Chapter 2 #2
Initially, we were stoked, I mean, who wouldn’t be, but the decision isn’t so straightforward.
There are complications and a lot to consider.
The biggest being all four of us still have another year at university.
I was meant to be at a one-to-one meeting with Dani to talk things through, but I chose to help Calla instead.
I guessed my phone would blow up once Dani realised, I wouldn’t be there, so I had turned it off when we got to the hospital.
Perhaps the worst thing is, I didn’t regret it.
Like a dog with a bone, she’s here to chase us up. I’ve never met anyone so driven.
“Hey handsome,” she teases. “What the hell happened to you yesterday?”
“There was an emergency I had to help with.” I might as well be speaking another language, Dani isn't listening.
Barging her way past before I've finished my explanation, she takes the tea from my hand and heads to the kitchen.
I slam the door, following behind. She's pushy as fuck, but I suppose she has to be in her business.
Dani takes a sip of the tea. “Shit, this tastes like syrup. Have you got any coffee?”
“Sit down, I’ll get you one.”
Over the past few weeks, we've developed this love-hate relationship. She loves having a go at me, and I hate the way she’s so familiar.
Okay, so hate is a bit strong, but she annoys the crap out of me, especially when she turns up unannounced.
I don’t know how many times I’ve told her I’m not at her beck and call, but it doesn’t put her off.
There's a creak to the upstairs floorboard while I put the kettle on. “Shit, have you got a girl up there?” She whispers, her mouth screwed up to a snarky pout.
“Not exactly,” and it’s none of your fucking business if I do, I think while getting a mug from the cupboard.
“You dirty dog,” she laughs, then her voice takes a more serious tone. “But now is not a good time for shagging around. If you want this contract, you have to work hard, which means limited distractions, you got it?”
“There’s no one, right now.” It doesn’t mean I’m becoming a vestal virgin for the next few years and I hope Dani understands that.
“Keep it that way,” she winks. “Now, where are we in the decision process? Made any yet?” Her already short skirt rides higher to reveal long legs that go up to her curvaceous bum.
She knows how to work it, and of course, I've noticed.
What guy in their right mind wouldn't, but Dani offers little more than a nice arse.
“A contract like this doesn't land at your feet every day Ash, and you sure as hell don't get many chances with my dad. We've got bands banging down our door for an opportunity like this, but you lot are hell-bent on making us beg.” She raises her brow.
“Look Dani, we're not belittling this opportunity, but the simple truth is, me and the boys have a lot to work out. We said from the start, it wouldn't be a quick decision.”
“So, no news for me yet then?” She rolls her eyes.
“You'll be the first to know when it happens.” I was hoping to catch up with the boys before seeing Dani or Bernie again, but they haven't given us a minute.
“You know, you could make this easy on yourself,” she leans against the kitchen counter, crossing her arms over her ample chest, “since you’re the one we really want.”
She’s referring to a conversation we had before the boys were aware of any interest in us. It was a pretty sweet deal I was up for taking until I realised it didn't include the rest of the band. There’s no way I’m leaving them behind. We started this band together and we’ll carry on together.
I pass over her mug of coffee. “I’ve already said we’re a package deal.”
She huffs, “So be it,” then takes a sip before carrying on. “I’m just saying if you change your mind on—”
“I won’t.”
“Okay fine.” She sighs. “Then at least tell me how much more time you need.”
Just then, the door to the kitchen opens.
“Who was at the door and where’s my t—Oh, hello love.
” Mum smiles. This is the worst time for her to appear.
I haven't had a chance to explain any of this to her yet.
Mum has enough on her plate with my dad, and I know she'll worry once she finds out.
The offer includes a stint in London, which fills me with dread.
Don't get me wrong, the opportunity is fantastic, but I'd be leaving my mum behind to fend for herself.
“Mum, this is Dani. Dani, Mum.”
Dani offers her hand, showing she does have manners. That's a relief. One thing Mum will not tolerate is rudeness.
“Does Mum have a name?” Dani asks.
“Liz,” she says, holding Dani's hand with a gentle shake. “It's nice to meet you.”
For just a second, I wonder if I can get away with not explaining exactly who Dani is. Maybe Mum thinks she is just a friend, but then Dani decides to knacker any ideas my mum may have had.
