Page 5 of Knot My Band: Part One
“Well, it’s really nice to meet all of you.”
I can’t help but glance at the alphas: leather jackets, tattoos peeking from beneath sleeves, expressions ranging from indifferent to mildly amused. None show the slightest hint of enthusiasm about my pop-rock-infused tracks, which have been labeled as too ‘mainstream’ by hardcore rock purists.
“We aren’t doing this,” Dax says, turning to Trevor.
“We agreed to listen, Dax!” Chase slaps Dax’s stomach.
“Right,” I say slowly, my voice steady despite my excitement faltering, slipping through my fingers like sand.
“It’s just that we don’t think our sounds will mesh, and we don’t want to go from having our own tour to playing backup for you,” Jack explains.
I nod, turning to Trevor. “They’re right. The Edge is much too big to play backup for me.”
Chase and Jack look at me in shock, then smile.
“Thanks, beautiful,” Chase whispers.
“They won’t be back up. The label wants to combine you. We will add part of their set to the beginning of what’s already planned for Oli.”
“Part?” Dax asks, annoyed.
Trevor gives him a stern look, losing his patience. “You boys are nowhere near as successful as Oli. This is a huge opportunity. One the labelwon’tlet you turn down.”
All four of their eyes narrow at Trevor.
“What does that mean?” Jack asks, gritting his teeth.
“It means the label won’t be putting any more resources into the four of you if you won’t take the opportunities you’re given.”
“Trevor-” I start, wanting to defend them.
“No, Oli. You’re going to be soft on them, but this is a sacrifice that the label is asking from you. They should be trying to impress you, not act like you’re less than them. I won’t stand for it.” This is the Trevor who makes stars, not someone you want to mess with.
I can see the shift in their demeanor and I know they can see the end of their careers if they mess this up. I feel horrible for them.
“Maybe we should see if we even have chemistry as a band before we get into threats,” I say, grabbing Trevor’s arm.
All four of their gazes turn to me, some grateful and some blank.
“Fine. Go play ‘Making You Cry,’” Trevor demands.
It’s one of my biggest songs, but the blank faces staring backat me tell me one thing. They don’t know it.
Ouch. For some reason, that’s the thing that hurts me the most.
I swallow the whine that wants to escape and instead save them.
“How about ‘Nothing Left,’” I suggest. It’s one oftheirbiggest songs.
Jack, Aiden, and Chase’s eyes light up.
“Sounds great, thanks, beautiful,” Chase says with a huge smile.
“Don’t think I didn’t see what just happened. You’re too nice, Oli, and these damn boys better see that,” Trevor snaps.
Trevor pulls the four of them outside, leaving me wondering what’s happening.
Chase
