Page 75 of The Lyrics of Love

He heard the spontaneous applause and congratulations sounded both in the booth and from his bandmates.

That is, everyone but Dart.

Dart gave a surly look at Rylie and said, “We’ve got another bloody Yoko on our hands. Yoko 2.0. You keep bringing her to these sessions, Nash, and she’s a distraction. Why, the next thing you’ll do is have her writing songs and singing along beside you.”

Nash watched the color drain from his fiancée’s cheeks, and he went to her.

“He’s always disgruntled. Ignore him.”

“How can I?” she asked, tears glistening in her eyes. ‘You didn’t tell them, did you?”

Dart had moved toward them and heard what Rylie said. “Tell us what, mate?”

His gaze met Dart’s, which held animosity. “Rylie wrote the lyrics to The Love in Your Eyes. She—like Jarrod—writes damn fine poetry. And if I choose to put her words to my music and make a song from it, it’s none of your business, Dart.”

“She’s just another pretty face who’s turned your head, Nash,” Dart accused. “Luna did the same thing, and she was way hotter than this one. You’d do well to cut this one loose, just like you did that one.”

Anger rippled through Nash. “I’d like to speak to you outside, Dart,” he said, his tone harsh.

“Why? Are you going to beat me to a bloody pulp? She’s not worth it, Nash. No piece of ass is.”

Nash glared at his guitarist. “Outside. Now.”

He turned to Rylie, who said, “I don’t want to be the reason your band breaks up, Nash. I’ll go now.”

“No. you’re staying. Dart has wanted to leave for a long time. He’s picked a fight with all of us since the last tour began. He’s looking for an excuse to walk and will make you the reason to ease his conscience in leaving.”

He clasped her hands in his. “You are the most important thing in the world to me, Rylie Robinson. You—and my music. I could create songs with just my voice and guitar. If that’s what it comes to, so be it. But I don’t think Billy or Wills will have a problem.”

He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss. “Be right back.”

Nash stepped into the corridor and found it empty. He traveled the length of it, finding himself back at the receptionist’s desk. She looked up and pointed toward the doors, so he went through them and found Dart outside. He smoked a joint, inhaling deeply and exhaling.

“I thought you were blinded by love the first time with Luna,” Dart said, acid dripping from his voice. “We could all see she was just using you. This one will do the same.”

“She has a name, Dart. Rylie. I never loved Luna—but I love Rylie down to my soul. I would bleed for her. Die for her. So, you either need to clean up your act—or leave.”

Dart’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re firing me? Choosing her over me?”

“No,” he said calmly. “I’m giving you a choice. I’d like you to finish the album this week with us. It would be to your benefit because I know you can tell from the quality of songs that it’s going to go platinum. That means a whole lotta money in your pocket. As far as touring goes? I’m going to be cutting back on that. A lot. I don’t want to be out on the road as much as I have been in the past. Before, I had a house to come home to. Not a home. My priorities have changed, and I will be spending more time at home. My new home in Maple Cove. With my wife.”

Dart took another drag from his joint and nodded. “You know I prefer life on the road. I haven’t made a secret of that. So yes, I’ll finish recording this album with you. Hopefully, that can be done by the end of this week.”

“I agree. It’s the fastest we’ve ever cut songs.”

Dart dropped the joint and ground it out with his bootheel. “After that, we’re severing ties. I’ve already had several acts reach out to me. I can write my ticket wherever I go.”

Nash reached out a hand. “No hard feelings on my part, Dart. We’re just at different stages in our lives. I value your contributions to every song you’ve ever played with me, whether in the studio or out on the road. If you ever need a recommendation, I’m happy to give you one.”

The pair shook hands and returned inside the building. They entered the studio, and every eye went to them.

“What?” Dart asked. “I just needed to blow off a little steam. Come on. We’ve got more rehearsing and recording to do. Let’s get at it.”

Nash’s gaze met Rylie’s, and he nodded at her, hoping his face would assure her that everything was fine.

They worked another hour before he called the session. Going to Rylie, he wrapped his arms around her.

“I hate causing problems between you and the band.”

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