It's Gonna Be My Year

Chapter 4

I paced the area of the tiny studio, not really processing what had just been said. I sat down on Sam's amp and watched Alex grinning proudly to himself.

"A backup act? For All Time Low?!" I breathed heavily.

"Yep! I mean, the rest of the guys will have to hear you play, and I'll obviously have to check with the crew- but it should be fine! Actually, what are you guys doing today?"

Joe chimed in, "I was meant to go to Sarah's for dinner... But this is pretty important so I'm sure she'll understand!"

Alex gave me a puzzled look.

"Girlfriend."

"Ah, ok."

"Anyone else?" I questioned. A mixture of head shaking and complete silence was my answer. "Okay then Alex, where to?"

- - - - - - - - - -

We arrived at a large, detached house on a private estate. I snapped a quick photo of the house before going in.

"Honey, I'm home!" I couldn't help but laugh as Alex shouted to anyone and everyone in the house.

"Where the fuck were you?" A recognisable voice floated out from a room to the right of the entrance, "We've gotta be at the party in two hours, and you know how long you take to get ready!"

Alex gestured us to follow him into the lounge, where the voice had come from. I unwillingly let out a small squeak as I saw Jack Barakat sprawled out on a large corner sofa, tapping away on his phone. He looked up to face us, and raised his eyebrows.

"What's going on here? Who the fuck are all these people, Gaskarth?"

"These are 4 amazing members of an even more amazing band." He tapped my cheek, "I found them earlier when I met this one in McDonald's!"

"You went for food without me? I had to settle for shitty leftover pasta-"

"That is so not the point here, Jack. Seriously, you have got to hear these guys play!"

"Fine. But then we've gotta get ready, yeah?" Alex nodded happily, and escorted us all upstairs- Jack included.

Alex called over his shoulder as we followed him through the gorgeous house, "We've got a practice room in the attic. It's pretty awesome- sound proof and kitted out with everything we need!"

We got to the top of the house and the boys unpacked and tuned their guitars- which I had told them not to bring but they insisted that 'guitarists get touchy if you use their instruments'. Ben grabbed his drumsticks from his back pocket, and wandered around the room.

"Jack, where're the others?" I assumed Alex meant Rian and Zack, which made my heart beat horrifically fast.

"Zack's in his room and Rian's in the shower."

"Go get 'em."

"Ugh." I smiled at Jack as he stood up and left to get his band mates.

He returned a few minutes later and Alex introduced us to everyone. Rian asked us a few questions, such as when we all met, who does what and the band's name.

I stuttered, "Uh-um we're called um Rebound..."

"Nice!" Zack said with a happy nod.

Alex gave me a reassuring smile, "Do you wanna play what you did earlier?" The question was directed at me more than the rest of the band.

"Sure. On my count, boys! 3... 2-"