Page 22 of Release
Little by little, doubt started to sneak in again, wrapping itself around the reality of how great things had been going so far with Bash. She had returned to Tucson to take care of acquiring Blaze. Being able to sneak some time in with Bash was a handsome bonus, but exactly when the hell would she be able to go back there again? She had so much on her plate right now it was hard to imagine squeezing in a side of romance. If he ever got the chance to come to Los Angeles, it would be slightly easier, but not by much. He’d spend his days waiting patiently and many nights alone. For the millionth time today, she forced Sebastian Sullivan out of her head. She had work to do.
Alexandra drove into the studio parking lot and got out of the car. She hit the remote to lock the vehicle and set its alarm, looking up at Beyond the Note Sound Studios. It was the studio where she had already recorded much of her new album, and planned to complete at least one of the last few tracks today. It felt a little like coming home. This was the part about being an artist she enjoyed the most. Creative minds came together and churned out great music. Already she was tingling with anticipation to get started. She knew just which song she wanted to record. That is, if she had brought the right journal with her.
One of these days I’ll stop jotting lyrics down on every stray scrap of paper and use my tablet.
In a side pocket of her guitar case was the notebook—finally located with relief—in which she had written the song she called ‘Release’ for now. With enough practice, and with her mind on Bash so much lately, it could come out like second nature at the session today. She hoped it would. There had to be another perk to having Bash on her mind constantly.
She arrived inside the building of the studio a few minutes later, and heard her name the second she walked through the second set of revolving doors.
“Hi,” Gerry called to her, hurrying across the large lobby area.
“Gerry. Smart move catching me down here.”
“I know how to get my business done, dear. So, which one of us is the stylist, huh?”
“You are, love.”
“Of course I am, Lexxi. I saw the pics you emailed me, by the way. Most of those tired, wannabe grunge outfits reminded me of something my thirteen year old would wear, but she’s going through a phase.”
“Wannabe grunge?” Alexandra giggled at the thought of Gerry’s former beauty queen daughter going through a ratty jeans and oversized t-shirts phase.
“Listen, cutie, I know what look you’re going for. You want to wear boyish clothes. I got it, I got it! But you need to let me work my magic. You have to keep it a little feminine for your male fans too. Can I at least add some glitter and glam?”
“Lexxi Rock can blend masculinity and femininity without glitter and glam, Gerry. I spent all night doing research, and from runways to corporate offices, I know this can turn heads. I’m not talking about women in men’s clothing. I mean women completely revamping the masculine style. Dandy women—that’s what they’re calling the style. Google it sometime. It’s strong. It’s sexy. The lines are hip. It would be great to dress it down a bit from that, get some snazzier hats I like and make it my own.”
“Like Dandy Lexxi?”
“Yes! Exactly.”
“All the more reason for us to meet up and talk things out. I’ll pick out some more selections and get it ready for you. Can you make it down to my fitting rooms for four p.m. instead?”
“No can do, Gerry. This recording session will take a while.”
“Five then?”
“I don’t know—”
“Lexxi, honey. This can’t wait.”
Alexandra let out a breath. “I’ll do my best.”
“Alright, fine. I have a six o’clock, but that’s the latest I can do,” Gerry replied.
“No, no. Postpone the six. Or rejig it. You’d do that for me, right Gerry?” Alexandra tried to sweet-talk her. “I’ll make it worth your while.”
“Dammit. Okay I’ll try my best. Make sure you leave me some extra time so we can talk about the wardrobe for the tour.”
“Deal.”
“One more thing, Lexxi. Everybody’s been buzzing about you taking over at, uh, Purple Blaze is it? What’s the scoop? Is this tour going to be your last? Like, are we consultants all going to be out of a job soon?”
Alexandra chuckled. This was an obvious probe for inside information. “Oh, Gerry, you know I’d never let my best people go. I have no plans for retirement anytime in the foreseeable future, but whenever I do decide to put any part of this music business behind me, you guys will be the most sought after in the city. Now, you’d better stop listening to the gossip over there. Unless it comes from my lips, question everything.”
Gerry blew out an exaggerated breath in relief. “Whew! I’ll be sure to be the gossipiest little gossiper in there, and let everybody else know to get their stories straight. Alright, I’ve got you penciled in for whenever you get finished between five and seven-thirty.”
“Thanks, Gerry. See you then.”
Gerry took off through the front entrance as Alexandra made her way to the elevators. When she stepped off at her floor, she was ready to work.
