Scorched Beats – By Arell Rivers
SCORCHED BEATS
BY ARELL RIVERS
RENATA
I plug my charger into the coffee shop’s outlet and connect my phone.
Who knew such a small thing could become a requirement when looking for a place to sit and collect my thoughts?
Before, I never would’ve checked out how many electrical outlets were near empty tables.
Following the wildfires, this is my current reality.
I take a sip of my latte and scroll through my work emails. Work? More like a never-ending stream of dismal news. An email pops up entitled “Ray of Sunshine,” and I open it. Hell, I can use any tiny sliver.
I read the message and lean against my chair.
This is unexpected. It seems like my workplace—rather, where I used to work—is co-hosting an event to raise money for everyone affected by the wildfires.
Meaning, every single person in the Palisades and surrounding areas.
Until the fires, I had a good job working at the Palisades Branch Library.
Well, it was my side hustle. Or rather, the gig that paid the bills until my screenwriting panned out.
The email says they want to organize a concert at the Hollywood Bowl called Rise LA.
Holy Shit! They’re not fooling around! They’re asking if anyone knows or has connections with any bands to reach out to ask them to participate.
They want this to be huge. Given the massive scale of devastation and rebuilding, this makes total sense. And I know exactly who to call.
Following another sip of my latte, I scroll through my favorite contacts and call Hayden Vaughn, my college bestie who’s currently working on the PR team for one of the hottest bands in the country, if not the world.
She picks up right away. “Hey, Renata. How are you doing?”
“A little bit better. I got lucky and found an almost-affordable Airbnb nearby.”
“Based on our last conversation, I’m thinking you much prefer it to crashing on your friend’s couch with four other fire evacuees.”
I nod. “Have to say, the couch was a lifeline. But, yes, I’m super happy to have my own digs.” I fiddle with the handle of my mug. “So, how’s Untamed Coaster treating you these days?”
“Oh, you know. Those guys are always getting into trouble. And if they’re not, someone connected to them is.” She pauses. “Keeps things interesting. I’m still working remotely until the band’s tour jumps to Europe. Then, I’ll be with the crazy twenty-four-seven.”
I set my mug down. “A trip to Europe sounds amazing.”
“It’s not everything it’s cracked up to be,” she begins, her voice taking on an undertone of worry. “So, talk to me. I’m happy you got your living situation sorted. What’s going on with your job?”
She knows the library was a total loss. Just like most of the other businesses in the neighborhood. The system’s trying to place everyone at other branches, but my name hasn’t come up yet, so unemployment has been a lifeline. This call isn’t about commiserating, though—I’ve done enough of that.
My shoulders square. “Actually, that’s why I called. Turns out, the library has joined forces with other organizations to put together a charity concert at the Hollywood Bowl, and they sent out an email asking if we had any band connections. Guess who I thought of?”
“This is awesome! I’ve been trying to figure out what I could do to help you, besides the care packages of course.”
“The cookies were a big hit.” Leave it to Hayden to send much-needed comfort food across the country. She’s always been so thoughtful.
“I’ve felt pretty helpless over here. But this, I can do! Tell me when the concert is, and I’ll do my best to make sure Untamed Coaster is there. I’m going to push for this, don’t you worry.” She takes a breath. “Once you send me the info, I’ll get everything set up, I promise.”
I press a couple of buttons on my phone. “Everything’s on its way to you.”
“Thanks! I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Oh no!”
“What’s wrong?” Visions of something having to do with her sister flash in my mind’s eye. “Is Mila okay?”
“What? Yes, Mila’s doing well. It’s the damn drummer Río. He managed to get himself in a situation with some fans in Montana. Who does this? Listen, I’ve gotta go. I’ll be in touch when I get confirmation from UC.” The line goes dead. At least she’s positive about the band.
Hayden’s job keeps her jumping. Like how mine at the library filled my time.
Like I wished my writing would do. A couple of months ago, I submitted my latest screenplay to my agent, who told me she was going to pitch it to Netflix.
If they buy it, my life would be in a different place.
Reality is, though, I need to keep my focus on the current dismal job market.
However, this concert is literally offering a ray of sunshine, as the email called it.
I finish my latte and wave to the baristas, then return to my small Airbnb. Sitting on the sofa, I open my laptop to see if any new jobs have been posted. While I’m scrolling, my dad calls. “Hey, Dad. How are you doing?”
