Page 85 of Hard Rock Fling
I looked to Ian, pleading with my eyes. Pleading with him to say something. He stared at me accusingly.
"I think this is the best direction to go in. For the band, for the concept, for everything."
I gave Ian an encouraging look.I'm doing this for you.Surely he had to see how important this was.
If it didn't work…
Ian closed his eyes and inhaled a deep breath. I could tell he was steeling himself.
"I like the idea."
Damon swung his head around, astonished.
"I don't want the same concept." Ian looked only at his brother as he spoke, giving him a nervous smile. "We've done theDamianthing for so long. This album is about trying something new. I think we should do it, Damon."
Damon's mouth popped open. Whether it was Ian calling him by his name in front of everyone, or whether it was Ian disagreeing with him, either way he was almost shocked speechless.
Damon stared Ian down, a penetrating gaze, concentrating solely on his brother. "Are you sure?"
"Positive."
They communicated without words. A bevy of expressions crossed Damon's face, not the least of which was worry. Worry and fear. He was afraid for Ian?
After a few moments, Damon nodded slowly. "Okay. Different concepts it is." He turned to me. "But you better make sure my torn clothes are sexy and not trashy. I'm not going to pull any of that ZoolanderDerelicteshit."
Ian and Naomi snickered. August looked vaguely confused.
"No trash, I promise."
Damon narrowed his eyes at me then shrugged. "Fine. Let's run with it."
A grin spread across my face. "Perfect. I'll get working on it right away. We'll have to move fast. The album's almost done, we're already starting promotions. I need to get the material, get you both fitted again, we'll need multiple rounds of tailoring…"
"Don't kill yourself over it," Damon grumbled.
"Let me know what help you need," August told me. "I'll make sure you get it."
I had no doubt he would.
I'd spoken to August that first night I'd spent with Ian. I'd quickly run my idea by him. He hadn't been convinced at first. I had hedged, trying to explain without coming out and saying exactly why The Twins needed to have two different concepts.
I'd briefly mentioned Ian's name, saying something about how I thought it would be good for him. August had gone quiet. After several long moments of quiet breathing over the phone, he'd agreed. We both left the real reason unspoken. I think August knew without me telling him.
It seemed not much got past August Summers.
I adjourned the meeting and gathered up my sketches, tucking them into my portfolio. Damon pulled Ian aside in the hallway. They spoke with hushed tones, Damon with a confused expression on his face and Ian looking abashed. Slowly, his expression morphed into determination, firm and resolute.
Damon placed both hands on his brother's shoulders, bringing their foreheads together. Damon whispered a few quiet words. Ian responded with a smile. Damon pulled his brother into a hug.
I averted my eyes. When I glanced up again, Ian was gone. Damon was staring at me. Even though I was inside the office and he was out in the hallway, I took a step back, nervous, wondering what he was going to do. Wondering if he was upset with me again.
Damon tilted his head, giving me a thoughtful look, not glaring or glowering like he usually did when I was around. Instead, he lifted his chin up in acknowledgment.
Thank you,he mouthed.
My shoulders slumped in relief, no longer tense. I nodded back at him.
The corners of Damon's lips quirked up briefly as he walked away to join his twin.
