Who The Fxck Is Jack Barakat?!

Part 31

"What?!" John, the band's manager, stares at us, unable to believe what he's just heard.

"The time couldn't be any worse with our album being released in two months and the tour but..." Matt scratches the back of his head.

"Don't worry about that, I fully understand your motivation behind leaving the band and I wish your mother a speed recovery" John assures our friend. "I also want to wish you all the best for your future. I'm sure you've had other aims in life but this is one of the bravest and most selfless acts I've ever witnessed, your mother can be more than proud to have a son like you."

Matt nods gratefully. "Thanks so much man."

"We'll need to sort out some legal stuff soon but I think we all agree that this can wait at the moment" John continues. "With other bands I'd usually be afraid they wouldn't find an equal replacement for the member that parts ways but I see you've already sorted that out."

I bite my lip twitchily and notice how sweaty my hands got. "I guess that replacement would be me."

"Well, Liz, nice to the add you to the Hopeless family" John warmly welcomes me. "To be completely honest, we were wondering when you'd eventually join."

"Really?" My eyes widen, thinking he's joking.

"Really" He chuckles. "We actually had bets going in the office, I owe Melissa a solid 50$ now."

"Uh... sorry about that?" The apology comes out more like a question than a sincere statement, causing the guys to snort with laughter.

"No worries, my bad" He smiles benignly and tries to focus on the important matters again. "We need to be sure that we can 100% rely on you without any exceptions, this band is just getting started and we want to get your music out in the world. Translation: touring, touring, touring for at least a year. You will probably spend more time in vans and tour buses than at home. I want you to be fully aware of the consequences for your life before we reach the point of no return."

"I think she does know about all of that" Charlie cuts in on him impatiently but John signalises that he'd like to proceed.

"The last thing on my mind is alienating you, Liz, but I've seen bands crack under the pressure put on them and I definitely don't want that to happen to you, too. Being a touring musician changes your life in an instant, I've been one myself for years. You only get to meet your family and friends occasionally and you have to quit your nine to five routine, your house will be empty for most of the time. And living on the road ain't simple either. You are constantly in a cramped space with the same people and - at least in the first months, depending on how the crowds will perceive you - you will have to cut back on numerous things extremely. Nevertheless, if you decide in favour of this new chapter, you will be offered the universe and more, an experience uncomparable to anything else. Meeting the fans, the people who make all of this possible, the crowds singing back the songs you wrote, visiting new places - I could go on for hours, it's the best feeling in the world."

"I swear he knows this whole speech by heart, we listened to exactly the same one when we got signed" Noah murmurs quietly into my direction so John can't hear it, I have to oppress the desire to laugh out loud.

"So, what's your answer?" John brings me back down to earth.

"I've already had my mind set when I got asked in the first place, you won't get rid of me that easily" I reply with a grin and earn myself a high five from my brother.

"Quite stubborn, these Knight siblings, eh?" John smirks and gets up from his chair to fetch a thin black folder with the inscription 'RAN Tours'. "But you know, stubborn is good because it's often an indication for ambitious and hard-working, too, exactly what you will need to succeed."