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“Okay, Apple,” he begins, pointing at me. “I want to run through ‘Malicious Intentions’ one more time and maybe a couple of other songs you have.”
“Sounds good.” I wait for the music to start and drift to my happy place as the words fly out of my mouth.
An hour later, Ross stops me, saying he has enough to piece together a demo. “I’m going to run this up to Tim,” he says into the intercom, his voice coming through the speakers. “The studio should be clear for another hour if you want to use it.”
I nod my head and then remember I don’t have my guitar. “I left my guitar at the hotel. Do you have one I can use?” I ask. “I’m messing around with a new song.”
“Sure, just grab that one in the corner.” He points behind me. “It belongs to the studio, so you don’t have to worry about anyone being pissed about adjusting the strings.”
“Thanks.” I cross the small room and pick up the Gibson J-45. It’s the guitar of my dreams, and I’ve been saving my pennies to buy one.
Weighing the guitar in my hands, I pull the strap over my neck. I strum the strings and hum while tapping my foot to find the beat. I don’t know how much time passes with me making adjustments to the song, but a throat clears, pulling my attention toward the door.
“That sounds good.” Kyle smiles as he pushes away from the doorframe. “Is it a new song?”
I stand and return the guitar to the corner. “Yep. Sorry, I didn’t realize I was in here that long.”
When I move to the door, he steps in front of me, blocking my path. “Can we talk,” he asks.
I really want to get back to the hotel and get ready for dinner, but I don’t want Kyle to think I’m avoiding him or the girls. “Sure.”
“Let’s sit down.” He nods toward two chairs in the sound booth. “We can stay in here for a minute.”
“Okay.” I take a seat. “What’s on your mind?”
“Are you thirsty?”
I nod. “Actually yeah, I haven’t had any water in a couple of hours.”
“One second.” He rushes out of the room and comes back with two bottles of water. “Here ya go.” He tosses me one before sitting back down in his chair. He tips the bottle in my direction. “Cheers.”
“Cheers.” I guzzle until half the bottle is gone, more parched than I thought. When Kyle makes no move to talk after gulping his own water, I break the silence. “What did you wanna talk about?”
“I understand why you’re so hesitant to do the duet album,” he begins. “But there’s no reason why we can’t practice while your attorney looks over the contract.” He leans forward, resting his arms on his thighs. “I mean, if he can’t get it changed the way you want, are you really going to walk away from this opportunity?”
I sit back and stare at him, considering his words. Would I walk away? Probably not, but I don’t like being steamrolled either. Besides, practice is practice… right?
“I honestly don’t know, Kyle,” I answer.
Like a flip being switched, his easy-going manner disappears beneath an expression of hatred, and he stands to pace. “How could you do this to us?” Kyle sneers. “We’ve been together for months, busting our asses to get noticed in a sea of talent. How could you be that selfish?”
Stunned, I push to my feet, meeting him in the middle of the room. “Selfish? Selfish?” I stab a finger at his chest. “I’ve been at this foryears,on my own, trying to make a name formyself.Now you want me to throw all that hard work out and settle for the first contract I’m offered?”
“We’ve all been working toward this foryears.” His chest heaves. “Fortunately, the stars finally aligned. Performing together in Vegas put us on their radar. And it wasmyidea that caught their attention. We can’t waste this opportunity.” He plops back down in the chair, seemingly defeated. “Please, Apple… Can you please put yourself in our shoes? Think like a team player for once?” He goes from cocky to vulnerable, I worry about whiplash.
I blow out a breath and ponder what Kyle said. I’d like to think I’m talented enough on my own, but what if he’s right and it was his idea that got us discovered? Without the duets, would I be here right now? The fact that I can’t answer that question gives me pause.
I always swore I wouldn’t be one of those backstabbing bitches who pushes everyone else out of her way to get what she wants. I promised Malice I wouldn’t let glitz and glam cloud my judgment.
That’s what you’re doing… letting fame destroy your friendships before you’re even famous. Classy Apple, real classy.
I give Kyle a small smile. “You’re right.”
“I am?” he asks, unsure.
“Yeah,” I nod with certainty. “Let’s get to work.”
The rest of the day passes by in a blur. Tim and Ross came back in while Kyle and I were practicing and recorded two duets to use in our demos. Ross gave some good suggestions about how to blend our voices together but also how to make our solo parts more distinct. The information is helpful, and I try to embrace the advantages working with TL Records provides.
