Twisted(137)
Today was a good day. No, an excellent day, because Gray was home. If the fates were kind, it would end up amazing.
“Can we get this show on the road soon?” She tried and failed to temper her peevish tone. “I’m hungry.”
“I thought you just said you were going to throw up.”
“Hello, both thoughts can occupy my head at the same time.”
“Did someone say they were hungry?”
Jazz squealed at the sound of Harper’s voice and toddled off in the direction of her best friend. She probably looked up like a sexed-up penguin at the moment, but hey, penguins were pretty cute. “What did you bring me?” she demanded. “I hope it’s full of chocolate.”
“Nope. You need something healthy.”
“Aww, man, that’s no fair. You gave Gray chocolate.”
“You can have some for dessert, young lady, not for the meal itself.”
Jazz grinned. “It turns me on when you talk mom.”
“Stop lying. You’re turned on all the time.” Harper giggled and opened a plastic container full of wrapped sandwiches. “Tuna salad for the boys, chicken salad for the big guy. And for you and me, a nice turkey with cranberry mayo.”
Jazz poked in the box. “Do I see pickles?”
“You sure do.” Harper nodded proudly. “I know my girl.”
“Now I’m really hot for you. I may strip down in a second.”
“Hell yeah, now this is what I’m talking about. All my women, getting naked for me.” Arms spread wide, Simon strutted into the room wearing just a pair of leather pants and a smile. “And sandwiches too? Banner fucking day.”
When he stuck his hand into Harper’s box, she shut the lid on his fingers. “It’s not lunchtime. Keep your grimy paws to yourself.”
“But they’re wrapped.”
Jazz had to laugh at his hurt expression. He was so damn adorable. “I’ll sneak you a couple of my pickles, manslut,” she soothed, taking his arm.
“I don’t like pickles.”
“How do you feel about cranberry mayo?”
“I don’t care,” Jazz said to Harper. “He has his own sandwich. He can’t have mine.”
“Pernickety females.” He kissed the top of Jazz’s head. “Good thing I like that particular variety.”
“Watch it, Kagan.” Lila strode up to them, iPad in hand. The softer side of her that seemed to emerge when she and Jazz were alone had disappeared entirely. “Speaking of females, I have news on that score.”
Simon perked up. “Oh goody.”
“In honor of the great progress that you’ve been making in the studio, I’ve invited someone to sit in with all of you next week. Between Gray’s return and her presence, I think it’ll really round out the sound of ‘Echoes’. We’d really like to recreate some of the magic from ‘The Becoming’ and ‘Echoes’ has a similar feel.”
At Jazz’s side, Simon went rigid. “They’re completely different songs.”
“I know that, but why argue with success? ‘The Becoming’ broke out Oblivion, and we’d love to take you to the next level with this album.”
“Who’re you bringing in? That violin chick?” Jazz snapped her fingers. “Margaret, right?”
“Margo,” Simon said quietly.
“Margo, that’s right. She was so talented.”
“I think we’re gelling just fine on our own.” Simon rubbed his hand over his bare chest. “Besides, I seriously doubt she wants to slum with us again. I got the feeling she wasn’t too into the experience last time.”
“Funny, she seemed happy for the opportunity when we contacted her people. If all goes as we hope, we may even bring out for selected dates on the tour.” Lila shifted toward Jazz. “We’re also looking into a few different things to change up the dynamic of a few of the songs. Like taiko drumming.”
“Really? I’d love to try that.”
“Your enthusiasm is appreciated,” Lila said with a pointed glance at Simon.
“Yeah, well, see how much her enthusiasm helps when she can’t stretch her arms over her stomach to play the kit.”
“Jerk.” Jazz elbowed him and glanced over her shoulder at a noise in the doorway. Her belly rioted for a moment until she realized it was just Nick and his slinky brunette friend, Tori.
So much for Nick being concerned about sharing Tori with Snake. Though why that surprised Jazz, she didn’t know. He was just a sharing kind of guy.
Snake. Just thinking that name nearly made her shudder. He hadn’t resurfaced since the cabin incident, but she knew it was a matter of time. Lila had warned her as much. Now that Gray was returning from rehab, once Snake saw he wasn’t being kicked out of the band—as Snake had been—that would probably lure him out of his hidey-hole.