Straight from the Heart Read online

  “Yes.” I mouthed quietly. “Almost every day.” Which wasn’t entirely true, but I played as much as I could, whenever I could.

  “Great, that’s what we’re looking for.” I swore I saw the corner of his lips tip up and smile, catching my nervousness. “I’m Cale. These are the rest of the guys in the band: Raptor, Vince and Luke.” I firmly shook all of the guy’s hands and when I grasped Cale’s hand, our fingers stayed locked for a little too long. “And you are?”

  “Bryn Schaefler,” I replied, letting his hand fall. I didn’t want to let go. He must’ve played guitar too. Or did something part-time to where his hands felt rough. I could tell from the way there were calluses spread throughout his palm and how rough his fingers felt. Kind of like mine. Damn I could get used to this view of him. His amber colored eyes drew me in right away. This ‘audition’ was going to be all for him.

  He cocked his head to the side. “Looks like by the way you’re gripping that damn thing you paid a lot of money for it?”

  “Yeah, this is my baby. I stored away a lot of money for it.” I replied honestly, and the rest of the guys shifted their eyes to the guitar, checking it out.

  “Alright. So here is how it’s going to go Miss Schaefler. You can set up your guitar up there on that stage and sit anywhere on it, as long as you face us, because I want to see if you can fit in.” Cale gestured towards the stage and the other equipment that lay in front of me. I took a deep breath. This won’t be so bad. I stuck with my original song choice “Demons” by Imagine Dragons. Walking to the stage, I scooted my butt onto a wooden stool that looked like it belonged in the bar area.

  One note played and I was off and running. During the first couple of seconds into the song I was rusty, but I wasn’t going to let them know it. To them, I would be a guitar pro, an expert per say. Throwing the vocals into the mix, I was picking up on it pretty quick. Towards the last chorus, I was plucking out those notes with everything I had and singing my heart out. I never thought I was the greatest singer either, even though I had taken vocal lessons since I was eight.

  By the time I was done with my audition, I felt sweat dripping on my face. I wiped the hair out of my face and set the Dreadnaught down. Standing up, I readjusted my tank top and -picked the guitar up so I could put nestle it back into its case.

  Cale strolled from his seat over to me and leaned his body against the table. Behind him, the others were whispering about me. Folding his arms over his chest, he smirked again, never showing off his teeth. “That was absolutely fucking amazing Bryn. Your voice was like an angel, and I normally don’t think anyone else can sing, so take that as a compliment.” Then he gave me a card with the band’s name and apparently his phone number. “We’ll be in touch hopefully by tomorrow.”

  “Thanks.” I said, taking the card and giving him my number, hoping he wasn’t trying to secretly hit on me. “I really appreciate you guys giving me the chance to do that up there.”

  “You looked smokin’ hot doing it!” Raptor, the one with the Mohawk, hollered. Cale looked back at him, his eyes shooting daggers. The rest of the guys cackled as if it was the funniest thing in the world. “What? I think she’d be some nice eye candy in the band. Guys love girls that can play the guitar not to mention…”

  “Enough,” Cale demanded before turning back to me. His eyes met mine, and I was drawn into his web again. Don’t get too attached Bryn, he’s the guy that could give you a chance or break you. “Sorry about that. You need any help packing up?”

  I shook my head, smiling from ear to ear. “I got it. Thanks again, guys. It was good to meet you.” I waved goodbye and they all said “bye” in unison. Stepping back out into the fresh air, I breathed a little sigh of relief. I ran back to the loft, and changed into one of my “mother approved” sundresses. It was all yellow, with a yellow ribbon tied around the waist. She always did say that yellow was the best color on me. Made me look like a bumble bee she said, which I never really thought that was a good thing. Curling up onto the couch that Louisa had set up for me, I pulled out my guitar once more. This couch was so comfortable; I wanted to fall asleep on it. I immediately fell back and shut my eyes. Waking myself back up and opening my eyes, I placed the guitar strap around my shoulder. I practiced every song I knew, and then some, playing until I felt a drop of blood fall from my fingers.

