7
Zoey
Zoey pushedher twin size bed into the corner of the room then stood back to look around her bedroom with her arms folded in front of her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Megan leaning against thedoorway.
“Whatcha doing?” Meganasked.
“I’m trying to figure out how to get a little more space in here. Thinking the bed in the cornermightwork.”
“It might save Jude from falling off thebed,too.”
“Youheardthat?”
“I think the whole building did,” Megan said,laughing.
Zoey’s laugh took on a life of its own as she remembered waking up in the middle of the night to see Jude’s eyes open wide as he reached out towards her before dropping to the floor. Tears filled her eyes as she tried to catch her breath. She didn’t know why she found it so funny, but she couldn’t helpherself.
“How are things going with your hot drummer? I mean obviously I know you’ve been practically living together since you got back from Seattle. What’s that been now? Threeweeks?”
“Yup, three weeks. I know I should’ve talked to you about it first, but things moved so fast it kind of just happened. I try to sleep over at his place every so often to give you a break, but he’s only got a one bedroom he shares with twootherguys.”
“No worries. He seems like a good guy. I don’t mind having him around. I did want to talk to youthough.”
“What is it? Is somethingwrong?”
“No, things are great. I just…I guess I’m worried about you. I mean everything’s changed so quickly. You’re working for this Black guy with thelabel—”
“Yes, Richard. Spill it. What are yougettingat?”
“I’m worried you’re letting all this music stuff just go to your head. When we planned to work at The Roxy, it was just for fun so we could be closer to the bands and maybe meet some hot guys. You did that and now your whole life plan ischanging.”
“No, it’s not. I’m still planning on starting college in the fall. I just have more direction now. You don’t understand, Megan. I love music. Like I need it to breathe. These bands need our support and with this opportunity from Richard, I can give even more than just showing up at a club date. You know people call meamuse—”
“And you hate that,”Megansaid.
“Yes, I do, but maybe it’s not so bad. Maybe what they really mean is I know what’s good and what isn’t. And if I like a band’s sound, then maybe they have achance.”
“But whatabout—”
“About what? Mopping up the crap those wannabes spill? I don’t have to do that anymore. Talking Jude into the audition was the most exciting and amazing thing I ever did. And that had nothing to do with my wanting to get to know him better. Those couple of weeks in Seattle really cemented it for me. This is what I want to do. And I’m going todoit.”
“Okay, I just wanted to make sure you knew what you were doing. I was worriedaboutyou.”
“You really don’t need to worry so much, Meg. What’s gottenintoyou?”
“I…I’m thinking of moving back home. I just want to make sure you’re okayfirst.”
“Why would yougohome?”
“You have college coming up, you have a boyfriend now. I’m not needed hereanymore,Zoey.”
“But you didn’t come out to LA for me. We came outtogether.”
“Yeah, but you always had a plan. You had an end point. I never did. I didn’t know what I wanted to do so I figured I’d tag along with you until I figured out whatthatwas.”
“And you decided to movebackhome?”
“Just to save money. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to jinx myself. I applied to Rhode Island School of Design and they wait-listed me. I didn’t think I’d make it in at all so the waitlist alone was incredible. Then the other day they called and said they might be able to let me in by January! I’ve been dying to tell you, but I keep thinking they’re going to call back and say they were justkidding.”