Page 39 of Battered Moves

After spending the rest of the afternoon and evening editing the video for Dirty Velvet, I’m fucking exhausted but relieved that everything worked out so well, and a little bit proud of myself too, if I do say so myself. I already knew they were good but hearing them play a song more in their genre was eye-opening. Having that grungy rock vibe of their basement band room was such a great setting for their video, and I was ecstatic while watching the content I filmed. I knew then that this video would come out fantastic.

Gunner came over in the evening after I didn’t answer his texts or calls since I was in the zone editing. He ordered us some Chinese food and made sure I ate something while he watched me edit. Even he was impressed with the footage and told me that the sound and the visuals could come from a famous band.

He went back to his apartment a little after eleven pm, since he had to work early the next morning, telling me to go to bed too, but I haven’t slept one wink because after the video was uploaded, I moved on to making the band’s social media accounts and a basic website. I’d already done all of this once, since I’d been the one handling mine and Liam’s stuff, and I missed social media. I loved managing it before everything went to hell and I only got hate comments, so it’s fun doing this for them. Since I know how quickly the internet moves, I know I needed to be quick with everything. I’m on it for hours, and it takes until late in the morning, but I used every marketing trick I’ve learned over the years.

Now it’s close to lunchtime, and I’m done. I can’t do any more and need to eat something. My stomach is growling, and my head is pounding from staring at the screen for too long. My phone chimes, and I look at it to find several unread messages from Gunner and the guys. I quickly text Gunner back, letting him know I’m finally done, and then open the group chat.

Ryder: You guys should have seen it. Liv is a fucking pro.

River: Not surprised. You know she made money with that stuff, right?

Chase: Not just money, guys. Our girlfriend is a fucking star.

Jaxon: Was a fucking star. Good thing that’s over. You didn’t exploit her generosity too much, Ryder?

Ryder: Nope. You had fun, didn’t you, baby?

Ryder: Babe?

I chuckle.

River: I bet she’s already editing your video, Ry.

Jaxon: Want to come over for dinner, sunshine?

Jaxon: I just texted Gunner to check on you. Don’t come at me for being overprotective. That’s what you get when you don’t answer your phone.

I laugh. No wonder Gunner just came over out of nowhere.Since when do those two text so much?

River: Good morning, beautiful. Did you sleep well?

Ryder: Baby, I’m dying over here. Can you answer already?

Chase: Back off, guys. Art needs time.

Jaxon: We’re heading to the gym at 2 pm. Wanna join?

I look at the clock and see that it’s already a quarter past eleven, so I take a quick shower. I put my hair up in a high ponytail before putting on some light makeup and my dance outfit, which consists of a mint-colored pair of leggings, a matching sports bra, and an oversized, long-sleeve white shirt. I quickly pack up my laptop in my sports bag with some fresh clothes and grab my keys before heading out the door. As I make my way to the guys’ house, I’m feeling excited to show Ryder what I already accomplished and tell him the good news.

* * *

River

I take a break from my homework and head to the kitchen to grab some water. As I’m walking back to my room, the doorbell rings. I open it to find Liv standing there, looking tired but good as always. I pull her into a hug.

“Missed you, beautiful,” I say, kissing the top of her head.

“Missed you too,” she replies tiredly, stifling a yawn, and I furrow my brow.

“Did you not sleep enough?” I ask, and she shrugs.

“Sure, let’s say ‘not enough,’” she says as we walk into the living room.

Chase and Jaxon stand up when they see her, each pulling her into a hug and kissing her.

“Did you just say you didn’t sleep?” Jaxon grumbles. “You look tired. Gunner told me you guys went to bed after eleven.”

“Hesure did,” she says with a smile, and Jaxon frowns at her. “Since when are you guys buddies and texting?” she asks him, and Chase laughs.

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