“Affection for Mayhem!” Garrett shouts.
“Veto.” Chaser shakes his head. “Too close to Appetite for Destruction.”
Garrett consults the notepad on his lap. “I have a lot in this general category. I’m guessing Craving for Carnage is out too?”
“What are we a death metal band now?” Chaser asks. “Hard pass.”
“Lust for Victory?”
“Boo!” Alvin jeers.
“Fuckers,” Garrett mutters. “I’m out.”
“Thirst for Danger?” Jacob suggests.
“Lame.” Chaser gives that one two thumbs down and gets a middle finger from Jacob in return.
“Havoc and Hell?” Alvin tosses out.
“That’s what we should name this apartment, not an album,” Jacob says.
“Strangle the Truth,” Chaser suggests.
“What are we a death metal band now?” Garrett mimics Chaser’s earlier comment in a snide tone.
“No.” Jacob snaps his fingers. “I like that direction. Truth and Lies…” He closes his eyes and mutters a few words. “Lies and Trust.”
“Lies and Other Promises!” Chaser raises both fists in the air.
“Yes!” Alvin flies across the room to high-five Chaser.
“That’s the one!” Jacob dances in a little circle. “Perfect. Now I feel better about putting out an album with those bullshit ‘live’ tracks.”
“Oh, fuck yeah!” Garrett pumps his fist in the air. “Our secret FU to the label for that one.”
Giddy over their accomplishment, I clap my hands and let out a happy squee.
“You like it, Mallory?” Jacob asks.
Afraid it’s a trick question, I answer slowly. “I think it’s perfect.”
“It’s settled!” Jacob claps his hands over his head. “Lies and Other Promises is the name of our EP.” He points to the door. “Let’s go give Thom the good news.”
“Now?” Alvin casts a look at the phone. “Shouldn’t we call?”
After twenty minutes of bickering and another ten minutes spent tracking Thom down, we file downstairs. We squeeze into Alvin’s car with me on Chaser’s lap in the passenger seat.
“Hey!” Jacob pops his head up front. “Why couldn’t I sit on Chaser’s lap? My legs are longer than yours, Mallory.”
“But you weigh more.” Chaser twists around to place his palm over Jacob’s face and shove him.
“What’d you think of that chick?” Jacob pops right back into the spot like our very own Jack-in-the-Box. “Misty Stars is the girl’s name. Hot, right?”
“The porno?” Chaser asks. “Why? You planning to stalk her?”
“Maybe. She has the biggest set of tits I’ve ever seen on such a tiny girl.” Jacob cups his own chest to demonstrate. “It’s enough to make me want to be a one-girl man.”
“Lucky her,” I mutter.
Chaser can’t keep the grin off his face. He leans down to whisper in my ear, “Fucking love when you give him shit.”
Thom’s brimming with energy when we arrive. He has his secretary bring us drinks and eagerly waves us into his office. I end up wedged between Chaser and the corner of the low, leather couch that lines one wall.
“We’ve got a title,” Jacob announces.
“Finally. What’d you come up with?”
Jacob pauses and raises his hands as if he’s spelling it out in neon lights. “Lies and Other Promises.”
Thom sits back in his cushy leather chair and nods slowly. “I like it. I’ve got some feelers out for artwork and should have some for you to look through in a couple of days. In the meantime, if you see anything, let me know.”
The proud papa moment fades, and Thom sits forward, spearing each of the guys with a no-nonsense stare. He lingers on Jacob the longest.
“You’re all set up at Sound World to mix the album. Please do not give Tony any grief. He squeezed you guys in as a favor to me. It should be cut and dry.”
Famous last words, Thom, I want to say, but I keep my mouth shut.
He’ll learn.
Warning issued, Thom relaxes his posture. “Now, for the really good news.” He brandishes a piece of paper in front of him. “The nominations for the Small Screen Music Awards will be announced tomorrow, but I was able to procure a list in advance.”
“Holy shit.” Jacob squirms in his seat and turns to look at his bandmates. “Did we really get nominated?”
“You were nominated all right.” Thom sets the paper down in front of him and mutters, “I still can’t believe this.”
“What?” Chaser sits forward.
“Hang onto your dicks.” Thom peers over at me. “Hang onto Chaser’s dick, your name’s on here, too.”
I’m too grossed out by the dick comment to process the rest of that.
Chaser growls a warning. “Get to it, Thom.”
“All right.” He winks at Alvin. “Drumroll?”
“Just read it!” Alvin shouts.
“Number one, Best Breakout Video for ‘Candy Jar.’ You’re up against Wishing Well and some other no-names, so that should be easy.”
“Ugh,” Jacob moans, “I don’t know how much of a compliment it is to be nominated with those assholes.”
“Get over it.” Thom’s gaze slides to me. “Best Video Vixen for Mallory’s performance in ‘Candy Jar.’”
“Holy shit!” Chaser squeezes me tight and kisses my cheek. “So proud of you, baby,” he whispers in my ear.