “You have a very talented son.”
My mum’s brow furrows, her lips tighten, which indicates her instant worry. It isn't unexpected. I'm her only child, after all, and she's not exactly green about the music industry. She once dated a drummer, even touring with him for a few months, so she has an idea of how the music industry works.
“But what about university, Son? You have another year to go. Where does your degree fit into a recording contract?”
“It wouldn't Mum. I'd have to commit full time and drop the course. But if the music doesn't work out, I could go back.”
She silently stares into space while biting her lip. As long as it hasn't got in the way of my studies, she has always been pretty cool about my decisions in life, especially my musical obsession. Still, I don't know what thoughts are running through her head right now, so I add, “This could be an amazing opportunity for us. We all want to give it a go and I don't want to let the band down.”
“Ah, so you have decided,” Dani chimes in. “You and your bandmates know an amazing offer when you see one. An amazing offer for an amazing band.” Yet two minutes ago, she was slagging the lads off.
My mum breaks her silence. “Hold on a minute. When exactly,didyou plan on telling me?”
“Nothing is set in stone, and I was waiting for the right time, as I said.”
She looks so hurt and I feel shit for the way she's found out. “I see.” Mum glances at me as if she's contemplating everything I've said before turning to Dani. “You know, it's been lovely to meet you, but I'd appreciate some time with my son now. Alone.” She smiles, making me wonder if Dani is grating on her too.
“I understand, Liz.” Her hand falls to Mum's, patting it lightly. I can pretty much predict how this will go from here because Mum can't stand being patronised, especially as Dani is in her late twenties.
When Dani stands to leave, Mum puts her firmly in her place. “Oh, and Dani love? I'd appreciate it if you addressed me as Mrs Chambers.”
Dani’s flattened lips are shut tight. If she knows what’s good for her, she’ll hold her reply firmly in her mouth. You don’t mess with Liz Chambers. Fact.
As soon as we're alone, my mum pounces. I know she'll start with my education and work her way through all the other reasons I should wait, so I mentally strap myself in for the bollocking of my life.
I don’t get an easy ride. Voices are raised, tears are shed, and Tommy is woken by the noise. Mum reaches her crescendo, now really going to work on me, when he appears, all smiles. I didn't know Tom was home, but he arrives in the kitchen at exactly the right time. He's all messy long hair, vest t-shirt and jeans, but I'm just grateful he is wearing clothes at all. He usually wouldn't bother.
The guy is so laid back he's almost horizontal and his persona has a calming effect.
“Tommy, thank goodness you’re here,” Mum says with familiarity. Tommy is a little older than me. He took a gap year before moving here to start university and Mum liked him the first day they met. They’ve been firm pals ever since. He’s even introduced my mum to his parents when they came for a visit. I think he sees her as a surrogate when they aren’t around.
“What’s all this record label business and what does your mother feel about you leaving university in your final year?” she asks him, in a slightly less erratic tone than the one she used on me five seconds earlier.
“Calm down, Mrs C. It's all cool. We haven't signed anything yet, there's still a lot to chew over. But I can tell you now, they’re cool,” he says with a wink. I hope he hasn’t been smoking weed again. Mum has a nose like a sniffer dog, although right now, I can’t complain. Tommy is hitting all the right motherly nerves.
“If we take their offer, you should just go with it, Mrs C.” His arm wraps around her shoulders, giving her a firm hug. “Your son’s gonna be a star, be proud of him.”
