Page 121 of Spark

We’re at her and Savage’s gorgeous, beachside home on a Malibu cliffside for another all-hands-on-deck writing sesh—this time with Laila contributing her talents to the cause. We don’t normally invite outside co-writers into our process, even our only honorary band member, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

“I could go for a burrito,” Titus murmurs, patting his flat stomach.

“There’s plenty of snacks right here, T,” Ruby says to her brother, motioning to the impressive spread on the coffee table. “We’ll get an actual meal later as a reward for writing a kickass masterpiece.”

“But I didn’t eat breakfast,” Titus says with a pout.

“Deal with it,” Ruby snaps. “Whenever you eat a full meal at the beginning of a writing sesh, you fall into a food coma,and we need you, and everyone here, working at maximum capacity.”

“I don’t know why you’re so stressed,” Titus says with a yawn. “We’ve still got plenty of time. It’s only one song, dude.”

“Yeah, but it has to beamazing.And don’t forget, we also have to record and rehearse it into the ground. All our calendars are getting so busy with side gigs these days, so finding time when the five of us can get together—thesixof us, sorry” —she motions to Laila— “is going to get more and more difficult.”

With a grin, I pipe in to say, “Since our guest mentor episode aired, Ruby’s calendar has filled up like crazy with songwriting sessions. Some of them with legit heavy hitters.”

Everyone expresses excitement for Ruby, and when I prompt her to elaborate, she lists off the artists she’ll be working with soon with a wide smile and sparkling eyes.

“Reed predicted this exact thing would happen as a domino effect to Cooper’s song,” I say. “I guess The Prick really does have some kind of a crystal ball, huh?”

“That’s giving Cooper way too much credit,” Laila says. “Yes, Cooper’s song helped get things rolling, but Ruby’s the one who did this for herself. She’s the one had the genius idea to kiss you at your birthday party, and she’s the one who noticed someone recording. Ruby’s also the one who’s co-written some of the most kickass songs in the world for Fugitive Summer, and she’s the one who expertly plays them live for tens of thousands of people around the world.”

“I get it. No, you’re totally right. Sorry.”

“Also,” Laila continues, “Ruby’s the one who negotiated the performance slot term in her contract.”

“So true,” I concede. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

“And then,” Laila continues. “As if all that wasn’t enough, Ruby went on to shine like a thousand suns during the pressconference and Guest Mentor episode. So, please, let’s not let Cooper’s stupid song about some mystery girl named ‘Ruby Tuesday’ eclipse everything she’s done to seize the day and make hay while the sun just so happened to be shining down on her, simply because Cooper lifted the shade on a nearby window. Okay?” She looks around sternly at the group for emphasis.

Every man in the room mumbles, “Okay,” since we’re now feeling like she’s talking to all of us, not just me. And after that one-word response, we all press our lips together, feeling appropriately shamed and stupid.

“Good. Thank you.”

Ruby laughs. “Thank you, Laila.” She’s laughing through tears. Clearly, Laila’s speech meant a whole lot to her. “Thank you not only for those amazing words,” Ruby clarifies. “But also, for going to bat for me as your mentor this season. I’ll never be able to repay you for what you’ve done for me.” She looks at me and blushes. “Personally and professionally.”

“No repayment necessary, babe. I asked for you because you’re incredibly talented, and a great friend, and I wanted the whole world to see what I’ve known about you for a long time.”

“Laila’s absolutely right,” I say, feeling like it’s safe for me to speak again. “You’ve earned everything coming to you. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise, baby.”

“Baby?” Titus says, his eyebrow cocked.

“Reed’s point wasn’t necessarily wrong, though,” Ruby says, not addressing her brother’s question. “Cooper’s song was the first domino to fall. Don’t you dare tell Reed I said that, though. On principle, it annoys me no end how that man always thinks he’s right about every fucking thing.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” I mutter.

“Hello?” Titus says. “You called Ruby baby,KC.” He looks at me with narrowed eyes. “I’ve never heard you call her thatbefore. Cutie, sweetheart, babe, Ruby Duby. Butbaby? That’s a new one.”

Grinning mischievously, I look at Ruby for permission to break our fantastic news, and she returns my smile and nods.

Ever since we spilled our guts and opened our hearts to each other last week, we’ve been dying to tell our bandmates everything, but we’ve both wanted to do it in person and while we’re all together. Well, this sure feels like the perfect moment.

“Great catch, T,” I say with a wink. “I called Ruby baby, because she’s finally my baby.” My grin widens. “We’re officially together, guys. As a couple.”

As everyone whoops, cheers, and claps, Ruby adds, “We’re officially living together at Kendrick’s place. I’ve already got a renter for my place.” She gazes at me adoringly. “We’re endgame, guys. We both know it.”

The group instinctively gets up and huddles in the middle of the living room for hugs and congratulations.

“I told Ruby the truth about everything,” I tell Savage during our hug. “Even the building manager. She laughed about all my lying and scheming. She wasn’t mad at me at all.”

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