“How could I say no to that cute face? She manipulated me from the moment she was born.”
Lucas chuckled. “She manipulated all of us. And she knew it.” Voices from outside the studio grew louder, which meant Tessa was back with Sindy, and Lucas straightened his shoulders with anticipation. “It looks like we’re about to meet our new rhythm guitarist.”
Tessa came down the stairs first so the new guitarist could make a grand entrance. “Here she is guys, Sindy Cavanaugh!”
Holy shit. Lucas’ eyes widened the moment he saw her. It was the girl from the beach. The pissed off girl who had flipped him off and accused him of stealing her wires. But, she wasn’t looking at him. She was looking at Mason.
Sindy went straight to Mason, hand extended. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve been a big fan of yours for years. It’s such a great opportunity to work with you.”
She was excited to work with Mason? Sure, Mason was a world-famous drummer, but Lucas had a reputation in this town as sort of a demi-god on the guitar. He’s the one she’d be collaborating with, not Mason, and he felt disrespected.
Mason accepted the compliment with his usual humility, giving her one of his bashful smiles which caused his cheeks to dimple. The same smile that sent girls swooning. “Thank you. We’re excited to have you here as well. Tessa says you’re quite the gifted guitarist. Almost as good as Lucas.”
With that, she turned her head in Lucas’ direction.
“This is my brother, Lucas Blade.” Tessa introduced him with pride in her voice.
Sindy paused for a moment, and then recognition hit, making the smile slip from her lips. “You?”
“You?” Lucas countered with his brows raised and a scowl on his face.
“Do you two know each other?” Tessa asked, puzzled by their reactions to one another.
“No.”
“Yes.”
Mason laughed. “Great.”
“What’s going on? “Tessa looked back and forth between Lucas and Sindy. “Do you know Sindy or not?”
“No. I don’t know her. I just . . .” Lucas didn’t want to rehash their little argument on the beach. “It’s not important.”
Tessa placed her hands on her hips, suspicion clouding her eyes.
“Sindy, how do you know my brother? Is there a problem here?”
“No. No problem. It’s not a big deal. We kinda had a little run-in. It was just a misunderstanding. No hard feelings. Right, Lucas?”
“Sure.” He let out a small laugh as he remembered her temper tantrum on the beach. He hadn’t been the one upset. She had been the one who was practically irate, literally losing her shit.
Tessa seemed relieved. “Good. Now that whatever that was is settled, can we get on with the audition?”
Sindy put her guitar case on one of the couches, unsnapped the latches and opened it to reveal a beautiful three-color sunburst Fender Stratocaster.
Lucas stepped closer to take a better look. “She’s a gem.”
“This is Matilda.” Sindy gazed lovingly at the instrument.” She’s the only thing of value I own, and I wouldn’t part with her for the world. I’d rather starve then sell her.”
Lucas stifled a laugh. “You named your guitar?”
“Of course. Didn’t you?”
“No.” He received a disapproving sideways glance from her, as if he committed a sin and would incur some kind of wrath for shunning an age-old tradition. Lucas didn’t know whether to laugh or to be insulted at her judgmental smirk.
“Where can I plug in?” she asked.
“I see you found your wires.” Lucas couldn’t help the teasing remark. It just slipped out.
