more for us | grayson dolan (book two)

twenty

Yesterday was by far the craziest day of my life - and today is even crazier. Jake packed a duffle bag and promised to live with us for at least two weeks. I'm surprised at his cooperation, but I know my brother all too well. He doesn't want to feel alone in this battle we call life. He has this perception that because I live with Grayson in a penthouse, I completely forgot about his existence, but he couldn't be more wrong.

He was happy I told him that I officially cut off Laura, I think that allowed him to have full trust in me again. His only worry was commuting thirty minutes to work, but he said he'll handle it by taking more hours.

Now, I'm rushing into the auditorium to finally start working on this mid-semester showcase. Carter and I are behind compared to the other pairs. It gets me annoyed because it isn't our fault. We have Violet and Ian to thank for their little sabotage plan.

When I enter the large room, my eyes latch onto four other boys on stage. One of them has longer blonde hair and bright blue eyes. He's holding onto an electric guitar, and I can't help but smile.

"There she is." Carter announces once I walk closer to them. "Guys, this is Stella Monroe. She's our pianist."

"Hey." I say after dropping my bag down on one of the seats. I rush up the steps and walk across the stage.

"Stella, this is my friend Andrew." My partner smiles lightly while introducing me to the blonde haired boy.

"Ah, the guitarist." I extend my hand out and he shakes it.

"That would be me. Nice to meet you." He grins before turning back to Carter. "We're here to come up with some song ideas."

"Even though we can't sing Let it Be, I still want Andrew and his band to work with us." Carter informs me.

"I think that's an awesome idea." I agree while nodding. My attention turns back to the blonde. "So, you guys are mostly a rock band?"

"Classic rock, yes, but we can play anything. That's just our speciality."

"Stella is all for classic rock." Carter nudges my shoulder.

"No kidding, that's so cool. Who do you listen to?" The boy is totally intrigued.

"The Rolling Stones are my favorite, and Queen. Honestly, I'll listen to any band."

"Great choices, I'm more of a Pink Floyd guy." Andrew crosses his arms over his chest with a chuckle.

"So is my brother." I can't help but smile.

"Carter, any songs come to mind yet?" A boy with shaggy brown hair asks from across the stage. He's holding up drumsticks in his hands.

"I don't want to just perform any old song. I want something the audience can sing along to, something they can engage in."

"What about Hey Jude? Another Beatles classic, they seem to be your favorite." I suggest the idea.

"Huh, that's actually a great idea." Carter dwells on the song choice.

"I was going to suggest I Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith." Andrew chimes in while eyeing Carter.

"I feel like that's not rock-n-roll enough. I want you and your band to be able to contribute." Carter shuts the idea down.

"But it's such a romantic song." I lustfully sigh.

"Yeah, and there's definitely a rock-n-roll feel to it." Andrew agrees with a grin.

"Your vocals will match it perfectly." I encourage.