I’d have to quit my job dealing, too.
But if I’m there for a week, I’d have seven grand in the bank to get me by.
Shit, even if I’m there two or three days, I can get by on that a while.
It’s a no-brainer...if it’s real.
“Send me the paperwork,” I finally say.
CHAPTER 4: LEXI
I’m gulping down a bottle of water after a hearty workout on the treadmill when my phone rings. I don’t recognize the number.
“Hello?” I answer, and I realize too late I’m panting.
“Is this Lexi Weber?” the man on the other end of the line asks.
“Yes,” I say, still panting, and that probably came out sounding like I’m in the throes of passion.
“Is this a bad time?” the man chuckles.
I giggle with a little embarrassment. “I just finished a run. Who’s calling?”
“This is Ethan Fuller.”
I gasp when whoever it is names the drummer of my favorite band, and he laughs. “Stop. Who is this really?”
“Ethan Fuller.”
“Like the drummer of Vail?”
He laughs again. “One and the same.”
“Am I on that radio show again?” I ask, remembering the time Danny thought it would be hilarious to play a joke on me and the radio people were trying to convince me I won free tires for my car. It wasn’t funny.
“Definitely not a radio show, though two of the others in my band have a podcast that I’ve appeared on a few times. But I am calling with an important question.”
“How do you even know who I am?”
“Because Electric Red Summer is one of my favorite indie country bands.”
I laugh. “Right. And the queen of England is my cousin.”
“Really? That’s kind of amazing. But seriously, Lexi, your voice on ‘One Hot Night’ is fucking incredible. I’ve never heard anything like it.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, never sure how to take compliments like that. “Okay, prove you’re Ethan Fuller.”
“How?”
“What are your kids’ names?”
“Eli and Ellie.”
“Okay, I don’t know if that’s right.”
He laughs.
“What happened at Madison Square Garden one February night a few years ago?” I ask.
“I burnt my arm when I knocked over a bass drum and flames came shooting out at me.”
“That was pretty well documented, so I’m guessing if someone was trying to impersonate Ethan Fuller, they’d know that.” It hits me when I say all that that I’m making banter with this guy when it could really be Ethan Fuller.
But why would he be calling me?
He laughs again. “Okay, that’s probably true. But I swear, it’s really Ethan.”
“Sing that song you and your wife wrote when you first got together.”
He hums a few bars and sings the words, and...yep, that’s definitely Ethan Fuller’s voice.
“Holy smokes,” I murmur.
“I like you, Lexi. You’re funny.”
My cheeks burn at his words. “What can I do for you?” I squeak out, not sure why Ethan Fuller is calling me. Or how. Or which way is up.
“You ever hear of a little band they call MFB?”
“My Favorite Band?” I say.
“I hope not. I hope your favorite band is Vail.”
I laugh. “It’s totally Vail. But to answer your question, yes, of course I’ve heard of them.”
“They’re looking for a new bass player and I know you’re with Electric Red Summer, but I tossed your name in the ring. Any chance you’d like to come out to LA to audition?”
“You...you...you tossed my name in the ring? But how? Why? What?”
He laughs again. “Oh, man, this is going to be fun. I got word of your band a year or so ago and love your talent, Lexi. Your voice is one of a kind, and the fact that you’re a chick who plays bass isn’t just unusual, it’s awesome.”
“Ethan Fuller is a fan of my music?” I ask. “What is this life even?”
“It’s true. I’m a big fan. I’ve seen what you can do, and I think you’re stuck out there. I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to come along, and it’s here. I don’t see the four of you getting out of Nashville. But you, you’ve got the voice, you’ve got the talent, and even if MFB doesn’t choose you, I think I can make things happen for you.”
My heart explodes and tingles fill the spot where it used to reside.
Is he serious?
He can make things happen for me? What does that even mean?
“When would you need me there?” I ask instead of all those other questions.
“No later than next Sunday afternoon,” he says, and my heart drops. That’s so soon. Before I can respond, though, he adds, “There’s one other little thing.”
“One other little thing?” I repeat.
“The entire audition process will be filmed for Dax Hunter and Mark Ashton’s reality show.”
“Rock on the Road?” I ask. I’ve never missed an episode. I love every second of the behind the scenes look at creating a record and touring.
Is he freaking serious that I could appear on the show?
But he needs me there by Sunday.
I can’t do Sunday.
We have gigs lined up for the rest of the month.
I’d be letting down Danny, Sam, and Andy. They need me. Sam doesn’t have the voice to carry the parts I sing, and we don’t have an extra bassist just lying around. Realistically, I wouldn’t be able to just drop everything and head to Los Angeles for a few months.
“I wish I could, but I can’t.”
“Why not?” he challenges.
“Because I made commitments.”
“With Electric Red?” he asks. “I’ll get someone to fill in for you.”
My jaw drops. “You just, what, snap your fingers and someone magically knows my songs and can fill in for me?”
“Not exactly, but I’ve got a roster of people who’d love the chance.”
“To what? Play local bars?”
“Listen, Lex, there’s always someone a few levels below you who would kill to be in your spot.”
I think about that for a second. A few years ago before we had a regular gig, he’s right. I would’ve done anything to be where I am now. And now that I’m here...well, I want more.
But nobody around me does, and that lack of ambition tends to rub off.
We’re fine where we are.
We’re lucky to have what we have.
And yet...
“If you want this shot, just for you, the invitation is extended. I need to go, but text your email address to this number when we disconnect and I’ll have someone from Ashmark send a contract for you to look over.”
“Thank you for thinking of me, Ethan, but—”
He cuts me off. “You’re welcome. I really hope you’ll think of your personal goals when it comes to music. Trust me, I get it if you want to stick with your band. But if you want to soar outside of Nashville, give this proposal some real thought. I’ll talk to you soon.”