Beneath The Surface

Chapter 20

Adrien

"That was awesome," he laughs.

"You guys sound so legit, like you already got signed and shit."

"Not yet. But, I couldn't do that," Mason jokes. "I mean, playing garage gigs are the best. I don't think I could part with them."

I roll my eyes.

"Yup, the privacy just gives you the most overwhelming surge of claustrophobia."

Jamie laughs and Jaydon walks up. He flips his bangs out of his face.

Mason pats him on the back.

"Our master drummer," he says.

"Hey, Jaydon," says Jamie.

"Hey," replies Jaydon.

"Oh, look," says Derrick, "another Jay. I bet he's gonna take over Jaydon's spot, huh, Mason?"

Jaydon's brows pull together.

"Don't make me beat you with my drum sticks, you son of a bitch."

"Hey," Derrick says, the corner of his lips pulling into a sly smile, "that's only slightly true."

Jamie's still blushing at Derrick's previous remark. I wrap my arm around his shoulders, possessively.

"What's up with the scars?" asks Jaydon.

I mouth 'don't', feeling Jamie tense up under my fingers.

"Oh," Jaydon mutters. "Sorry I asked."

He walks back to his drums and starts tapping a beat. Mason gives Jamie a sympathetic smile and goes back to watch Jaydon.

"Why'd you want me here?" Jamie whispers, his big, blue eyes staring up at mine.

"What do you mean?"

"Why am I here? I don't fit in with you guys. Jaydon's nice enough but Derrick- "

"Oh, come on. You're not letting that asshole get to you, are you?"

He sighs. I sigh at his sigh and finally give in.

"I wanted you to audition as our official singer," I whisper.

"What?" he says, disbelieving. "I don't sing."

"Don't pull that shit. Jamie, you're incredible. Your voice is gorgeous."

"So is yours. I couldn't take your place, even if Derrick, Jaydon, and Mason did think I was good enough. Plus, I don't sing," he says, crossing his arms.

"- in front of people," he adds after seeing my irritated face.

"You sing in front of me all the time, Jay," I plead. "And you're so good, please?"

He looks pissed. I lean down and kiss him, wrapping the fingers of one hand around his the back of his neck and the other around his waist. He finally loosens up and I pull him in against my chest.

"For me?"

"Ugh, fine," he concedes reluctantly.

"Yes," I smile at him.

He smiles back and says, "And when they say I suck, you have to gimme $50. Deal?"

"Deal, and if they say you're good, you join the band?"

"Fine, whatever."

I run my fingers through his hair and whisper softly.

"Love you."