Heard it Through the Grapevine

Chapter Six

With everything that has happened in the past few days, my mind has been going wild. I almost kissed Grady just to turn around and lose my first AND second kiss to Ari. Grady was nice but I don't know if I could see more happening between us, while Ari brought out an intense desire and love from me. Despite that I couldn't help but feel attracted to the mystery of Matt. I wasn't sure if he could even stand the thought of me and yet, I felt drawn to him in a way I wasn't with the others.

All of that being said, I had to face them at our band practice. To be a Honeyboy meant I had to play like one. I wasn't sure if I could match their spunky and pop style. They are one of the best bands I have ever heard. With all of this tension, I can't help but feel self-conscious about me and my sax.

We met in the garage, their usual rehearsal space, instruments in hand, ready to play. Although Nick was running late after reheating his chicken and rice from last night. The room was filled with the sounds of the guitar strums, drum beats and bass lines as they warmed up, testing their sound levels and getting a feel for the space. The tension I was scared of disappeared as we began practice.

Ari, the lead singer, closed his eyes and sang a few lines of their latest song. The rest of us, Matt on drums, Reese on guitar, Nick on bass, Grady on piano and myself on sax, were jamming along, each adding our own unique flair to the mix.

As we worked our way through the song, Ari gave direction, adjusting tempos and suggesting changes to the arrangement. My saxophone seemed to add a jazzy touch while Nick's steady bass line anchored the sound. Matt's drums provided the driving rhythm, keeping the beat and pushing the song forward.

The band was in the zone, lost in the music as we played through our set. The room was alive with energy, and we were fully immersed in the sound. As we finished a song, we would take a break, sipping tea, discussing changes, and making notes.

Afterwards, Ari sat down to discuss band business. I can't believe I am being included and accepted. I still feel like an outsider, everything has happened so quickly. I need more time, I need more practice. Taking in a deep breath Ari announces that we will be playing at the Battle of the Bands with the local bands of central California

"Nathan, we are out to get the Sandspits, they beat us out last year because they knew the judges. But we are not going to let that happen to us again. We need you and we need you to bring your A-Game." I was even more nervous after hearing this. I have barely played with them and now I was expected to help the Honeyboys win.

"Until then we have one show hosted by Wav Zine. Earthship and the Sandspits will be playing with us. The Sandspits are opening, then Earthship and then us. The show isn't high stakes but it'll be a good opportunity for you to get comfortable playing with us."

Nick chimes in, "Don't be nervous Nathan," clearly seeing the blood drain from my face, "just have fun!"

"And don't fuck it up," Matt replies, annoyed.

"One last thing, or two hehe, we have that KCPR interview in the morning to introduce Nathan. As a sign of solidarity and group bonding, I think we should all get matching perms!" Ari eyes the rest of the group, unable to say no the rest of us agree. Not only am I now a Honeyboy, I am a Honeyboy with a perm.