Starting from Scratch (Starting from 2)

I slowed to a stop at a red light on my way home later that night and adjusted the volume on an AC/DC classic before setting my phone on speaker mode.

“Siri, give me some good prank ideas.”

“Prank ideas? All right…”

I snickered at a few G-rated suggestions, then turned my radio up and lost myself in music as I made my way across town toward the beach. When I pulled into the alley behind my house an hour later, my head was all over the place…dinner, a new bass riff I wanted to try, and the list of goodies I needed for my prank. Funny enough, I didn’t think about family stuff until I turned off the engine and glanced at the missed text on my cell.

Hello Kyle, Karly said you’d meet me to chat about your father. How about this Saturday at 9pm at the BJ’s on Broxton? Please advise. Mona

The family fun continued. Fuck.

* * *

Practical jokes weren’t really my thing. They took too much time and effort to plan, and they didn’t always go so well. This one definitely wouldn’t, but I figured once Charlie got over being pissed, he’d laugh. Maybe. I hoped. Okay, it wasn’t much of a plan, but it was worth a shot.

I shoved the wrappers and the plastic CVS bag in my truck along with the mile-long receipt, then cast my gaze up and down the quiet palm-lined street before eyeing my handiwork. Fucking genius. Damn, I wished I could hide in the bushes and record his reaction. Knowing Charlie, it would be epic. I chuckled softly as I made my way along the path at the side of Justin and Gray’s house, leading to the rear of the property.

Justin gave us each the code to the guest wing of the sprawling residence months ago, so we’d have access to the studio without having to walk through the house to get there. It made sense, but in the beginning, I was sure someone would call the cops on me ’cause I definitely didn’t look like I belonged in this neighborhood. Movie stars and music execs lived in this section of Hollywood Hills. Their homes were architectural marvels with subterranean garages and spectacular views of LA, strategically hidden behind giant palms and eucalyptus trees. The kind of homes I’d only seen in magazines.

I squinted against the late-morning glare as I rounded the perimeter to the yard. Sunlight glittered off the pool like diamonds, blinding me for a moment. I noted the bright pink towel draped over the lounge chair near the hot tub as I entered the code on the pad next to the glass-and-steel door. I stepped into the circular foyer separating the main living space from the music wing and spotted Charlie at the end of the hallway, animatedly chatting on his cell.

I gave him a friendly wave before making my way down a narrow hallway to the studio, ignoring the steady thump of my heart. I tried to chalk it up to an almost childlike anticipation, but I knew it was just Charlie. Something was definitely going on in my head…and my body. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Scratch that…obsessing over him.

One epic prank and we’d go back to normal.

Justin and Johnny glanced up from their guitars and nodded in acknowledgment when I walked in. Justin hummed a tune while Johnny fiddled with complementary notes. I shrugged off my plaid shirt and draped it over the sofa, then headed for the wall of instruments to grab my bass and join them. I perched on one of the stools in the center of the room and found my opening in a new song Justin had introduced to us the day before.

“…want to tell you how I feel. Want to make this something—”

“Do not say ‘real,’ ” Tegan interjected from the doorway.

Justin flipped him off and continued singing, “…something real-ly special.”

Johnny and I groaned in unison.

“Fuck off. It rhymes. We’re keeping it,” Justin said, pausing to give Tegan an annoyed once-over. “You’re late.”

“Don’t start on me. It’s been a rough morning.”

“What happened?” I asked.

“Boy trouble, eh?” Justin strummed a few chords and inclined his head. “I hate to say I told you so, but…”

“Then don’t,” Tegan huffed irritably before pulling his sweatshirt over his head and tossing it toward the sofa.

“Hey, you knew it wasn’t gonna last, T. That’s why you didn’t want us to meet him. I don’t blame you for breaking it off. If you’re not getting what you want in bed, what’s the point?” Justin asked.

“Amen!” Charlie agreed as he sailed into the room.

“I thought you left half an hour ago,” Justin said.

Charlie set his hands on his hips and flashed a mischievous look. “I forgot something. But I’m off now. Do you need anything from me before I go? M&M’s, Cracker Jacks, Coca-Colas? Speak up now or text me later.”