So this book-smart, educated man was really a rebel at heart. “You didn’t, did you?” Sindy asked, skeptically.
“You bet your ass I did.”
Mason smiled innocently and placed the palm of his hand on his chest. “I had nothing to do with it. I swear.”
Tessa smirked at them and then looked up at Sindy. “They didn’t even invite me. Can you believe it?”
“I wasn’t into hanging out with my kid sister at that age,” Lucas replied.
Sindy listened to the banter between the three. They shared so much between them – a life filled with childhood memories, antics, and opportunities. She envisioned a future where she was part of their circle and she’d be sitting with them, re-telling some story about a crazy time they shared or incredible show they played. She couldn’t wait to make those memories. “Let’s go out tonight and celebrate.”
They ended up at a neighborhood bar that overlooked the beach, and after the initial commotion of Mason Wilder entering the place, they settled in an out-of-the-way booth where a round of beers landed on the table as soon as they sat down, courtesy of the bartender. Mason immediately made a toast with his raised beer bottle. “Here’s to making music and making money. Cutting singles and touring the world. I’ve been waiting for this day since I was 12 years old.”
“I’ve been waiting for it since I was two.” Tessa laughed.
Lucas clinked his bottle against everyone’s. “I thought this day would never come.”
As Sindy tipped the beer bottle back, the day flashed through her head. She still couldn’t believe everything that had happened. “This is surreal. I can’t believe I’m officially part of Prodigy, and we’re releasing a single. And I’m getting an apartment!” They’d been talking about the band so much that she forgot to tell them about Justine’s place. “I’m going to see it tomorrow night. It’s only a studio, but it’s newly renovated. I can move in on the first, so I’ll just grab a hotel until it’s ready.”
“Don’t get a hotel,” Tessa begged. “Stay with me until your apartment’s ready. I love having you in my suite. We’ll have so much fun together.”
There was no resisting Tessa’s pleading brown eyes, plus Sindy never realized how lonely she was. She had friends at the diner, but rarely did much socially anymore because all she did was work. The short time she’d spent with Tessa, Mason, and Lucas made her feel like she was part of something. She was so tired of feeling like an outsider. “Are you sure I’m not imposing?”
“I’m positive.”
Sindy nodded. “I’d love that, Tessa. Thank you. If everything goes as planned, it’ll only be for about two weeks.”
“Yay!” Tessa wrapped her arms around Sindy’s neck and gave her a tight hug.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Lucas added. “We have a lot of work to do. You have to learn all the songs. We need to record tracks.”
Sindy’s thoughts drifted back to the contract she signed earlier that day. “I have a question,” she asked hesitantly. “Who owns the label? I saw your three names on the contract when I signed it.”
“We own BGW Records,” Mason answered. “Blade. Garcia. Wilder. BGW. That’s us. This is a joint venture. We each put up a third. We get help and guidance from our parents, but we’re learning as we go.”
“You mean, the three of you are responsible for my advance?”
They all nodded.
She lowered her eyes for a moment to hide the emotion that sprung into her face. These three people had done more for her in the short time she’d known them than anyone else had ever done for her. She looked at each of them and hoped they felt the sincerity emanating from her gaze. “Thank you. This money saved me.”
Lucas reached across the table and placed his hand over Sindy’s. “We don’t expect you to work for free.” He smiled and his eyes took on a teasing glint. “And if you think we’ve been working hard these last few weeks, just wait and see how hard Tessa pushes us now that we’ll be trying to get tracks recorded.”
“She cracks the whip,” Mason added, flashing a dazzling smile at Tessa.
“Stop it! I’m not that bad,” Tessa protested. “You boys are slackers, that’s all.”
Sindy loved how they teased each other and the familiarity they shared. These three people spent their entire lives together, and knew each other inside and out. There was so much history among them. “When did the three of you start playing music together?”
“I’m five years older than Lucas,” Mason explained. “I’ve been playing since I was at least four, maybe younger. And Lucas has been playing practically since he was born. I think he was about three the first time we played a full length song together from start to finish.”
Lucas raised his beer. “Here’s to Metallica.”
Sindy turned her head toward him in disbelief. She knew he was gifted, but never expected him to be so talented at such a young age. “You played a Metallica song from start to finish when you were three years old?”
“Shit yeah. My dad taught me to play as soon as I was strong enough to hold a guitar.”
“When we were kids and on tour with Immortal Angel,” Mason continued, “Lucas and Tessa always had a playroom in their suite where we’d set up our instruments. He’d drive me crazy, because all he ever wanted to play was Metallica. It was alwaysMaster of Puppets,Enter Sandman, orNothing Else Matters.” Mason grunted. “I used to get so mad.” He reached over and pinched Lucas’ cheek. “But I couldn’t say no to that mug.”
