Release day. It was a day Lucas had been dreaming about and anticipating for weeks, and it was finally here. Prodigy had performedDrivenlive on a morning talk show yesterday and gave an interview. They also did interviews on two nationally syndicated satellite radio stations which previewed the song a few days ago. A high-dollar promotional budget and connections with media executives ensured that the release would be a success. The nation had been introduced to Prodigy weeks ago. Snippets of the song were purposely leaked in order to create a buzz and heighten people’s interest. So much time and effort, from many different people, went into release day. And it was all worth it. Every time Lucas turned the station, a DJ was either mentioning their name or playing their new single.
Tessa turned up the volume. “Listen to us! That’s my voice! On the fucking radio!”
“And that’s me on the guitar.” Sindy had a dazed look on her face. “I can’t believe it.” She wrapped her arms around Lucas’ waist and gazed up at him. “I hear your spectacular lead shining through. It’s incredible.”
“What about me, man?” Mason asked, a smile dimpling his cheeks. “Isn’t anyone gonna gush over my killer drum beats?”
“Oh, knock it off.” Tessa swatted his arm playfully. “You’re already famous.”
“I’m famous for playing with other bands as a fill-in drummer. This is our band.”
“Oh, Mason.” Tessa hugged him. “We’ve been dreaming about this since we were little kids. I can’t believe it’s actually happened.”
“Was there any doubt that it would? I’ve been telling you since you were five years old that we were gonna make it big and tour the nation. And in two weeks, we’ll be on the road.”
“When are we going to know if the song charts?” Sindy asked.
“If?” Tessa replied. “This release is epic!”
“A week,” Lucas replied. “When the next top 100 is released.”
Lucas thought the week between release day and the Top 100 would drag and seem twice as long, but it flew by and adrenaline had his heart pounding as he waited next to Tessa. Mason hovered over her right shoulder, practically down on one knee. Sindy slipped her hand into Lucas’ and gave it a little squeeze as they all watched the computer screen.
“Get ready,” Tessa announced. “We have only a few more seconds before the site updates.”
Sindy tugged on Lucas’ arm. “I feel like it’s New Year’s Eve and we’re waiting for the ball to drop.”
Mason let out one of his infectious laughs. “Even I’m nervous!”
“Where do you think it’s gonna land, Mase?” Tessa looked away from the computer screen long enough to glance at Mason. “Top 10?”
“Definitely top ten. It was the number one requested song of the week on two rock stations. Downloads have been astronomical. We’re just waiting for the official numbers.” Mason pressed his lips together and squinted one eye. “I’m going to give it my best educated guess and say we’re gonna come in at number five.”
“Five?” Sindy almost shouted the word. “That’s crazy! Do you really think so?”
Lucas smiled at her. He loved the exuberance beaming from Sindy, because she made the entire experience more meaningful for him.
“Get ready!” Tessa waved her hands to get everyone’s attention. “They’re going to be posted any second! We’re at . . .” She kept refreshing the computer screen, while everyone waited anxiously.
“Number three!” Tessa jumped off the chair and hugged Mason.
Lucas felt Sindy sway and thought she might pass out. “Are you OK?”
“Oh my God, Lucas. We have a single debuting at number three.” She leaned closer to the computer to confirm it again. “This is the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a dreamy smile. “Well, the most amazing thing after meeting you. A few months ago I was homeless. Now I have best friends, a boyfriend, a band, and a single at number three.”
Lucas cupped her face in his hands and wiped away a happy tear that streamed down her cheek with his thumb. “Hey. Don’t cry.”
“I’m just so happy. You make me so happy. I love you, Lucas.”
“I love you too, hon.” He kissed her once more. “But there’s another girl I gotta congratulate.” Lucas turned to his sister. She deserved this more than anyone. She put her heart and soul into Prodigy. Nothing mattered more to her than the band. She sacrificed everything, choosing to spend all her free time writing lyrics and making music instead of making friends. She missed senior prom and college parties because she thought they were a waste of time – time that could be better utilized serving the band. Prodigy was her baby, and she nurtured and protected it with every ounce of her being. He put his hands on his sister’s shoulders, never more proud. “This is all your doing, Tessa. Thank you for believing in all of us.”
She blushed. “Stop it. I didn’t do any more than—”
“You had the fortitude to push me and never accepted anything less than perfection. You pushed me to push myself. I’m so glad you’re my sister.” He hugged her, and when he pulled away, tears brimmed on her lower lids. These girls were drowning with emotion and their happy tears threatened to pull him under. “Not you, too, Tess.” She just waved him off and shared some tissues with Sindy.
Lucas and Mason stared at one another.
“Bro . . .” Mason opened his arms and wore his widest smile.
They shared a long bear hug that most people would have thought a little uncomfortable, but Mason was truly like a brother to him, and Lucas found himself tearing up at the bond between them.