  I decided to run downstairs to see Louisa and get some homemade spaghetti that I loved so much, but I stopped at the mirror by the door and took a good look at myself first. For my first day since leaving home at the ripe age of 18, I looked pretty good. My black hair was stick straight down past my shoulders halfway down my back. The sundress clung to me in the right spots, showing off my curvy hips which I had learned to embrace. My face was still red from playing the audition, and my eyes had dark circles underneath them from the lack of sleep.

  But now I needed to focus on something else. Because honestly I knew that there would be no chance of me making it into ‘Everlasting,’ and they would only want me so they could hit on me whenever they pleased. I’d take the job offer from Louisa and Alberto and work for them for as long as they would let me. It wouldn’t be so bad. Then at some point, whenever that might have been, I could think about college. I had to keep myself busy, so I wouldn’t think about my parents.

  I dialed my brother’s old cell phone number and, of course, it went straight to voicemail. “Hey big brother, it’s me Bryn. I did it. I left just like you. I think about you all the time, I really miss you. Could you please call me sometime tell me how you’re doing? I’m staying downtown at one of the lofts for now. I love you.”

  Chapter 3: Don’t Stop Believing

  It was the middle of the late night dinner rush when I got the phone call. Louisa asked me if I could help out until close because their other waitress called in sick and I agreed to it. I enjoyed being around the hustle and bustle of the crowded restaurant.

  “Louisa, is it okay if I take this call really fast?” I asked her, pointing to my ringing cell phone in my back pocket.

  “Yes honey go right ahead, I’ll cover until you’re done.” Louisa responded, shooing me away while shouting something in Italian to the guys in the kitchen. Laughing at the cook’s English response, I ran off into the hallway that led to the restrooms.

  “Hello?” I answered, untying my apron and leaning against the women’s bathroom door.

  “This is Bryn Schaefler, right?” The gruff voice asked. For a split second I thought it was my brother.

  “Yes who is this?”

  “Oh sorry, probably should’ve said that by now.” The guy snickered. “This is Cale from earlier. You know, you tried out for my band ‘Everlasting’ and played a kickass song which is now on repeat on my iPod?”

  This guy sure had a way with words. I felt my cheeks begin to heat. Was his voice really doing this to me? I was scared to ever be alone with him now. “Yes, I remember, it was only a couple of hours ago.” I answered happily, rolling my eyes.

  “Right, but the guys and I talked, well, mostly me, and we want you to be in the band.”

  I nearly dropped my phone. Was this happening right now? This couldn’t be real! I slid to the floor until I felt the cool tile beneath me.

  “Are.You.Serious?” I asked, nearly squealing.

  “I am completely, absolutely, 100 %, positively serious. Is that enough confirmation?” Cale replied sarcastically. “But we’re shifting a few spots around and I want you in this band. Whatever place you want, it’s yours.”

  “Well that’s awfully nice of you…” I started to say. “What happens after this?”

  “How about we meet up sometime, maybe tomorrow, and go over some details? I saw you had your guitar and I would love to hear you play it.” He explained.

  “Is maybe noon okay? I’m working in the afternoon.” I told him.

  “Where do you work at?” He asked curiously.

  “I’m helping out at Lozano’s downtown. The owners are letting me stay in th
e next building over at one of the lofts they rent out.” Wow, I was giving this stranger way too much information about me! He could knock on my door at any second, though I wouldn’t mind that. But who knew, he have been a stalker and I would have no idea. What was I going to tell him next, my life story?

  “Now that I know where you live,” He laughed again. “Sorry. Noon’s fine. I’ll meet you in one of the booths. It will just be me though since the guys are working on a set list and getting the equipment ready for tour.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you then.” I replied, hanging up. Feeling completely flustered as I walked back onto the floor, I relieved Louisa from her waiting duties. All of this is happening to me in one day? I must be full of luck.

