Page 21 of Introvert

As they kept ribbing each other, I drew a deep breath.

Felix spoke quietly, "I think that means you're in."

"I'm relieved."

"Ready to go be background?"

I threw him a smile.

Yes. With the acceptance from the group and my violin in my hand, I was ready.

Nothing could bring me down.

Or so I thought.

CHAPTER 4

"We have a problem."

Startled, I looked up then lowered my violin slowly.

Taylor sounded nervous, but despite the ominous words,the interruption was probably a good thing. Tech rehearsal went well. Surprisingly well. Playing with thebandwas new, but I'd practiced. I knew the material. HERS's catalogfelt good under my hands.The four songs I was set to accompany weresecond nature at this point. And yet, here I was, still studyingthe sheet music, going through the fingerings one last time.

"What's up?" Hayden asked.

"Felix is missing," Taylorsaid to the room. Everyone seemed to pause ather words—well except Ryker, who had earphones in, head back with his eyes closed, as he tapped out beats on his legs. Maybe he didn't hear?

"Again?" Elliot asked.

"Sounds like Felix," Hayden said.

I cleared my throat then asked the question burning in my mind."Does he go missing often?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

Elliotshrugged. "Usually happens before big life events."

"Remember that time we couldn't find him at hisgraduation?" Hayden said. "Turned out he was taking a nap in the teacher's lounge. Almost missed his turn to walk across the stage."

"Or when we threw that surprise party for his 18th," Santino put in. "He walked in a half hour late, didn't say anything except he got 'held up by a girl.'"

"Or when he disappeared beforebattle of the bands. No explanation then either."

Huh. Well, that's odd.

But even stranger was how unconcerned they all seemed with this new development.

Taylor seemed to agree.

Their manager looked down at her watch then back tothe guys. "There's only 30 minutes till showtime. Whatwill we do if he's not here?"

Santino gave a shrug. "Guess I'll have to play then."

"Yeah, right," Hayden said with a frown, "and pushyour recovery back even further? No way, man. We need you at a hundred percent.You won't get there unless you rest and let your wrist heal."

"But—"

"We discussed this."

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