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“I’ll be happy as long as I’m with you.”
“Promise me.” He wasn’t letting me off easy.
I held up my pinky, awaiting his. “I promise I’ll tell you if I’m not happy here.”
Several minutes later, the cab rolled to a stop. I looked out the window to find we had pulled up to a storefront made mostly of tinted glass. It was surrounded by a building made of beige bricks that traveled up at least a couple of stories high, with a giant red neon sign displaying the words “The Underground” in script letters. A red-haired man with a fuzzy unkempt beard approached the cab. He wore black-rimmed glasses, and was smoking a cigarette. I resisted the urge to make fun of his skinny jeans when I realized that Chase was smiling at him.
The man leaned into the passenger window to give the cab driver money.
“Thanks, Don,” Chase said, stepping out of the cab. “You didn’t have to do that.”
Donnie flicked his cigarette into the street, smoke streaming out of his nostrils. “It’s the least I can do. I’m sorry the apartment wasn’t ready in time for you.” He looked at me and smiled his toothy grin. “You must be Merritt.”
I met his outstretched hand with mine. “You must be Donnie.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Are you ready to make this kid famous?”
“I’m ready,” I replied, not sure what exactly I was ready for.
“Come inside. I’ll show you around, and then we can get your bags upstairs.”
I looked up at the windows above. “The apartment is up there?”
“Don’t worry.” Chase hugged me to his side. “We’re at the top, so you won’t hear too much noise.”
Donnie held the door open for us as we walked inside. The unfinished wood floor, exposed ceiling, and red string lights gave off a vibe that matched the bar’s name precisely. Pinball machines lined the walls along the perimeter of the room. A shiny disco ball hung from the cement ceiling over a bare floor space, creating the illusion of a dance floor.
“What do you think?” Donnie asked, both he and Chase looking at me for approval.
“It’s perfect.”
“Hell yeah, it is!” Donnie rubbed his hands together. “You have your first show tonight.”
Chase raised his eyebrows. “Tonight? Already?”
“Yes, sir. No time to waste. The guys will be over here around five o’clock. You’ll rehearse, catch up, and get ready to knock the socks off of everyone in here.”
“When will the people from the record label be here to see them?” I asked.
“Tonight. You’ll be here to support your man, I hope?”
“Of course.” I looked at Chase, who was nervously running his fingers through his hair for the third time. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
Donnie reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys on a ring, dangling it in front of Chase’s nose. “The keys to your new digs.”
“Thanks, man. I really appreciate you doing this for us.”
“When is rent due?” I asked. “Wait… how much is rent?”
Donnie laughed. “Don’t worry about the rent just yet. These boys packed this place out last year. If they can do that again, rent won’t be necessary.”
I raised a skeptical eyebrow.
He laughed again. “All business. I like her. Show her around upstairs. I’ll see you guys later.”
“Thanks again.” Chase held his hand out for me. “Ready to see your new home?”
I straightened my shoulders. “I’m ready.”
