Starting from Zero (Starting from 1)

“Good. If not, you can always record something here. I’m sure Gray won’t mind. I bet he’d let you practice here too. At least occasionally. That would make my job easier while I’m finishing my classes. Now do you see why you should immediately say yes to the songwriting credit for the movie?” Charlie asked, sounding like a schoolteacher.

“Not really,” I admitted. “But I’m still waking up, and I’m stuck on your spider dream.”

“God, it was awful. Remind me to tell you about it another time.” He stood abruptly and spun on his heels.

“Okay, so why am I supposed to say yes to the song?”

“Exposure. Gray can help you craft a beautiful song. He’s a master. I can help you create your brand and then share your brand with the world.”

“Why me? Why not Xena? She’s flashier and prettier than me by a long shot,” I huffed.

“She’s a solo artist. I think she broke ties with Declan, who I understand is a very talented musician. He plays multiple instruments, including bass.”

I shook my head. “Hard pass. Ky joined us anyway. We’re set.”

“Hmm. As I was saying, I want to work with a band. I want to create a family. And since I’m not likely to have children for another decade or so, I’ll start with you. I think you’re a good bet.”

“Thanks. I’ll talk to the guys about—”

“Excellent! We’ll meet here after one of your practices. I’ll talk to Gray about getting you time in the studio. You know, this would have been a lot easier if you had just agreed to take the job filing those albums. You would have had a built-in reason to be here a week ago. Time is ticking! Xena has already signed her contract. You need to secure a commission for yourself and then your band.”

“I haven’t told the guys about it yet. If it was for Zero, they’d be a lot more interested,” I commented wryly. “This sounds like a solo gig. Like I’m defecting before we get started.”

Charlie moved in front of me and nudged my arm excitedly. “Why not counter with a suggestion for Zero to perform a song for the soundtrack too?”

“Really?”

“Why not? The worst anyone can say is no.”

“Huh. Maybe you’re right.”

“Of course I am. Use their interest in your favor. For Zero.”

“Should I send an email or—”

“No. You shouldn’t represent yourself. That’s not how it’s done in entertainment circles. You need someone to handle the business end while you handle the music. You need me,” he said firmly.

“Hmm. Maybe.” I nodded slowly. “I still have to talk to the guys, but this could be a good idea.”

Charlie offered me his hand with a wide, radiant grin. “I look forward to working with you. Shall we commemorate this event with a selfie?”

“Fuck no,” I huffed.

Charlie wrangled his arm around my neck and shot a series of photos. No doubt I had my mouth open in all of them. Then we shook hands like two seasoned businessmen. I wasn’t exactly sure what I’d agreed to. The one thing Charlie and Zero had in common was that neither of us was a sure thing.

6

Gray

People were everywhere. I didn’t get it. An outdoor mall was the last place I’d think anyone would want to hang out on a Friday night in February. Sure, the weather was mild, but there had to be better things to do on a weekend. I’d been half joking when I suggested the mall, but Justin’s reaction was so priceless, I had to follow through. Once the plan was made, I figured it would be a mini adventure and chances were high we’d have the place mostly to ourselves anyway. I was wrong. If we’d driven together, I would have moved on to plan B when I spotted the line of cars waiting to park in the multi-storied garage.

I left my Porsche with an attendant and typed a quick text to Justin on my way up the escalator to the main floor of the shopping center to let him know I’d arrived. I pushed Send before reading through our earlier correspondence.

Are we really doing the mall thing? he asked.

Yep! What time should I pick you up?

I’ll meet you there.

You’re not going to show, are you?

Oh ye of little faith. I’ll be there at six. Meet me at the fountain.

Which one?

I have no idea. I’ve never been before. But every mall in the world has a fountain.

I grinned at the gif of Niagara Falls he’d posted, then started when my cell rang. I stepped off the escalator before answering.

“Hello?”

“Hey, I’m outside the pretzel shop on the first floor,” Justin said.

“By the fountain?”

“Fuck, no. It’s kid central over there. I love kids, but I can’t hear myself think.”

I smiled at his faux put-upon tone. “Got it. I’ll find you.”

Ten minutes later, I spotted Justin spread across a bench with his arm resting on the back and his knee bent on the seat in a pose that clearly said, “I’m not sharing.” I nudged his foot and sat down before he recognized me. His annoyed scowl morphed into a sweet smile followed by an appreciative once-over.