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- Chapter Twenty-Two -

Amina

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One week was all ittook for me to record seven songs for my debut album.

Violet was so busy with the new singers that she’d managed to convince Bach to sign to his label that she had no idea what I was doing until we pulled her into the recording studio, set her down, and pressed play on my track.

She listened to the whole thing without saying a word. Her palm covered her mouth; I couldn’t tell if she was frowning or smiling. I don’t think she even blinked. When it was over, she looked me directly in the eye and asked, “Are you even human?”

I’d laughed and laughed and laughed. Then she’d scolded Bach for letting me work so hard, while praising me for doing the same. That was how I ended up agreeing to this silly wrap party for an album that no one else had heard yet.

Violet rented the entire top floor of a swanky restaurant in downtown LA called the Cloud Bar. It was nice to be celebrating, but I wasn’t expecting somanypeople. Staring at the crowd, I partially hid behind Violet as she led me onto the roof. “Who did you invite?” I hissed in her ear.

Violet pointed to a group. “That’s Mina Minx, one of our new singers. Oh, and that’s Delarize Shawn, she’s head of marketing for Video Parade. And that’s Sammy Tito, runs a hot music blog.” She must have seen the anxiety in my face, because she squared off with me, grabbing my shoulders. “Relax. You aren’t going to be quizzed on this, just grab a drink and have fun.”

I’d have more fun back at the house soaking in the pool. Especially if Bach wore one of his super tight swim trunks.I scanned the busy crowd once more. Bach hadn’t driven with us because he’d needed to finish a meeting with one of the agents beating down his door.

Violet pursed her lips. “He’ll be here soon.”

“Oh,” I blurted, going pink. “I’m not—I don’t know who you mean.”

Rolling her eyes, she nudged me towards the bar. “I’ll pretend you’re not salivating for Bach’s presence if you go and get a damn drink.”

“You’re not mad?”

“How can I be? The album you two finished together is astounding.” She started to say something, then sighed. “Whatever my feelings on Bach mixing work and play, it’s obvious you both are making this...” she waved her hands, likethiswas the only word for what Bach and I had, “...work.”

“Thank you,” I said. “That means a lot.”

“Thinking about him makes you smile.” I bit my lip to try and control it, now that she’d pointed it out. “Use that good vibe to mingle. These people areyourpeople. You’re going to see a lot of them, and events like these, once your debut launches.”

Feeling better, I headed towards the brightly lit bar. My kitten heels tapped on the hard floor, but the buzz of conversation muffled the noise. I’d almost worn flats, but on a lark, decided to try to recreate the feel of dressing up for the gala. I wasn’t able to doll myself up with the same eye Alexis had, but I was still proud of my efforts.

Adjusting my tight white cocktail dress, I sat on a stool. The bartender caught my eye and hurried over. “What can I get you?”