Chapter 7
Lydia
I step into my sleek, modern office, a space I’ve meticulously designed to command respect.
It’s taken a lot of work to get where I am today.
A woman in my position is a rarity. I work in a male dominated world.
Most have learned not to mess with me now, and the members of the band filing in will be the same.
They take their seats around the pristine glass conference table. I can sense the unspoken tension weaving through the room. I take a deep breath and stride to the head of the table, confident in my role.
I’ve been so excited since seeing the band play in The Underground.
They are raw and untamed, but their talent can’t be denied.
I can sense the issues already—the sparring brothers, the drummer with anger issues, and the keyboardist with confidence so low it’s scary.
Then there is the lead singer. There’s something puzzling about him.
He has a secret. I don’t know what it is, but for this to work, it’s my job to find out.
“You all have talent, but you need to commit. You need to work through the issues that we’ve already discussed, and you must trust my guidance or this partnership doesn’t happen.”
I slide a contract and pens toward them and watch them all closely, noticing every subtle response.
Norrie’s eyes narrow as he listens intently, Cody taps his fingers impatiently against the wood while his brother seems restless, and Otis clenches his jaw in quiet defiance.
Ruby, ever the enigma, maintains her cool, distant posture.
I can feel the weight of each unspoken thought as I scan the table. Their hesitations and hopes mingle in the silence that follows my words. Slowly, they each reach for a pen but then stop.
“So, what’s it gonna be?” I prod.
I’m sure they’ve also recognized the raw hum of what could be greatness if they don’t kill each other first. There’s so much potential and talent, and I will fight for them, but they need to want it too.
They exchange looks before Cody finally breaks the silence, his the words taut and clipped. “And what happens if we say no?”
My return gaze is steady. “Then you’re back where you started. Playing in run-down clubs, hoping to get noticed.”
“I think what Lydia’s trying to say is we’re lucky she’s giving us this shot. No offense, but we’re a bit rough around the edges,” Sebastian muses .
Cody’s eyes flash, the words hitting a nerve
Norrie shifts, turning to look at each of us, in turn. “She has a point. This isn’t about one person’s ego. We need to trust each other if we’re gonna make this work.”
Ruby remains silent.
It’s Otis who finally leans in, his expression confrontational, and I almost want to laugh. “Okay. Let’s say we trust you. What exactly are we signing up for?”
“The next step in your careers,” I reply. “But it means showing up, putting in the work, and taking direction. Without any of the drama.”
Cody crosses his arms “And if the ‘direction’ is crap?”
“Then I’ll expect you to tell me that without burning the place down.” I meet his stare head-on, knowing that if I blink first, I’ve lost his respect and the band. He gives a slow, measured nod.
Norrie picks up a pen, a movement so decisive it commands the room’s attention.
“Are we doing this?” His question hangs in the air like the last chord of one of their songs.
Nobody says anything. He signs while watching me the entire time. His intense blue eyes staring deep into my soul.
Next, Cody grabs up a pen, and for a moment, I think he might snap it in half. Instead, he signs and drops the pen on the desk in front of him.
Then with a shrug, he leans back and mutters, “Fine. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
Otis’ signature is an aggressive flourish, a challenge issued on paper. Ruby’s hand lingers before she finally signs, the quietest act somehow carrying the most weight.
Sebastian’s name is last, and his signature’s barely dry before he asks, “What’s our first move?”
I collect the contract, the band’s future now bound in ink, and reply, “Show me you can handle a serious rehearsal. We meet tomorrow morning at the studio, six sharp.”
They leave in the same manner they arrived, each one resonating with a different note of conviction as they step out the door.
Cody walks ahead of Sebastian, the tension between them a shadow I can’t ignore.
Otis and Norrie are mid-conversation, already strategizing as they disappear into the hallway.
Ruby’s the last to stand, offering me a quick, almost imperceptible smile before she finally turns and leaves.
Alone in the room, I glance down at the fresh signatures. Each name tells its own story, and the contract in my hands is a promise waiting to be kept. I know this group is a powder keg, but if we’re careful, if we’re lucky, then what explodes might just be brilliant.
It’s exhilarating to think that maybe, just maybe, this might actually work.
Look out for the Berrettini series coming 2026. Starting with Cody’s story.