“Liz. I take it short for Elizabeth. Such a beautiful name and I'm sure a wonderful mother from what I know of your handsome boy.” Dani knows very little, but I keep my mouth shut as she continues, “Please, talk some sense into your son, Liz. I beg you.”
Mum’s blank expression targets me, then back to Dani. “What do I need to talk to him about?”
I stiffen. This is not the time. Mum will either cry or go off her rocker. “Surely he’s mentioned our record label to you or the offer of a contract?”
My mum's worried blue eyes focus solely on me. It must be obvious she has no idea what's going on, but Dani does love to poke a stick at the elephant in the room.
“Oh, Christ. Have I put my foot in it?” she asks, rubbing my arm, knowing full well she has.
“Ashton?” Mum says, worry in her voice.
I shrug away Dani’s grip and go to my mum’s side. “I was going to explain, but you've been busy, I've been busy, and you've got enough going on. I didn't want to talk about it until the band had come to a final decision and you had some time to talk it over with me.”
“I always have time for my boy, you know that.” Mum takes a seat at the table next to Dani, then they both stare in my direction. “Sit down, Ashton. Talk to me.”
I do as Mum asks, puffing my cheeks out while I think where to begin.
“Would you like me to explain for you, Ash?” Dani's hand lands on mine, but I'm swift to move it away.
“Thanks, but this is probably better coming from me.” If I'm starting to sound pissed off, it's because I am. Dani needs to stop treating me like an idiot.
“Mum, I don’t want you to get upset—”
“That’s not a good start Ashton,” she sits back, crossing her arms.
“We haven't decided anything yet. There are all kinds of meetings to have and it's a band decision at the end of the day.”
Dani jumps in again, “And let me tell you, Liz, we weren't fussed about the rest of them. We only wanted Ash, but he's insisting it's the entire band or no deal at all.”
“I’m not surprised. My boy is nothing if not loyal.” Then she turns to me. “Come on then, spit it out. What’s the deal?”
“Just stay calm when I tell you this, okay?”
She uncrosses her arms, placing her hands on her knees, but I’m still worried. I dare any son not to be scared stiff of his mother when she's scowling the way mine is. I wouldn't mind, but she hasn't heard me out yet.
“Dani’s dad is Bernie Hill, the owner of Election Records.”
“I know who he is, Ashton. He put Braebeach on the map.” Her cheeks bloom with colour, which is odd, but I don’t point it out.
“Okay, well, Dani saw us play The Gig House and then asked if we’d make a demo for her dad.”
Dani cuts in, “I wasn’t intentionally scouting, just on a night out with friends, then once—” She stops, closes her eyes for a second and tuts to herself. “Sorry Liz, I should explain. A scout means a person who hunts for new artists to sign on behalf of the record label.”
“I'm familiar with the term. I wasn't born in the dark ages, contrary to what you might think.” Go Mum for telling her how it is.
I also note the humour in Dani's face from the corner of my eye.
It's a little condescending, to be honest, but then again Dani has no idea who she's dealing with.
She might want to think twice about what she finds funny.
“Okay,” I jump in. “So, to cut this story short, Bernie liked our music and made us an offer. They want to sign us to their label, Mum.”
“Everything has been checked and double-checked by a solicitor, Liz, and the boys will be fully briefed about any small print.” Dani states. “You have a very talented son.”
My mum’s brow furrows, her lips tighten, which indicates her instant worry. It isn't unexpected. I'm her only child, after all, and she's not exactly green about the music industry. She once dated a drummer, even touring with him for a few months, so she has an idea of how the music industry works.
“But what about university, Son? You have another year to go. Where does your degree fit into a recording contract?”
“It wouldn't Mum. I'd have to commit full time and drop the course. But if the music doesn't work out, I could go back.”
She silently stares into space while biting her lip.
As long as it hasn't got in the way of my studies, she has always been pretty cool about my decisions in life, especially my musical obsession.
Still, I don't know what thoughts are running through her head right now, so I add, “This could be an amazing opportunity for us.
We all want to give it a go and I don't want to let the band down.”
“Ah, so you have decided,” Dani chimes in. “You and your bandmates know an amazing offer when you see one. An amazing offer for an amazing band.” Yet two minutes ago, she was slagging the lads off.
My mum breaks her silence. “Hold on a minute. When exactly, did you plan on telling me?”
“Nothing is set in stone, and I was waiting for the right time, as I said.”