  “So did you get it, Miss Bryn?” Louisa asked as I re-tied my apron.

  “Yes I did. Lou, the lead singer, called me back. We’re meeting here tomorrow so you can see him in the flesh.”

  Louisa hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. “Congratulations, hunny! I knew you could do it!” Then she whispered in my ear. “Is this guy any good looking?”

  “Miss Lou!” I said in mock surprise, but covered my mouth so I didn’t disturb the whole restaurant. “He might be a little bit. But everyone loves the mysterious rock star: shaggy hair, beautiful eyes…”

  “Oh me oh my, I think you are smitten, darling.” Louisa giggled, and went back behind the register by the main door. I continued to take orders and wait on customers the rest of the night until closing time.

  “I never realized how crazy people get around here when it comes to Italian food!” I exclaimed, sitting at the counter and throwing down my order book. Louisa and Alberto Jr. sat down next to me, drinking some water.

  “I’ve seen worse.” Alberto Jr. replied. “People have tried to fight my mama because they wanted extra cheese on this, less sauce on that. But you’ll be fine.”

  “Of course she will. She’s a tough girl, and smart.” Louisa smiled at me and patted my hand. “You better get up and get some rest, hun. You’ve had a long, busy day.”

  I yawned and let out a sigh. “You’re right. It’s weird, you know? This is the first night that I haven’t slept in my own bed at home in years. Just to be on my own is a little weird but it was bound to happen if I went to college anyway. I don’t think this is any different, is it?” I was feeling all sorts of emotions. I was tired, excited, nervous and happy all at the same time.

  “It’s all sorts of normal to feel this way Bryn, because you know why? You’re young. You just graduated high school, it's okay to feel all these different emotions. To try new things and make mistakes. You’re human,” she said, and I felt a weight lifted off of my shoulders. I was never able to have a conversation like this with my mother or father. They would see me cry and just walk away, drinking themselves into oblivion. They never asked how school was, just demanding copies of my grades every week.

  “Thanks, Lou. I really appreciate everything today from you guys. I’ll see you tomorrow!” I declared, giving Louisa and Alberto Jr. a hug, and going next door to my new temporary home.

  Walking into the bedroom, I changed into a baggy t-shirt and sweatpants. For something that the Lozano’s put together in less than a day, it was already feeling like home. The queen sized bed Louisa had just bought for me today had a purple canopy above it, and a matching bedspread to go with it. Nearly half a dozen pillows lay on top as well. First thing I did was did a belly flop, sinking into the mattress and laying my head against two of the small accent pillows. Safe to say, I slept like a baby that night.

  I woke up the next morning to ambulance sirens zooming down the street. I opened my shades, taking in the downtown view. I saw dozens of people on the sidewalks in their typical business suits, drinking their coffees and carrying briefcases. It wasn’t a spectacular view, but at least I was no longer in a prison. I stopped at the local coffee shop and had a bagel and iced coffee for breakfast before I met up with Cale at Lozano’s.

  Just thinking of the fact that I was going to be sitting down with him for lunch gave me chills. Good chills. I only met him yesterday and already he wanted me in the band. I already wanted to get to know him more; learn what secrets he held behind his amber eyes. As I was getting up to leave the coffee shop, my phone rang.

  Without checking the number I answered “This is Bryn.”

  “You’re alive!” Shouted Gina, my best friend. The sound of California traffic at 5 a.m. was muffling her energetic voice. “I was wondering about you since your parents called me late last night when I was trying to sleep.” That was unexpected. I wanted to vomit. Why would my parents call my friends asking about me, and how the hell did they even have Gina’s number?

  “They really called you?” I asked her.

  “Heck yes. Your mother sounded panicked, but I lied and said you took a flight out to California to be with your best friends, no big deal.” I couldn’t help but laugh. Gina always had the sense of humor I wish I had. She had laid back parents who let her do anything and everything she wanted. Pretty much had the life I wish I could’ve lived.

