Riot Girl Read Free Page B

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    “I know these guys will be there too and we’ll have to be in the studio,” he said. “But you and me, we can still have some time to look around, right?”
    “Really? You want me to come?”
    “I’ll be damned if we’re going without you!” he looked outraged at the thought. “Until a couple of days ago you were part of the band, just ‘cause you’re not singing with us anymore doesn’t make you any less a part of it.”
    I was taken aback. I had presumed that they were going to California for the audition without me while he had presumed that I'd be joining them.
    I was suddenly sharing their excitement. I wouldn't be left behind after all.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

“I’m sorry guys, I can only get the three of you in – we weren’t expecting any... groupies ,” Ray told us as we sat on speakerphone with him.
    Beside me Joel clenched his fists. It had been a week since the gig and as promised Ray had called so we could iron out the details of the band’s audition for the record label.
    “Indi isn’t a groupie, she’s part of the band dude,” Joel tried to explain. It was so embarrassing to be sat there listening to them talk about me.
    “In what capacity? When I came to see you there were just the three of you on stage?” Ray asked, his patience starting to waver.
    “Well – she was, you see...” Billy realised that I wasn’t an official part of the band any more. “She was our vocalist, but she had this throat infection so she had to step down because she couldn’t hit the notes. I was standing in that night...”
    “So is she a part of the band now? Because I gotta tell you boys, I sold you as an all-male three piece. Nothing was mentioned about there being a fourth member, let alone a girl. We can see you in the market as I saw you, I’m not too sure about the set up you’re telling me now...”
    “No, I’m not in the band anymore,” I jumped in. It was no use, and if they tried to argue it they could lose the chance to audition. “If you’re sure there’s no way I can join the guys then that’s how it has to be.”
    I kissed Joel’s hand and smiled at the other two. It’s okay, I mouthed to them all.
    “Sorry honey, no room for passengers in this business I’m afraid. If there was anything I could do, I would,” Ray said through the speakerphone. “Maybe if they pass the record’s audition we could get you on a bus over to stay while they record the demos.”
    “Yeah, okay,” we said as one in chorus.
    “Cool, so I’ll courier over your tickets and then meet you at the airport this end with a car,” Ray sounded pleased to have settled the argument. “We’ve gotten you into a hotel right down the street from the studios and there’s plenty for you to do while you’re here!”
    “Thanks dude,” Billy spoke into the speaker. “We’ll see you then.”
    Waz clicked the button to end the call and looked at me. “Sorry Ind, that sucks for you.”
    “It’s cool, really.” I didn’t trust myself not to cry like a child. “I gotta get to my shift; if I’m late again my boss will fire my ass. I’ll catch you later.”
    “I’ll walk you,” Joel jumped up and fist bumped the other two to say goodbye. “I’ll come over to the lockup after to catch up on everything.”
    “Later guys,” Billy replied and jumped up to kiss me on the head. “It sucks you can’t come with us.”
    Joel and I left hand in hand and walked the back street to the diner I waitressed in. We were both quiet for a while.
    “I feel really bad; I want you to come so much. I didn’t think there would be any problem with it,” he pulled me close and put his arm around me as we walked.
    I couldn’t help myself, tears welled up and I felt really guilty for being so selfish.
    “I’m really happy for you, honestly, I’m just feeling sorry for myself,” I told him. “What will I do without you guys here? What will I do without you here?”
    “I’m