Page 6 of Hard Rock Tease

Naomi looked thoughtful. "You went to the prestigious Academy of Orchestral and Performance Studies for college, is that right?"

"Yes, OPUS Academy. I double majored in Composition and Music Theory."

Noah grunted. "All the theory in the world means nothing when it comes to writing real music."

"Play nice," Naomi admonished.

He grunted and looked away.

Naomi continued. "Your professor did say you were one of the brightest students she'd ever taught. She was right to recommend you."

I tried not to duck my head, embarrassed. "She's exaggerating. There are many students much more talented than I am."

"How modest," Noah muttered under his breath.

"How accomplished," Naomi spoke over him. She made a sharp movement under the table. Noah flinched and scowled at her, rubbing his knee. She continued speaking without a pause. "I'm impressed with your qualifications."

All the praise made me flush. I looked down, wavy long hair falling over my face. "I recently graduated, so I'm not sure how qualified I am."

I could name a dozen classmates who had more talent than me, people who were naturally gifted. I often struggled with my schoolwork, and even though I loved learning new instruments, it sometimes felt like I took forever to become even mildly proficient. I wasn't all that special.

Naomi stared me down for a few moments, a considering look on her face, then nodded once.

"Jennifer, I'd like to offer you this job."

"Are you serious?" Noah said, voice flat.

Naomi ignored him. "Are you interested?"

She said it so matter of fact, I wasn't sure I'd heard right. Had I done it? Was I really going to be working with Etude Entertainment?

The words sank in. Maybe I was more qualified than I thought. Maybe Naomi saw something in me I didn't see in myself. I let out a small choked cough and hurried to reply.

"Yes! Of course I am."

"Wonderful."

Noah sank back into his seat. "Yeah. Great."

Despite his lack of enthusiasm, I couldn't suppress the glee that rose up in my chest. Then the rational part of me gave me a kick. I placed my clasped hands on the table and cleared my throat.

"Although, before I formally accept, I would like to know about the position. What exactly were the others hired to do? And why weren't they able to do it?"

"We need you to write a song," Naomi said.

"That's it?"

Noah scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. Naomi threw him a vexed look, then turned to me.

"It's not quite so simple. We need you to write a song for Darkest Days."

I gaped. "Are you kidding me right now?"

"Not in the slightest."

"I'd get songwriting credits?"

"No. But you'd get royalties."