AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“So, we tried out a few of my original tunes on Sunday.” Rachel made a face. “They didn’t work. We need to put our heads together and write the kind of songs Andy’s talking about.”
“You write lyrics, obviously,” I said, looking at my sister, then glanced around at the others. “Anyone else?”
“Collin and I work together,” Andy said.
“I come up with a riff,” Collin said to explain, “then Andy writes lyrics.”
“You’ll want to include Rachel and Barry in that process to come up with a cohesive sound and messaging.”
“Yeah.” Collin took my hand, and warmth zinged up my arm. “Good point, Addy.”
Barry frowned. “I’m all for working together. But like I told Addy, I have marching-band practices, perform at Friday-night games, and I work at Midnight Mechanics on the weekends.”
“Yikes, man.” Collin shook his head, shaking me a bit since he still had my hand. “That’s a lot of commitment.”
“When are we gonna practice?” Andy asked.
“Sunday evening is the only time I have free,” Barry said. “You got a place we can jam then?”
“Yeah, his grandmother’s garage,” Rachel said. “Sweet setup with mics, Vox amps, and soundproof walls.”
“His grandma also makes cookies,” I said, thinking it important to point out.
“Sounds great,” Barry said.
Andy huffed out a breath. “We need more practice than just once a week to write songs and get good.”
“You could practice now,” I said. “You all have the same lunch period.”
“That’s a good idea, babe.” Collin squeezed my hand. “But where are we gonna store our instruments? We can’t carry them around all day.”
Andy frowned. “We don’t have sound equipment here, either.”
“Yeah, bummer.” Barry shook his head.
“Hey there.” Mr. Garrett tapped his knuckles on our table in greeting. He was one of the teachers on patrol during this lunch period. “Why the glum faces?”
“They’re starting a band,” I said, gesturing around the table. I liked Mr. Garrett. He was the only teacher who stepped up to help Barry when his dad got arrested and he had no place to go. “We need somewhere to store equipment, and then to practice during lunch.”
“A band, huh?” Mr. Garrett’s eyes brightened. He seemed excited about that prospect.
Barry nodded. “Yes, sir. With my marching-band practice during the week and performing at games on Fridays, plus my weekend job, lunch is the only other time besides Sunday evenings that we can get together.”
“Hmm. That is a problem.” Mr. Garrett stroked his chin. “I have a storage room in the gym that you could use. Concrete floors, cinderblock walls.”
Trying not to bounce with excitement in my seat, I glanced around the table. “The acoustics would be good.”
“Just so. It’s yours if you want to use it.” He gave everyone an inquiring look, and we all nodded enthusiastically.
“I’ll give you a key on one condition.” Mr. Garrett narrowed his eyes. “If you promise no shenanigans.”
“Shenanigans?” Andy raised his brows.
“No drug use. No sex. Just music. Agreed?”
“Agreed,” Andy said.
“Yes.” Rachel nodded.
