Promise.

Chapter Three

Sarah checked her reflection in the mirror for the hundredth time. She tried to tug her mane of curls into place, but gave up, frustrated. She was checking her teeth when she heard the knock on her door. Her stomach gave a nervous flip. Since their night at McDonald's, she and Nicky had spoken for hours every night. Now, he and Ramon were coming by the studio to work. She looked at her reflection one more time and sighed, going to open the door. As soon as she saw him, she broke out into a smile.

Nicky quickly wrapped one arm around her waist, drawing her close and kissing her cheek. "Hey" he said, in a low, husky voice. She was wearing that sweet perfume again. He made a mental note to ask her what the name of it was. She stayed in his embrace as she greeted Ramon.

"Nicky played me the track. It's insane!" she said excitedly. "I was wondering if you guys wanted to hear the final cut of the track you helped me with?"

"Of course, mami" Nicky answered. Ramon agreed. Sarah quickly put the tape in and pressed play. She sat on the couch, legs folded up under her and closed her eyes, absorbing the music. The three listened to the track, not saying a word. When it was over, Sarah opened her eyes, looking expectantly at the guys.

Ramon broke the silence. "I can't lie, Sarah, you are amazing. This is really good".

"It's not just my music though. It's the entire thing. The producing really made a difference. So, I was hoping we could talk business. I played the track for my manager, and he agrees. He's also tired of paying for studio time and not having my sound guy show up. I know you're hungry. I see the same look in your eyes that I see in mine. I know you'll do the work. So....." she paused, looking at Nicky first, then Ramon, "what do you think about producing me for real?".

Ramon was taken aback. Nicky was surprised too. They looked at each other, not saying anything.

Sarah stood up. "I'd take you as a team. You'd both get shit pay, but it'll put you in the studio. And, maybe it can lead to more work? I don't know. It was just an idea".

"It's a great idea!" Nicky finally said.

Ramon was still thinking. "Baseball is why we're here. It's my first priority. But, yeah...if we can work around practice and games, this could be great".

Sarah laughed and clapped her hands together excitedly. She threw her arms around Ramon and kissed his cheek, then jumped into Nicky's arms, kissing him too, barely missing his mouth. "I'm so excited! Thank you!"

Ramon looked at Sarah carefully. "Thank you. This means a lot to us".

She smiled at him, "Me too. This is my dream. I figured if we help each other, you'd actually want me to succeed. You'd believe in me and my talent, the way I believe in you and yours". Ramon didn't respond, but she could tell he was listening. "I'm here, basically on my own. My sister is using her chaperone position to basically have an all expense paid skank fest, and she'll be gone in three months anyways, when I turn 18. Half of my management team are creepy old guys who are too touchy feeling and really don't give a shit about my music. The other half are willing to sell my soul to get me radio play. I made a mistake signing this contract. But, I'm stuck".

She pulled out of Nicky's arms and ran her fingers along the sound board. "This is my chance. I can't lose it". She looked back at Ramon. "Do you know what I mean?"

Ramon nodded. He knew exactly what she meant. He did share her hunger, albeit for baseball. But, he loved music too, and he knew about chances and needing to win. Suddenly, he saw Sarah in a new light. He respected her. He looked at Nicky and understood why she confused his friend so much. Sarah was not a normal girl. Knowing this changed everything for Ramon.