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11
Jade
I adjust a level on the mixing board, listening to Maddox tap away at his snare drum. Staring into the studio, I watch as his head bobs back and forth. His hands keep the rhythm steady before quickly hitting the toms, then slams his stick on the cymbal, echoing a crash in the studio.
Looking up at me through the window, he grins.
“Yeah, nice, Maddox,” I call to him through the speaker. “But this isn’t a rock record. I’m going for something smooth.”
Rolling his eyes, he nods and returns to tapping away at the snare drum. This time he walks the smooth groove slowly, lightly hitting his sticks over the drum. I know this slower, almost easy-listening music, is a complete one-eighty from the music he likes to play. During our shows, he loves to hit his drum set with authority. And when he’s playing at his DJ gigs, it’s heavy bass songs that make people jump around. He loves it. So, I’m glad he’s not putting up a fight playing the kind of music I’m trying to create.
I wave at him, stopping his play. “That sounds great, Maddy,” I tell him. “Maybe less kick drum, though.”
“Bass is my jam, Jade.” He starts laughing.
“I know it is. But these are my jams.”
“Touché.” He smirks, saluting with a drumstick.
Before he can start drumming again, Bret walks into the room. I wasn’t expecting him, so my eyes immediately turn to Maddox. Whenever I know Bret will be around, I try to make sure Maddox isn’t. To say they don’t get along would be an understatement. I see Maddox’s eyes narrow, watching Bret enter the room.
“Hey, babe. How’s it going?”
“Bret? What are you doing here?”
He leans over, kissing me on the cheek. “Just thought I’d come in and check it out. What’s Maddox doing?”
“He’s … wait, why are you checking on me? Bret, I told you these sessions are going to be closed door.”
He raises his hands in defense, smiling. “Don’t worry, I’m not trying to get Vic or Mitch in here.”
“Good because they aren’t invited.”
“Babe, I just want to make sure you’re good. That’s all.”
I take a deep breath, unsure whether I should believe him. I really don’t have a reason not to, but I don’t like that he’s just showing up uninvited either. And I’m still annoyed over the little stunt he pulled, telling the paparazzi I was recording here.
“What’s going on?” Maddox asks behind him, catching me off guard by entering the room.
“Hey, what’s up, Maddox?” Bret says, turning to face him.
Maddox doesn’t answer him. Instead, he looks over at me. “Jade?”
“That’s actually what I want to know,” Bret says, turning to me. “I thought you were singing this stuff. You don’t need Maddox.”
“Hey, don’t tell her what she does and doesn’t need,” Maddox jumps in. “You shouldn’t even be here.”
“Why not?” Bret replies, straightening his shoulders. “I got her this deal.”
“You got her this? What, recording at Rich Records? You and I both know you did this to help out your shitty band.”
“Maddox.” I get up, walking between them.
“You know what? Screw you, Maddox,” Bret shouts. “You’ve never liked me.”
“Good job, you figure that one out all by yourself?”
“You guys, stop!” I shout.
