Meant to Marry Me

Sitting in the sound room, Bree found herself nervously wiping her hands on her floral skirt. She had no idea why she was so anxious when she wasn't the one auditioning, but she felt as if her heart might beat right out of her chest. Trent had opted not to come to the callback. Bree would be lying if she said she wasn't at least a little relieved. As much as she appreciated having him involved in her work whenever reasonably possible, the situation at the club the other night had unnerved her to some degree. It wasn't the last show they'd gone to together, and Trent had stayed out of it when another heckler was shouting at her a few nights later at an equally seedy joint, but Bree was glad he wasn't with her today.

For obvious reasons, she couldn't quite get herself to admit to.

Her eyes flickered over the line up for callbacks. They were expecting to see ten different musicians that day, two for each instrument they planned to have as part of the band, though it was a plus that some of the artists played more than one instrument. Bree was particularly interested in hiring a rhythm guitar player who also played the fiddle since Bree could play rhythm herself. She had mentioned it to the others when they'd first started talking about who they might want in the band, but Alvin assured her it was fine if she wanted to play, too. "I've never heard of a band with too many guitars," he joked.

Bree didn't want to play on every song anymore if she didn't have to. She loved singing and thought she was a better vocalist when she wasn't playing. It allowed her to concentrate on the melody more. But she would miss it if she didn't play guitar at all. And there was something to be said for a good fiddle player.

When the first musician came in, she put her thoughts aside and concentrated. It was Cat, the keyboardist, who also played a few other instruments, including the fiddle, but Bree didn't necessarily want someone who had to choose between those two instruments since the keyboard was so important to the band whereas the fiddle would only be played on a song now and again. She liked the fact that Cat could sing, too.

Cat's audition went very well, and Bree had a feeling she'd be the one they chose to play keyboards. She hoped she was as nice as she looked; the last thing Bree wanted was a woman in her band that she couldn't get along with. Kell came in next to play guitar and did a great job. He was also strong vocally. She saw the others nodding their heads when he was finished. He seemed like a nice enough guy and was definitely very talented. It wouldn't be so bad if he was the one they chose for lead guitar.

Except for the fact that he wasn't Zach.

Even the thought of the other guitarist had Bree shifting uncomfortably in her seat. Ever since he'd showed up out of the shadows the other night when she'd needed him most, she'd caught herself thinking about him--which wasn't a good thing. She was finally dating the only man she'd ever cared about, and now this new person was here, making her feel confused at every turn.

It was stupid and selfish of her to even let her mind wander to Zach. She knew the only reason he'd been at that club was because he wanted this job. It wasn't as if he would've ever gone to hear her play under any other circumstances. The fact that he'd kept her and Trent from getting pounded meant he was a decent human being, but it didn't mean anything else. While he was certainly a better guitarist than Kell, the other guy would do just fine. It wasn't as if many of the songs they'd be playing were anywhere near as complicated as what Zach had demonstrated he was capable of--so it wasn't necessary to have him in her band.

But she wanted him in her band. Even though it was stupid. Even though it was dangerous, she wanted Zach in her band.

He was up on the list next, and when he walked in, she had to look away. Her eyes flitted back to his face just as he was looking out at them, strapping on his guitar. He gave her a knowing, piercing look, one that went straight to her core, as if to say they had a bond now; they'd taken on the bad guys together and won. In an instant, he'd said more with his eyes than he'd said with his mouth the entire time she'd known he existed.

Zach didn't play anything nearly as difficult today. Instead, he played one of Bree's songs, one he'd heard her play the other night. But rather than sticking to the main melody as she did when she played, he includes several riffs and amped it up quite a bit. It almost sounded like a different song, and she absolutely loved what he did with it.

"Great, Zach. Thank you," Alvin said. "We just want to clarify something. You don't sing? Is that right?" He dropped his head slightly and shook it, not verbalizing his response, but the message was obvious.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"All right, then. Thank you very much. We'll be in touch."

Watching Zach walk out the door was a relief in many ways. He did briefly catch her eye once more as he left, but Bree didn't linger in his stare. She should let him go. She should vow not to let him in the band so he could stop messing with her heart. She was finally with Trent now, and she loved him more than anything. Why tempt fate by letting a random hot guy who happened to play guitar really well have an active part in her life? It was stupid and unnecessary. Bree settled in to hear the rest of the callbacks, resolved that she would put Kell in her band. It was the safe thing to do, and Bree always did the safe thing.