“Everything’s okay on this side of the country. Your mother’s out to lunch with some of her friends and I’m stuck at home.”
They moved from North Carolina to Cape Coral, Florida, a few years ago. I tilt my head. “Stuck as in you’ve finished swimming in the pool and now are debating whether you should drink a beer or play some golf?”
His belly laugh comes through the receiver. “You know me too well. And I chose the beer.”
“Good choice.”
“I’m calling to see if my daughter’s going to be the next big thing on Netflix. Did your screenplay sell?”
“Dad,” I admonish. “It’s only been a couple of months since my agent submitted it. I have to wait.”
“They need to jump on you before you shop your screenplay elsewhere.”
Dad’s always been my biggest cheerleader, even if he doesn’t have a clue how this industry works. “Thanks. I’ll keep this in mind.” He fills me in how my siblings and their families are doing, then asks about California.
“Everyone’s so determined to get back on their feet. In fact, the library is putting together a charity rock concert with other local organizations. I spoke with Hayden and she’s going to see if Untamed Coaster can participate.” I cross my fingers. This band would be a huge get for the show.
“Wow. Even your old dad’s heard of them. How is Hayden connected with them?”
“She’s doing their PR now.”
“I always liked that girl. No doubt but her level head kept you out of trouble in college.”
Understatement. He has no idea the extent of what we got up to. “She’s pretty awesome.” My phone rings with another call coming through, and I check to see who it is. “Dad, I have to run. Hayden’s on my other line.”
With a cheerful, “Give her my best!” I click over to the new call. “Hey, Hayden. Dad says hi.”
“I always loved your parents.” The air hangs as we both silently pray for hers, who passed away in a car accident a few years ago.
“I’m calling because I was able to talk with my boss, who loves the concert idea.
Once I got her go-ahead, I immediately spoke with Luke Allen, UC’s manager, and he’s all in.
The lead singer Bennett Hardy agrees, too, so the rest of UC will fall in line. ”
I do a jig. “Are you serious?”
“When have I ever lied to you?”
“Good point.” I inhale. “So I can tell the people at the library I scored UC? They’re never going to believe me!”
“You definitely can. I’m working up a press release about it right now. Once it’s approved, I’ll send it to you for your input. After the contract is signed, I’ll distribute it to the press.”
“I want to hug you so bad. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
We disconnect and I text my co-workers telling them the good news. Soon, I’m overwhelmed with their positive responses. Shortly, Hayden’s press release about UC joining the concert comes via email, which is amazing.
I’m riding high when Hayden calls me. With a smile, I answer, “Three times in one day. This must be a record.”
“You’re saying that now.”
My brows furrow. “Oh no. Does UC have to bow out?” This will suck, especially since I just told everyone the good news.
“No, it’s nothing like that. In fact, everyone’s really psyched to raise money for California.”
“Hayden, so long as UC’s going to perform, not a single thing you say could upset me.”
“Remember you said this. The band is sending a scout to check out the Hollywood Bowl. To do a precheck, if you will.”
Makes sense to me. “I’m sure it won’t be a problem. Since I’m not working right now, I’ll coordinate everything with my friend from the library who’s one of the people in charge of organizing the concert.”
“Sounds good. There’s a tiny break on the tour, so they’ll take advantage of it by sending him out right away. He’ll only be there for the weekend.”
“Seriously, this isn’t an issue. I’ll be able to show him around LA, and bring him to the Bowl. Not like my dance card is full, anyway.”
She says, “Great. I’ll let him know you’ll be his tour guide.”
“Perfect. See, nothing to worry about.” I find a pad and scribble down the travel information. “What’s his name so I can put it on a sign when I pick him up from the airport.”
“He’s one of UC’s sound engineers.”
I giggle. “So official!”
Hayden doesn’t say anything for a long moment. “I want you to realize I played no part in selecting him.”
I’m pretty sure I don’t know anyone besides Hayden who works with UC. “Out with it. Who’s coming?”
A sigh floats through the receiver. “Ashton Noonan.”
My mind goes haywire at the mention of the last name. I croak, “As in Ryan Noonan’s twin brother?”
“Yup.”
Oh, crap.
ASHTON