Page 18 of Lyric & the Heartbeats

But at least they seemed serious and dedicated.

Which could mean they were a safe option…

Lyric wished she could say it wasn’t a chore to check in with each other applicant, but every time she stopped to join in on the conversation to try to get to know someone new, her mind kept turning to the group in the corner of the room. She couldn’t see them, but she could hear them laugh and play together.

Hiding her interest and curiosity, she walked toward the corner while chanting, Casual. Be casual.

They watched her approach, and their conversation slowly drifted into silence. But it didn’t make awkwardness prickle over her senses like usual. Instead, it was almost like they were waiting for her signal.

“Do you guys know each other?” she asked, easing into a seat when Nohen scooted a spare one closer.

Desi glanced between the two of them. “These guys? Never seen ‘em a day in my life.”

“Well, besides while we were waiting in the hallway together,” Adra added on.

“Wait…” Lyric said, narrowing her gaze on Nohen. “If you didn’t know each other before the hallway… that implies you were already here. In the hotel. And you were still late?” she inquired.

Nohen’s cheeks colored a dusty rose against his olive skin. “Yeah. I had to answer my phone, and it only took a second, but by the time I turned back around, the hallway was empty and the doors were closing. I’m sorry… again.”

He offered a soft smile, and Lyric read the concern in his gaze. How was she supposed to tell that face no?

She settled for, “No biggie. It happens,” and shrugged. “So, why’d you three choose to work together?”

Adra shrugged. “Couldn’t really tell you. Though I guess they’re the only ones who didn’t look scared when I looked at them.”

Lyric frowned. “What do you mean?”

Clearing his throat, Adra glanced around the room. “I’m… ah, I’m the only alpha here.”

Lyric sat straight up in her chair and turned her head, her gaze bouncing around the room. “What? No you’re not. There’s…”

Beta. Beta. Beta… Oh. The other alpha’s background check hadn’t come back clean.

Everyone else in the room was a beta. Well, except for her.

“Oh my god, I didn’t even realize,” she admitted.

Oops?

“It’s no big deal. I guess maybe they just see me as a threat or something? I try not to think about it.”

But despite his words, his brows dipped low, and he shook his head before turning his attention to the music.

“And they’re the only ones who even gave me a second glance,” Desi added.

“Why?”

She turned a droll look her way and held up her sticks. “Guys tend not to take girl drummers that seriously.”

Lyric felt her cheeks heat with annoyance. It wasn’t just drummers. Women in the industry ran into issues from all sides. “Isn’t it so frustrating?” she whispered.

“Don’t get me started,” Desi warned, and Lyric’s chest warmed. It was nice for someone to validate her frustrations.

“We can trade horror stories another day,” Lyric offered.

“I’d like that,” Desi agreed with a hesitant smile.

Why is this so easy?