Page 42 of Show biz

Please don’t be dicks.

I have a sort of phobia of interviews I think, and I can feel my hands begin to sweat. Tyler comes in with us to take a few photos for our social media with the radio station’s permission.

Not wanting to appear constipated, I take a deep breath.

It’s fine. If I decide I don’t want to answer something, I’ll just tell them to fuck off.

“Thank you for coming to talk to us, guys. Jerry and I know you’re just getting into town, so we’ll ask you some questions, maybe take some calls?” Cash chatters on as we sit down in the booth.

“That all sounds great,” Layla says with a grin. She’s relaxed with the interviewers, and I wonder how often she’s done this. Launching a solo career takes work after being part of a larger band, so I’m sure she’s been on multiple radio shows, interviews with magazines, etc.

Fuck, I didn’t even ask what our band is called. I should know this, right?

Mav and Atlas seem as if they’re content to fade into the background until they’re needed. There’s no way to ask, and I’m surprised that this is one of the things I’m panicking about all of a sudden.

Headsets are all handed out, and Jerry checks the time. “Here we go then in just under a minute. Layla, I know you’re still feeling out your new band members, but would you mind singing us something if we have time?”

Kyle is fiddling with his phone, and completely quiet as Layla is put on the spot, but she just nods graciously. “Of course, I’d love to. I just unpacked the bus, so it’ll depend on if my guitar is still on the bus. Kyle?” she prompts.

There’s grace as she turns to look at him, brow raised. It doesn’t look like she’s being bitchy, she’s just reminding Kyle to do his damn job.

“Guitar? Oh, yes, of course. Instruments haven’t been unpacked yet, so I’ll just go grab it for you. Sure thing, Layla,” Kyle says, jumping up and putting away his phone.

Layla doesn’t even bat an eyelash as she thanks him before she turns back to smile at our hosts. “It looks like we can accommodate that.” She smiles.

Jerry and Cash look at each other, then Layla as if wondering who this cool and collected twenty-something is, and I have to say that I feel the same. A knock on the window from their producer gets them moving again.

“It’s six-thirty in the morning with Cash and Jerry. Today, we haveThe Midnight Lightswith us as a special treat. Layla has her new band members Maverick Lawson, Atlas Ryles, and Draven Hendricks with her, and I have to say she looks absolutely gorgeous,” Cash says smoothly.

I check to see if he’s leering, but he appears to be playing into morning niceties. Tyler doesn’t say a word as he takes a few photos before paying attention to the interview. Oh well, at least I know what our band name is.

I need to pay attention to the smaller details on this tour. The problem is that I’ve never cared enough before.

“How is Cleveland treating you so far?” Jerry asks with a jovial smile.

“I’ve been here for less than an hour,” she teases, “but so far it’s been really good. I’m excited to get back on tour, dial back in with my fans and perform again.”

“Your old bandmates walked off on you in between tours, is that right? You’re ending one and starting another,” Jerry confirms, glancing at his notes.

“That’s correct. We worked together for two years, and we were no longer a right fit.” Layla shrugs.

“Can you tell me what that means?” Cash presses.

Mav, Atlas and I glance at each other in unease. This doesn’t feel as if it’s right. Not that Kyle would do much, but they seem to be taking advantage of his absence.

“It means that I don't enjoy being around drug use,” she says. “It was beginning to affect the performances, and my fans deserve better than that.”

Layla literally rolls with the punches as she answers all of their questions, and Kyle is still absent.

“Let’s take a few calls now, shall we?” Cash says with a wide smile. I’ve actually started to relax, so I’m very much not ready for the caller or the question.

“Carla is calling from her morning commute. Good morning, what’s your question, darlin?” Jerry asks. He doesn’t seem too worried about whatever she may ask, and I wonder if their producer is vetting calls.

Checking the producer booth again, I notice that Kyle has finally put in his appearance, but appears to be arguing with him. Hmm.

“Hi! I did a little googling, and I found that Layla’s new band members are formally of Pull Down the Moon. I have a question for Draven,”Carla says. Most people would have paused, but not this gal.“How does it feel to know you failed, Lyrica, you piece of shit?”

The co-hosts yell for her to watch her mouth, while my lips part in surprise. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Cold floods my body, and my ears ring. I can still see Lyrica’s blue lips…

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