“Listen, I know you told Cade you didn’t want to audition for Tan Lines because ofyourband—”
“Is that what this is about? What is it with youandCade?”
Jude let go of her hand. He knew he had no right to be jealous. This was the first time they ever got to spend time together and he was already acting like a jerk, but he was hurt she took the time to find him just to talk aboutanotherguy.
“No! Oh please no, not Cade. And not Tan Lines either. I want to talk to you about something else,” she said before pausing. “I found out about a band this new record company is putting together. It sounds like it could be a really great thing. The guy, Richard Black, is going to put all his efforts behind one band to start off his company. He’s got two guys already from another band. I’m sure you’ve heard of the bandMother.”
“Oh yeah, they kicked ass! Too bad what happened to them. I even heard their demo on the radio once. Who’d he get? Thebrothers?”
“Yup, Richard has their lead guitar and bass,” she said. “He’s looking for a lead singer and a drummer, and he wants really good people. He asked metohelp.”
“Are you saying you want me in a group with the guys from Mother?” Judeasked.
“You’d need to audition, but I think you’re perfect. I heard you play the other night. Your band is holding you back. I know you’re tight with them, but on stage it’samess.”
“I know, but they’re like brothers to me. I can’t justleavethem.”
“Talk to them. If you guys really are that close, they’re not going to tell you to stay with them. They have to know you're destined for betterthings.”
“Really? Destined for better things? Youthinkso?”
“Absolutely,” she said as she looked up at him and smiled. “You do something on those drums that’s just magical. Talent like that shouldn’t bewasted.”
No one had ever said anything like that to him before. It confused him. Usually when people were nice to him, they wanted something. That was the life he grew up with. But here was Zoey, who barely knew him at all, and she was trying to get him to chase his dreams because she believed he was destined for it. He never thought he had potential for much before, but here was someone who believed in him, and it made him believe inhimself,too.
He looked at Zoey with her black pigtails and crimson stained lips and thought about Cade again. It was obvious Cade was into her, and he could see why. Zoey was the perfect woman. She was sweet, smart, and beautiful. She wasn’t a tiny waif like a lot of the other girls who hung around the clubs, but to him that made her evenbetter.
Sliding his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her close to him and softly kissed her lips. She smelled sweet, like cherries. Kissing her again, he tilted his head to fit his lips to hers and kissed her slowly. One small kiss, then another. Wanting more of her with each kiss, he let them grow more intense. The music stopped and the crowd applauded his friends, reminding Jude wheretheywere.
“Let’s go to the pier and watch the waves come in,”hesaid.
She nodded and they started walking towards the noisy boardwalk with its large Ferris wheel and rollercoaster. The pier was even more crowded, but they walked down farther over the ocean and found a bench that faced the rides andcoastline.
The sun was high on a cloudless day and the dark blue of the ocean contrasted against the white foam of the waves hitting the pale sandy shore. They were surrounded by different families, performing artists, even hustlers trying to entice tourists into playing Three-CardMonte.
“So where is this audition? Does this Richard Black guy have anyone I know in mind for the singer?” Judeasked.
“It’s in Seattle. The guys from Mother live up there and Richard was able to get access to London Bridge Studios. I have to tell you something though. They heard a tape of you playing with your band and weren't impressed, but they admitted it was hard to tell. The singer they got a couple of days ago vouched for you though. It’s because of him that they agreed to audition you, but it’s really just a formality. Mostly they want to make sure you all getalong.”
“Really? Wow, who’s thesinger?”
“Cade.”
Jude groaned. He had nothing but respect for the guy, but he wondered why Cade kept coming up every time he waswithZoey.
“Guess it really is a small world,” he said. “When do they want me to go upthere?”
“Richard’s going to cover all expenses. He’s already rented a house up there and if everything goes well, you can stay there with the band because you’ll start recordingrightaway.”
“Are youcomingtoo?”
She laughed. “No, you don't need methere.”
“Yes, I do. I do need you there. You’re my muse,” he said before leaning in to kiss her again. She jerked away and Jude immediately regretted using the word. “I’m sorry, it really is a compliment though. I really want you there. I need youthere.”
“I don’t know. I mean I hardly know you and I need to work. Oh, work!” she looked at her watch then up the pier towards the street. “I’m really sorry, but I have to go. I have to get to work tonight. I’m going tobelate.”
“Can’t you call out? There’s no way you can get there from here quickly. Staywithme.”
