Page 1 of Wicked Truths

Prologue

Oakley

“That about does it,” Sullivan grunts, tossing the heavy black duffel bag down. It scrapes against the floor as it lands next to the rest of our suitcases. “Damn, I feel like we’re moving out of a house, not a hotel room.”

I laugh. “I’m beat. I can’t believe how much extra crap we’ve accumulated.”

We’ve been in this hotel for almost a month, and the room was kind of a disaster before we started packing, but I’m pretty sure that’s normal with two people sharing such a small space.

Sullivan Hayes and I have been best friends for more than half of our lives. We met in the third grade because Graves and Hayes were next to each other in alphabetical order.

It’s been a whole lot of years since then, but we’re finally on the verge of signing a contract with a major record label, and the owner is moving us into one of the apartments he has for artists.

It’s exciting but also nerve wracking. Being a musician is so deeply intertwined with who I am that it’s a little surreal to think this life goal is finally within reach.

Sullivan tosses himself down at my side. His long, floppy blondish-brown hair falls over his forehead as he rolls to face me. He’s only in a tank top and basketball shorts, and he’s sweaty from the deep clean we just gave the room. His black and gray tattoos twine down both arms, peeking out from under his T-shirt. Between the tatts and the gauges in his ears, he looks the part of a rock star.

“Are you nervous?” he asks, studying me carefully.

I shrug, breathing through my mouth to avoid the reaction that comes every time I breathe in his scent. “I’m excited, but yeah, nervous too.”

I do lead guitar and sing. Sullivan plays drums, but we still need a bassist and a rhythm guitarist. Those are the main slots we need to fill, so there’s a lot up in the air at the moment.

Jamen Jacobs owns Ruined Records. He’s taking a big chance on us by trying to build our band from scratch. It’s a huge honor, but it does put a massive amount of pressure on us to be successful and prove we’re worth the risk.

“I’m still not sure how all this is going to go,” Sullivan says, shaking his head.

I frown, trying to figure out how to ramp up his excitement.

I get what he’s saying, but things didn’t work out with the last band Jamen tried to match us with.

Matted Whine is a huge name in the alternative rock genre. They’ve got two frontmen, which isn’t unheard of, but it is their gimmick. Adding me to the mix was kind of a raging disaster.

I honestly thought Jamen would tell us to pack it in.

Sullivan and I would’ve had to head back to Texas with our tails between our legs. Although, I think it would bother me significantly more than it would him. Neither of our families are supportive, and I’m afraid this is my dream not his. He picked up the drums in middle school to back me during our small talent show, and he’s had my back ever since.

The hard part is the longer we push toward the goal of getting a contract, the more I get the feeling he’s only in this to support me. It makes me feel incredibly guilty, but I made it clear I didn’t want to pressure him into anything.

He didn’t want me to leave Texas without him, so here we are.

“I can’t believe he’s sticking us with Marcus.” Sullivan rolls his eyes. “He’s an antagonistic dick.” He’s so close and his cedar and citrus scent is so strong, it’s difficult to stay focused.

“He is,” I agree, trying to keep myself on track.

Marcus Gaffney is a hell of a bass player, but he’s also kind of an asshole. He’s had a rough go of it lately since his relation to the iconic band Madness came to light. It’s tough because we do get some say in who will end up in our band, but making too many waves would be an excellent way for the label to say enough is enough and finally wash their hands of us.

“You aren’t afraid he’s going to cause problems and tank your career?” Sulli brushes a strand of hair behind my ear. My breath catches as his deep blue eyes study me. He gets so close sometimes I’m sure he feels the same attraction to me that I feel toward him, but it worries me he sees our future asmy careerand notour career. I’m a little anxious, but if I don’t stay positive then I’m pretty sure all of this will fall apart before it ever starts to come together.

“He’s related to some of the most famous rock stars in history.” I shrug. “If we stay united then we’re always fifty percent of the vote in the band.” I grin. Sullivan and I have been a team for years. He’s always had my back just like I have his. “I don’t think Jamen would sign him if he thought it would be bad for his business.”

“That’s true,” he acknowledges, kicking off his shoes. “Whatever, there’s no point in worrying about things that haven’t even happened. Want to watch the show about how aliens genetically modified our DNA?”

“You know I love the guy with the crazy hair.” I chuckle, nodding my agreement. “His excitement about every single thing they discuss is contagious.”

He turns until his head rests on the pillows and grabs his phone from his pocket. We always watch on the tiny screen. I’m sure there’s a way to get the show on the hotel TV, but I never miss an opportunity to snuggle up to Sulli.

I like to think he’s into me too, and that’s why he never pushes the issue to watch on the actual TV.

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