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25
Jade
The day started off great. The band had a great session in the studio yesterday that lasted a lot longer than any of us expected. It was all demo stuff, but we nailed down a couple hooks and some more lyrics for our next record. So, venturing into the studio again today, I was expecting more of the same. And it did start out that way.
For the first couple of hours, we were really in stride. Maddox laid down a fantastic drum track that we were thinking could even be for one of the first singles for the next album. Sure, that’s a long way off for a new record, but that’s how excited we all were about it. Then I get a message from Bret.
He told me he’s been trying to set up a meeting with Jimmy Richards for a week, and it’s been hit and miss the entire time. He asked if maybe I could call him to set something up so his band can get started in the studio. However, the last thing I want to do is speak with Jimmy, and I told Bret that.
An hour later, he messaged me again, telling me he was able to find out that Richards was going to be in town for the next few days but was flying out of the country soon for two weeks. Bret knows I haven’t been back to Rich Records, and he’s afraid that if we don’t meet with Richards, Skum Bucket won’t ever be able to get into the studio.
After ignoring that text message, he sent me another one thirty minutes later. That’s when I turned my phone to silent.
For the next two hours, the guys and I continued to work on our stuff, and then a receptionist phoned into the studio, telling me I had a phone call. No one ever calls us at the studio, so even if I should’ve known it was going to be Bret, I didn’t. When I answered, he asked why I haven’t been responding to his messages.
“Bret, you’re out of control,” I tell him. “I’m with the guys. We’re recording right now—”
“And you don’t think I don’t want to do that with my band, Jade!” he yells back.
“That’s not my problem.”
“No, it is your problem. My deal is contractually obligated through yours. You’re the key to us getting our first record out. Don’t do this to me, Jade.”
“I don’t know what you want me to tell you. I haven’t been back there, and as a matter of fact, I won’t go back there. Jimmy Richards is a snake, and I can’t believe I ever agreed to this.”
“But you did agree to it. Jade, you promised. I don’t care that we aren’t together anymore, you promised me this.”
Words escape me. Mostly because he just flat-out, point-blank said he didn’t care about our relationship. I liked him. I might’ve never been in love with him, but I did like him. For him to say it basically meant nothing to him hurts and angers me. Unfortunately, he’s right, I did promise. And no matter how hurt and mad I am over his lack of feelings for what was supposed to be something real between us, I still feel a tinge of guilt. When I made the deal, I did promise him.
“Fine,” I reply. “But this is it, Bret. I’m serious. Set up the meeting and let me know when it is. When it’s over, it’s over. For good. I hope you and your band can get things going, but I won’t be tied to Jimmy Richards.”
“Good enough for me,” he says, and I can’t help the scoff that escapes me. “I’m gonna track him down. I’ll call you back when I have some info.”
“Whatever,” I snap, and hang up before he can say anything else.
Walking back into the recording studio, the boys all stare at me. “Jade, I will hunt him down—” Maddox says, but I let out a defeated chuckle, waving him off.
“It’s fine, Maddy.”
Derrik and EJ both exchange looks. They know I don’t call my brother that unless we’re by ourselves or I’m feeling extra emotional.
“What’s up?” Derrik asks.
Taking a seat on a stool, I pick at my cuticles. “I know I broke up with him. I know I started liking Austin while I was technically still with Bret and all of that.” As I stare at the ground, they all remain quiet. I glance up and see EJ waiting for me to continue—being there for me as I’ve been there for him. All of them. “I guess I wanted to believe somewhere, I don’t know where, but somewhere … that he really did feel something for me. I can’t say I was ever in love with him, but I wasn’t with him to get something out of him. But …” Another deep breath. “I guess that’s all I ever was to him.”
Derrik wraps an arm over my shoulder, embracing me. “He’s a jackass, Jade.”
“Yeah,” EJ agrees. “He’s a complete idiot. Don’t feel bad over that douche. And hey? You’ve got Austin now, so I’m sure that’s better.”
“Yeah.” Derrik laughs. “Just ask your brother. I’m sure he’ll tell you new hookups are always the best.”
“Dude!” Maddox yells, hitting Derrik’s shoulder. “That’s my sister.”
Giggling, I swat Derrik’s other arm. “Yeah, as funny as that was, that’s doubly gross. I so do not want to think about that.”
“You crossed the line, man,” Maddox shouts, still chuckling.
“Thanks, guys,” I tell them.
