The music kept going strong, even though they had only recorded two songs, Ain’t It Fun a of You. They needed o track to call it a day. Billy had already sent his ideas for the rhythm of at least five songs, but mistakes kept slipping in. Still, he had the song hanging by a thread.

  -Take a break; we’ll reore ter, - said Josh Robert, taking note of the band’s ability to py around. Two songs in a day were a good pace, especially with someone who seemed to kly what the final product of a song should sound like.

  -Sure, old man, - murmured Billy, taking a long breath after singing for so long. It seemed possible that in the ing days, they’d have each song embedded in their minds and be able to record three or four in a single session. Some had rhythms that were simple and easy to grasp because of their structure.

  The band followed Billy to a table, while the producers stayed back, chatting about this and that.

  -He’s got an excellent rhythm and knows what he wants, and how it should be delivered. That kind of skill is hard to e by, - said Gee Martin.

  -What do you think, An? -

  -Singing in anuage is risky—for him and the band. But he seems to have strong vocalization in uages. Didn’t he record a song in Puese retly? - An asked.

  -He did, - Michael Ockrs cut in. -But the kid has a knack fuages. It’s like he’s a little genius. He knows that winning people over requires identity. -

  …

  At the table, the band enjoyed a vish meal with everything they could ask for. Billy had a sliced steak with chimichurri, mashed potatoes, tomato soup, and a house sad with olives and diced chi—a big pte, as usual. or had rice with filleted fish. Sugar Egg was the only one pining, saying his wife cooked better. Spencer had traditional pasta with a tomato-based sauce, sometimes varied with basil, pepper, salt, cheese, or some protein.

  -These songs are sounding great, Billy, - Spencer remarked.

  -Although I don’t get the lyrics of that song we were w on. It’s particurly challenging in its stants, - Jack Sauce added.

  -It’s about a man dating two women, eapletely different—one blonde, one bru expins the process of juggling both and how hard it is to mawo retionships simultaneously, - Billy replied.

  -Very educational… Is this song inspired by that girl, Avril? - asked Sugar Egg, biting into his wine-marinated pork chop.

  -I don’t know what you’re talking about, - the boy dodged, though he did see the resembween Alessandra and Avril. her wao fully it to him, yet they both wanted him around. And he wasn’t giving his 100% either; he was just enjoying the ride, as he always tried to do in those situations. It articurly charming song.

  -That doesn’t matter... The guitar solo chords are great. It’s got that sync with the drums that I haven’t seen in a while, - Spencer ented. He noticed that Spanish rock was heavier, hitting harder with the guitar. It carried a ‘90s tradition.

  -Oh, it’s relevant. Did you not see the charm Billy has with the dies? Damn, - Jack murmured. Billy elbowed him, and Jack shot back.

  -Your thing with Kate? -

  -We broke up. -

  His words were dry, tinged with some disappoi. The retionship was a rollercoaster; it was likely they’d get back together in a wild week, argue, and then recile for three months, prog their love. Jack was crazy.

  -You always find someone else, - Billy said.

  -Of course, I already have someone else to worry about, - Jack Sauce replied. or’s sparkling eyes showed his curiosity as he watched their exge.

  -Pass me the potatoes, Spencer, - Sugar Egg requested.

  Spencer handed him the potatoes as the band began adjusting to the new rec. It was a cssic story. The kind of family dynamic that awaited awo hours to fiuhe song, at least blending Billy’s voito the track. Meanwhile, he waited outside, watg every trace of the band in their sessions. The beauty of the studio was rec in different takes, but he loved the idea of rexing.

  Emma: How was your day?

  Billy: Recorded some songs with the guys. I’ll release a single month, along with a revised and polished version of an old album.

  Emma’s responses were almost always instant.

  Emma: So, I guess you’re ba the States. I heard you got a tattoo! Though I already knew, I didn’t think it was true.

  Billy: You see it when we meet.

  Emma: I’m curious about tattoos.

  Billy: Want o could be a gift for your 18th birthday.

  Emma: My mom would kill me. I don’t think they’d let me.

  Billy: e on, sweetheart. There’s plenty of time. It doesn’t have to be big. Maybe you’ll want oer.

  Emma: It’ll be our little secret.

  Emma: You said you’d take me out. You will, right? I mean to that party you’re pnning.

  Billy: You mean the video game party?

  Emma: Yeah.

  …

  Billy cleared his head as the versation shifted, fog on Amanda, arming up to his previous advances. It was market w: when something was valued, many wa. Now, with two beautiful women giving him their approval, Amanda was drawn to his side. Even in his indecy, he earned validation.

  -Time to record, kid, - someone whispered as Billy got ready.

  -Give me a minute, - he muttered, stretg his arms. His long hair, soon to be cut for the program, needed a decision. He was leaning toing bald—it gave him room to py with his look, maybe even a line running from his eyebrow to the back of his head.

  It was time to rock. He needed a moment to measure the distance.

  ...