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“Except the drummer situation,” Lila interjected. “Besides, Ryan was never comfortable behind the kit anyway.”

Ryan said nothing. Michael knew it was sterling truth, but his buddy would never speak up and let down the band. They needed a drummer and he could play drums, so he did it, even if he preferred a more free-flowing role depending on what each song required.

“Perhaps his getting hurt ended up being a blessing in disguise, if he ends up getting to do more of what he wants to. Pain aside, of course,” Lila said to Ryan, who only nodded.

“Okay, so Ryan doesn’t play drums anymore, then what? We search for someone new again? We’ve seen how that went before. As in not well.” West fingered the spiky blond hair that dipped over his forehead. “Can’t say I think that’s the best move now that we’re finally starting to get some traction.”

Lila glanced around the table. “We’re all in agreement that last night’s show was incredible? As is borne out by the tons of vids and positive press online. Everyone is talking about Warning Sign today, and that hasn’t been true after your other concerts.”

“We’ve had great press before,” Juliet protested. “Our Instagram and Twitter followers and Facebook likes keeps climbing. We can’t keep up with the fan mail anymore, especially the letters addressed ‘Dear Molly’s boobs’.”

Molly smiled serenely and sipped her coffee.

Michael just rubbed his temple. Jesus, was this ever going to be over?

He knew he needed to be concerned about the status of the band. The drummer situation had been a problem for a while now, and typically he would’ve been the first one searching for a solution. Hell, his brother had disappeared last night during Brooklyn Dawn’s set and he’d never even been able to properly thank—

“Wait a second.” Michael sat up straighter and ignored the resulting throb in his head. “You want Mal?”

“Oh hell no.” Elle, who had been quiet up until that point, braced her fists on the table. “Absolutely not. Anyone but that brute.”

“He’s not a brute,” Michael said, feeling obligated to defend his brother.

“Did he pick you up last night as if you were a sack of oranges? No, I don’t think so.” Elle glanced at Lila, who just happened to be her sister-in-law. Elle and Nick were opposites in a lot of ways, except looks. As far as temperament went, however, they couldn’t have been more different.

Until apparently right now.

“I don’t want him in my band. He’s an asshole. Li, you can’t do this.”

Lila exhaled. “Obviously you’ve all made the connection that since Malachi is Michael’s brother, he was also my stepson. The difference is we had no relationship, due to his personal preferences. That has little bearing on this situation. He doesn’t have to like me. I look for talent, and when I spot it, I take steps to ascertain that talent is on our side.” She glanced at Elle. “You know I value your opinion, but I’m sorry. In this arena, who fits each role best is what matters most. Not personal feelings.”

“He was rude to me. He belittled me.” Elle brushed a lock of long blond hair behind her ear, and if Michael wasn’t mistaken, her hand shook. “I don’t want a person like him in my environment.”

“I understand that, and you’re welcome to keep your distance. But I can’t make personnel decisions based on emotion.”

“Right. Like you’ve never done that before when it comes to covering my brother’s ass.” Elle nudged Juliet and their bass player slid out so Elle could slip out of the booth and stalk away.

“Nick 2.0, here we go,” Molly muttered, staring after Elle. “Tantrum city.”

“She’ll be back.

” Lila spoke with confidence, but Michael knew his stepmother well enough to understand she was rattled.

Michael knew Lila didn’t particularly adore Mal either. She’d tried so hard with him, and his brother had been an A-1 dick to her in defense of their mother. Lila wanting Mal to join one of the bands she managed had to be a difficult choice, but she was making it anyway.

There was just one problem.

“I texted Mal last night multiple times after the show, during the other bands’ sets. He didn’t reply. I texted him again this morning on my way over here. They aren’t even getting delivered, which means he has his phone off. He’s not interested in all of this.” Michael waved his hand around the table. “One night is about all you’re going to get out of him.”

Lila tapped the tips of her fingers together. “I was unsuccessful at reaching him myself. Not surprising, since he probably has my number blocked. But it’s just a matter of time.” She smiled thinly. “There’s no reason to search for someone new, if we’ve already found the right person. So now it’s just a matter of running him to ground.”

“Good luck with that. When Mal doesn’t want to be found, he isn’t.” Michael took a sip of OJ, then pressed his fingers into his aching forehead. He couldn’t even drink his damn juice. His gut was a mess, and it wasn’t just from the hangover from hell.

He had issues way, way bigger than his brother being MIA. And he didn’t have the first clue how to begin to address them.

“I have my ways.”

“Sure you do. Speaking of ways, how about you giving me Chloe Adams’ phone number?”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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