Her voice suddenly coming through my headphones startles me and makes me jump. My eyes fly to the glass that separates the two rooms to see her gaze darting back and forth between Travis and me.
“We haven’t practiced this song before today, Katelyn,” Travis replies, his tone relaying his irritation with her.
“That’s great news, then. If you sound that good after practicing one day, the single will be perfect when it’s released,” she replies, unfazed.
“Single?” I ask.
“Yes, Andi,” she sighs, her tone condescending, “the two duets you’re doing with Travis will be included as bonus tracks on the digital album and also will be released as singles for radio play. They’ll help promote the concert tour even more.”
“Wow, I didn’t know. That sounds awesome though,” I reply.
“It’s all in the contract you signed.” She levels me with her matter-of-fact expression, referring to the tour contract.
“I saw that, but it didn’t say anything about being added as bonus tracks on the digital album. I guess I thought it was just extra songs for the concertgoers. But, like I said, it sounds awesome.”
Katelyn narrows her eyes at me in suspicion. I can tell from the way she’s looking at me that she thinks I’ll cause trouble over this. I read my contract thoroughly and that information was not addressed. I finished law school, after all, even though I’m not a practicing attorney.
“Chill out, Katelyn,” Travis says and levels her with his own serious expression. She immediately backs down but apparently has to get in the last word.
“Keep practicing. We need it perfect before we record it in next few weeks.”
With that, she leaves the technician’s room before anyone can respond to her. Travis and I exchange bewildered looks before we both laugh.
“Sorry about her. She can be a bit of a bulldog sometimes. These two songs go together to tell a complete story, and she’s overprotective of them.” Travis shrugs.
“She’s just doing her job. It’s no problem,” I assure him.
“I guess you could actually buy this label if you wanted to, huh?” Kale, the bass player, asks.
Kale epitomizes the classic look of a surfer to me. He is always dressed casually, regardless of where he is or what’s happening—board shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops. His blond hair is shaggy and has natural highlights from the sun blended throughout it. His laid-back attitude is the calming force in the group because nothing seems to get him riled. His blue eyes always shine with the mischief of a little boy.
“Dude, that was rude,” Travis admonishes him.
“What?” Kale asks, bewildered. “It was all over the news, man. She’s like a billionaire or some shit.”
I can’t help but laugh at how forthright he is without even meaning to be. “It’s okay, Travis. I arranged the sale of my father’s label, but the terms are confidential. This label is publicly traded, so I’d have to buy the controlling share of stock to take it over. So, no, I couldn’t buy this company.”
“But you don’t need the money from this tour, do you?” he asks with a devilish grin.
“No, I don’t need the money,” I admit with an equally devilish grin.
“Good. You’re along for the fun then. My kind of girl.” He winks.
“Step back, Kale. She doesn’t want the bass player,” Drew chimes in. “All the girls want the lead guitarist. Everyone knows that.”
“Not a chance in hell. You’re both full of shit. The drummer sets the time and the beat. Come on over here and I’ll protect you from these two, sweetheart,” Mike offers with a smile.
“You’re all full of shit.” Travis shakes his head in mock disgust. “Andi, don’t listen to any of these guys. They’re not trustworthy at all.”
“I can definitely tell this will be an interesting tour,” I say as I look around at this motley crew. “Not to worry though. I grew up with the best boxing coach in the country as my father figure, and he taught me everything I need to know. I can take care of myself.”
“That is so fucking hot,” Kale replies. His dropped jaw and shocked expression say it all.
