“Yeah, but then Michelle came up right after her, and I could have sworn they sharedalook.”
“Alook?”
“You’re going to think I’m crazy, but I think Michelle might like me. Or at least she thinks she's into me. I’m wondering if it’s the whole lead singer thing because there’s no way someone like her would ever beintome.”
“Dude. You do not want to mess with Michelle Matthews. She’spsychotic.”
“That’s whateveryonesays.”
“There’s a reason everyonesaysit.”
“Okay, but let’s say she’s not crazy. Or better yet, let’s take her out of the picture entirely. How do you deal with the attention of everyone? You know better than most how I’m not used to that kind ofthing.”
Matt laughed. “I’m still waiting for thatattention.”
“Maybe it’s because you’re at the back of thestage.”
“Nah,” he said, running his hands through his auburn hair. “It's because I’m a ginger. And because those damn singers keep stealingtheshow.”
“I’msor–”
“Dude,” he interrupted. “I’m kidding. You know I don’t have any problem with getting a date if I want one. I just don’t have time for that. Not withtheband.”
“Carter hasAvery.”
“Yeah, I just need to focus. And speaking of.” Matt set his trash aside and leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “You’ve got to consider being our new singer. Have you even looked online today? The naming competition got people to the show last night. Your little stunt made them go crazy. There are pictures,videos–”
“Videos?”
“Oh, yeah. People loved us. And while I wouldn’t say we’ve gone viral or anything, this has been a big boost for the band. I know you’re set on college, but I want you to think about taking a semester off. We could push hard tomakeit.”
“What about Owen?Cooper?”
“Whataboutthem?”
“Oh, I don’t know? The fact that I filled in for them last night. I’m not actually part of this band. Or the fact that if I’m the new singer, that means you’re kicking Owen out. And when Cooper comes back, I won’t even be playing guitar. I’m not okay with that. I’ll do whatever I can to help until everyonecomesback.”
“Okay. So, we’ll just play it byearthen.”
“Sure, but I’m only here through August, so make sure you haveaplan.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he answered, but was distracted. He was staring off into space, but I knew his mind was working a million milesanhour.
Matt was clever. Not just smart, but the kind of guy who could make almost anything work out in his favor. His parents had hoped he would go to college. He’d been accepted into a bunch of local schools and even an ivy league school on the east coast. They were devastated when he told them he wanted to take a gap year to pursue music. He didn’t want some stuffy office job. He had no desire to go to school and get his doctorate. Matt wanted to playmusic.
Even now, I knew that genius brain of his was trying to find a way to make it happen. I gave him a few minutes to brainstorm before interrupting his thoughts. “So, what are your planstoday?”
“I’m meeting up with a girllater.”
“Really?”
“Don’t act surprised, I told you I could get a date anytime Iwanted.”
“You also said you didn’twantto.”
“Yeah, gotta make exceptions to the rule everyone in awhile.”
"AnyoneIknow?"