  “Aww you always have my back, girl. Thank you,” I replied. “Truth though? I left yesterday morning, took my suitcase and guitar. I’m never going back there.”

  “Wow, I never ever expected you to do that, Bryn. So what are you going to do now? You could always come out and stay with us you know.”

  “Well, I actually just auditioned for a band and I got in. I’m meeting up with the lead singer today to discuss the details.” I explained my experiences from the last day or so and heard a squeal on the other end of the line.

  “Bryn Schaefler, in a band? Oh that is amazing. I knew you’d go far, hun. Whenever you come out to L.A. you better get me front row tickets to your shows!” Gina demanded, and I laughed.

  “Gina, you’ll be the first person I call.” I promised her, and we said goodbye.

  I cleaned up a little bit around the loft and sorted through my clothes, when I realized it was almost noon. I didn’t want to be late for our little “meeting” or whatever you’d call it. I put on the only other dress I packed. It was like the yellow one I wore the day before, but a royal blue with baby blue ribbon around the waist. I put on my diamond studded sandals and grabbed my purse, calming my nerves before I made myself look like a fool.

  Walking into Lozano’s, Tracy, one of the older waitresses, greeted me at the door.

  “Hey Bryn how are you doin’?” Tracy waved from the counter.

  “Well rested, how about you?”

  “Good. Your guest is back at booth #10. He came early, and might I say, he looks very yummy.” Tracy smirked, and I shook my head. There’s no way a woman in her late 40’s should say a guy probably in his 20’s looks yummy. I maneuvered through the tables and found my guy sitting in the far back corner, with a dozen white lilies sitting in a vase.

  Wow. He cleaned up pretty well. His hair was slicked back and was wearing a black polo shirt and blue jeans. His outfit looked like it cost him a couple hundred bucks at least. “I hope you like those.” Cale pointed to the lilies. I picked them up and smelled them, letting out a sigh.

  “How did you know I liked these? They’re my favorites.” I admitted, and set them in the corner of the table.

  “I actually didn’t know. I just saw them on the way here and thought they looked nice.” Cale shrugged his shoulders and smiled as he studied the menu. “So tell me more about you, since we’re going to be bandmates now.”

  I didn’t know where to begin. It was probably best to save the juicy details for a drunken night backstage. “Ahh, to put it in as little words as possible, I just graduated, had rich snotty parents, an older brother who skipped out on us, and that guitar you saw me with is my lifeline.” I took a quick breath after telling him my story under a minute, and I could tell he was trying not to laugh so hard.

  “Sounds like an interesting family.” He replied, causing me to roll my eyes.

  “I guess you could say I’m
the ‘normal’ child in the family but I still packed up and left.”

  “You don’t look like the ‘pack up and leave’ type.” I cocked an eyebrow at him as he rested his elbows on the table. “Were you the goody two shoes girl in high school?”

  “You’ve been right about me so far. Except I was the goody two shoes who snuck out of her prison cell to have a life.” Cale gave me a questionable look. “Don’t ask. That’s a long story you don’t want to hear right now.”

  After making small talk for the next couple of minutes, Tracy brought out heaping plates of lasagna and a foot long piece of garlic bread smothered in butter. I was about to gain 5 pounds from this meal, and today I didn’t care.

  “Do you guys eat like this on tour?” I asked him, watching him wipe his hands on a napkin.

  “Hell no. It’s usually fast food or a local diner by the venue. I mean sometimes we’ll stock up on easy sandwich stuff. But you can never tell because we thrash around the stage for an hour during our set, so it comes off pretty quick.” Cale explained. “Are you afraid you’re going to gain weight or something?”

  “Obviously, I’m a girl; can you handle living with one for months on end in a bus?” I asked him. He got a look in his eye as if it was a challenge. I could get used to seeing that look every day.

  “I lived with my mom for 22 years of my life, and 3 sisters. I’ve seen it all. Question is, can you handle all of us?” He questioned me, and I already knew the answer. But whether he meant that as living with them in closed quarters, or something entirely different, I didn’t care.