Rutabaga Scrapped Book

Sad Boy (Dustin Bates)

Started February 2020

February 2014

"Brock! I can figure this out myself." No, I couldn't. I was between a rock and a hard place and I needed to figure out a way to raise myself out of that place.

"Nov, you are a mess. Sam kicked you out last week, you're back with your parents, and you're working at Walmart." He had a valid point. Very valid.

"Walmart provides me great health insurance, I'll have you know." It wasn't that great. But it was something.

"You know that you have a place with me, always. And, I'm sure that Dustin would love to have someone to help out on the road!"

Brock had not stopped talking about Dustin and the new project and how cool it was. The main issue was that I had heard three recorded songs. I didn't hold much stock in The Great Dustin, whom I had never met. Brock seemed to like him, but Brock would like Jeffery Dahmer. I was his people filter.

"Come on, Nova. At least have an interview with Dustin and see what you think. We could really use your help on the road." I sighed, giving in.

"Fine. One interview. That's it." Brock's expression broke out into a wild grin as he hugged me tightly. I shook my head, hugging him back. "The things I do for you, Brock Richards."

"You won't regret it! I promise!" He was like a puppy, I couldn't not smile at his excitement. I had a bad feeling I was going to regret it.

I fixed my shirt one last time before knocking on the door. After a few seconds, the door opened to reveal a tall, dark, handsome, bright-eyed man. He was wearing a t-shirt and black skinny jeans, his hair done up nicely. Dustin Bates. He smiled politely at me.

"Hi, can I help you?" He seemed charismatic enough.

"Nova Linder. Brock said that you could talk with me at 3:30 and it's 3:32, so here we are." But there was something off and I could tell. I rocked back on my heels, not wanting to meet his green eyes.

"Oh! Right! The guitar girl! Come on in!" He moved out of the doorway to let me in, inviting me inside the apartment. I walked in, looking back at him as he shut the door behind him. "Please, have a seat."

He gestured to the table near the kitchen, locking the door as well. I walked over, taking a seat and pulling out my phone to quickly text Brock that he locked the door and I wasn't sure about this dude. I hit send just as Dustin sat down across from me.

"So, Miss. Linder, please, tell me about your work background," he folded his hands together, looking me in the eyes.

"Uh, I've worked for several guitar stores since high school, was laid off from the last one I worked at after the store closed. Then, as a last resort, I started working at Walmart. That's where I am now. And why Brock now wants me to come work for you all." I rubbed my hands together before lacing my fingers together.

"So, you play guitar, anything else?" He questioned, starting to fiddle with his fingers as well.

"I play bass a little and piano. I know how to set up drums and several other things, work soundboards, set up lights; you name it, I can probably do it." He nodded, smiling at me.

"Awesome. I just need some references, but I mean, you have Brock's, so, that's pretty substantial. It's safe to say that I'm very interested, and I think you'll be a great fit." He drummed his fingers against the table.

"Sounds good. Anything else?" I asked, crossing my legs. He shrugged.

"I mean, I guess not. Brock has told me a lot about you and I feel pretty confident. I just need basic info, which should all be on your resume." I nodded, bringing it out from its tri-folded place in my bag. I handed it to him and he started looking over it. "Okay. Cool. Everything seems good. I'll call a few more references and then get back to you. Sound good?"