Page 17 of From Drummer to Gamer

This was officially the most awkward moment of my entire fucking life.

“So you’re telling me that you want to sign my son?” Victoria started once again with her insistent questions. I spent the last ten minutes explaining everything to her, yet she still had questions.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And you guarantee his success?” Her narrowed eyes regarded me.

“That’s not something I can guarantee. But he is talented, so I’m confident.”

“Look, sir…”

“Please, call me Matt.”

“Mr. Evans,” she said, completely disregarding me. “We are a simple family; we aren’t used to how the rich and the famous live. My son may have the talent, but he would have no future if he chases his silly dream. In the real world, dreams don’t really pay the bills. A proper education and a job do.”

“Ma,” Raphael moaned, but I held up a hand.

“With all due respect, Mrs. Chan. If dreams didn’t have a future, then I wouldn’t be here today. I assure you that it certainly paid my bills and more, to the point that I don’t have to work another day. Your son’s dreams are valid. You wouldn’t know unless he tries, and if there is one thing I can promise is that he is in safe hands.”

“I think you’re my hero now,” Raphy muttered, looking at me in awe.

She frowned. “But…”

“He’s right.” Her husband, Jen, stopped her. “If Raphy didn’t have the talent, then Mr. Evans wouldn’t be here today. If he says our son has a chance, then I will choose to take it. I trust him, and I trust our son.” He smiled warmly.

“Thanks, Dad.” Raphy jumped up, hugging his dad and then his mom, who reluctantly patted his back.

Thank God that was settled because I couldn’t take another second of it.

“Although, Mr. Evans.” Jen slid his gaze to me. “I would feel better knowing if my son stayed with you rather than on his own.”

An uncomfortable lump stuck in my throat. I hated sharing my space with anyone. I needed order and discipline, but I did have plenty of room, so I could avoid him and make it work.

I slowly nodded. It was just going to be temporary, right?

“Good,” Jen replied with a smile.

“But he’s only sixteen, Jen,” Victoria voiced out. “We can’t let a minor go live in the city. He needs a guardian.”

“Ma,” Raphael whined. “I can take care…”

“I’ll go,” shouted the same honey-toned voice from the corner, and all eyes snapped to her. “I’ll go,” she repeated, standing tall. “I’ll be his guardian.”

What the fuck?

What in the fucking hell did I get myself into?

CHAPTER 5

SIERRA

If you told me I would be meeting Matthew fucking Evans in the middle of my living room with my hands inside my Cheetos bag, I would’ve said you needed to get your head checked.

But fucking dammit, it came true.

I just met my celebrity crush in the most embarrassing way you could meet anyone, let alone a famous rock star. I was already thinking of a few possible ways to murder my brother for not giving me the heads-up.

How could he do this to me?