Page 87 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
I raise a brow. “Was that a condition?”
He holds out his hands. “He knows what sells.”
I run another frustrated hand down my face.
“This is my fault and I’ll fix it,” he says. “I’ll get the word out on social media that we’re holding auditions. We’ll find the right girl, Ethan. It’ll be okay.”
I don’t know if he believes that or is just putting on an act. Because I don’t believe it one bit.
***
I’m actually surprised how many girls have turned up Monday evening and are waiting to audition in our basement. Rumors of the band breaking up is sweeping social media like a storm. We’ve got to get it together or our career can seriously tank.
“What do you think?” Cody asks as he peeks into the room.
“I think the right girl is out there,” Eric says.
The right girl is sitting in the house next door, but I force my mouth shut. I have to stop being selfish again. If Katie doesn’t feel comfortable being in the band anymore, I have to accept it.
“They look scarier than the last bunch,” Cody mutters.
I playfully slap his arm. “You still scared of girls, man?”
“I’m not scared of them,” he defends. “I just…I just don’t know how to talk to them.”
“Everything will be fine,” Eric says a little forcibly. “Are we ready to start?”
I motion with my hands. “Go ahead.”
We pile out of the room, and Eric marches to the center. “Hey, everyone. Thanks for coming on such short notice. Try your best, and good luck.”
He calls the first girl on the list. She’s way overdressed as a rocker, which makes me wonder if she’s trying just a bit too hard. But I shake my head. I need to forget about Katie and have an open mind.
But….she doesn’t do a good job. Neither do the next four. I hold back a groan. This is just as bad as the last time.
Cody and I exchange a frustrated look, but Eric looks confident. Way too confident. I bet he’s freaking out just as much as we are on the inside. Maybe we’ll have no choice but to cancel the concert. Or should we get in contact with the guy and tell him we won’t have a female lead? Would that tick him off?
“What a mess.” I rub my forehead.
“It’ll be okay,” Eric hisses. “Stay positive.”
Positive…easier said than done.
***
We’ve been here for hours auditioning girls and no one has made the cut. But just as I’m about to dump the whole thing down the drain, a girl with light brown hair steps up to the mic and starts to sing.
Her voice…it’s great. The best we’ve heard so far. Not on the same level as Katie, but again, I have to forget about her. This girl is actually pretty awesome.
Cody, Eric, and I exchange a smile. I think we’ve finally found our replacement.
“Great,” Eric says with a grin. “You did a wonderful job…” He looks at the list. “Amber.”
Her face lights up. “Really?”
“I think…” Eric looks between me and Cody and raises a brow. We both nod. “Amber, we would love it if you’d be the lead singer for the Rock E’s.”
“Really? Rock on!” She throws her arms around Eric and me. But Cody dodges when she tries to give him a hug, too. “Thanks so much. I’ll try my hardest.”
