Julian’s eyes glinted. “We’remorethan ready. Did you hear us last night?”
The penny dropped.
“You sangonechorus,” I said in a firm voice. “And I heard nerves.”
Cameron sat at the side of the studio, his attention focused on me.
“Iheard people holding their breath,” Julian snapped back. “And they still loved it.”
Oliver folded his arms. “We’re not amateurs anymore, Theo.”
I felt the shift.
This was a challenge.
“We’re tight,” Finnley continued. “We’ve got a sound. And last night we got attention. Why are we still hiding in this studio?”
My pulse spiked. “Because we’re not consistent.”
“That’s bullshit.” Julian narrowed his gaze. “You’re scared.”
That last word felt like a slap.
I stoodsostill. “Careful.”
“I don’t think he means it like that,” Sebastian piped up.
Julian barrelled on, ignoring him. “You sang a love song at a gallery opening last night, Theo. Don’t tell me this isn’t personal.”
Crickets.
I felt Cameron’s gaze from the side of the room, steady, unreadable.
“This isn’t about me,” I said in a tight voice.
“It always is,” Finnley retorted. “You lead as if everything will fall apart if you loosen your grip for one second.”
“Because it will.” The words came out sharper than I’d intended.
“That’s not leadership,” Julian fired back. “That’s fear.”
I exhaled hard. “This group is my responsibility.”
“So is trusting us,” Milo said at last.
The thought of walking out lingered for a moment.
I straightened. “No. We arenotgig-ready.”
That earned me a chorus of groans and frustrated laughter.
“We’re not,” I repeated firmly. “The blend isn’t tight enough. Breath support varies. Dynamics need consistency. Half of you are overthinking and the other half—” My gaze alighted on Max, Finnley, and Julian. “—are underthinking almost out of spite.”
Julian raised a finger. “Correct.”
“But,” I continued, raising my voice, “I have a plan.”
That got their attention.