I wait until Mal is finished with the song to whisper in Joel's ear. "Does this really need to happen today?"
"Fuck no." He pulls me closer. "But you know artists."
"I don't, actually."
"They're temperamental."
"You included?"
He shrugs, feigning innocence.
"Bullshit."
"Maybe," he says.
The door opens behind us, and a deep voice flows into the room. "Joel, bullshitting, that's hard to believe."
That's Kit. His dark eyes really are intense.
He offers me his hand. "Nice to see you again, Bella."
"You too. Thanks." My shoulders relax. He isn't looking at me like I hail from outer space.
Kit motions to Joel. "Did this really need to happen today?"
"Wasn't my idea," Joel says.
"You've never had trouble getting your way before," Kit says.
"I've been preoccupied," Joel motions to me.
"You buy that Joel ever gives up on what he wants?" Kit teases.
I shake my head. I don't buy that.
"She's smart. I like
her." Kit greets the operator, then he's pressing the button to communicate with the soundproof room. "You have one hour, starting now."
Joel looks to me and raises his brows. You think we can do it?
I'm not sure. I better tease him. "Anything is possible."
He smiles. "I like you brutal, angel." He winks as he makes his way into the sound booth.
I sit next to the sound operator and I watch the guys attempt to record the song.
The sound guy is friendly and he likes having someone who wants to listen to him for once. He explains every step of the process to me. Each of the guys needs to record his track separately. In theory, if they get the first take perfect, the recording can take half an hour.
In reality, an hour is not anywhere near enough time.
They make a valiant effort, but they spend half their time debating changing this note or that riff or this line of the chorus. No one is shy about making suggestions or shooting down ideas. It's real collaboration. Real team work.
At the end of the hour, Kit does leave, but the other three guys stay. And they go at it for another hour.
Another.
Ethan leaves.