Along Came Alex

Chapter one: Questions.

"I just don't understand, Pete." Nate sighed, leaning back in the chair he was sitting in, glancing over at his manager on the opposite side of the table.

"You need a new goddamn bass player. I've already spoken to him and he's showing up this afternoon and you're going to welcome him to the band and make him feel welcome. Period." Pete said and stood up, showing Nate this conversation was done. Nate couldn't possibly win this argument, because Pete was serious and he wasn't going to change his mind about this.

"I don't understand why you're so against it." Pete said as he walked over to the fridge and pulled out a water bottle.

"Our band works just fine without a bass player. Ryland covers it up with his guitar solos." Nate said as he crossed his arms over his chest, knowing his argument wasn't going home with Pete. It was indeed a bad argument. Every band needed a bass player.

The truth was, ever since their old bass player left, the band had grown closer and they actually had fun together. Before that it was all fights and stupid discussions that only ended up in someone getting hurt, and Nate was scared. Scared of this new bass player, scared that he was going to ruin everything.

"Just give it a chance, Nate." Pete said calmly from the other side of the room, but Nate knew he was irritated. "4 o'clock. Don't be late." He said then, before leaving Nate sitting by the table.

The 23-year old sighed again as he heard the door close behind Pete. He didn't have anything against Pete, but sometimes it bugged him that he actually had to make some decisions for the band. But Pete is a good guy. Without him they wouldn't get any gigs, no tours, nothing, really. Pete was a big part of their team and for that he was thankful.

His thoughts were immediatly interrupted as Gabe Saporta, the cocky lead singer, stormed into the room. He almost kicked the door open and stepped inside.

"Almost expected I'd find you in here." Gabe spoke as he opened the fridge and pulled out a Red Bull.

"Well, here I am." Nate said and pulled up both of his shoulders into a slight shrug, not really sure what Gabe wanted from him. Gabe walked over as he clicked the Red Bull can open and sank down in the chair Pete sat in a few minutes ago. 

"When is the new guy showing up?" Gabe asked and took a sip of his drink, looking over at the drummer.

"Around four." Nate replied and rested his head against the palm of his hand and glanced over at his bandmate. "Where's the rest?"

Gabe placed the Red Bull can on the table and shrugged, scratching his head.

"Vicky went out for a walk, I suppose she's coming back soon. Ryland is practicing some songs on his guitar." Gabe said. "How are ya' dude? You look ruined." He said and gave Nate a look of confusion, but Nate could see he was a bit worried for him.

Nate shrugged. "I'm fine. Just a bit... Unsure about this new guy."

A small smile spread over Gabe's pinkish lips and he leaned back in his chair.

"Stop worrying so much over it, Nate. I know you're unsure about him, but c'mon, give the guy a chance." He said and gave Nate a smile.

Nate nodded, smiling small back. "I suppose you're right."

"Dude, I'm always right." Gabe said and Nate couldn't help but grin at those words.