Chapter 2

Hendryx Studios

“What is it Bette?” Shane asked.

Inhaling another deep breath, Bette looked at the seven pairs of eyes that studied  her in an attempt to read her expression.

“You’re never going to believe who I just got off the phone with.” Bette shook her head and looked down at the floor.

“Well come on Baby Sis, don’t keep us in suspense or nuthin,” Kit said over the mic.

“That fucking booking bitch over at the Roxy just told me that they’re pulling out of hosting the CD release party.”

“What?”                                                                                                                                                                                                                            “Awwww!” “Seriously?”                                                                                                                                                                                                                            “You’re fucking kidding?” were the disappointed words uttered simultaneously from each and every mouth in the studio.

“I guess some big time label has booked a well-known band and un-booked us since their cut of ticket sales will be higher with them. Sorry guys. I’m going to have to book you another venue for next Friday, I just don’t know where we’ll be able to find one at the last minute.”  Bette looked defeated.

“Don’t sweat it, Bette. Whatever you can get for us will be cool. Even if we gotta play in someone’s garage.” Angus said trying to cheer Bette up.

“Bette, you know we totally trust your decisions. That’s why we made you our business manager,” Alice said matter-of-factly. “Right, guys?”

“Absolutely!” “Yup.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                               “Uh-huh.”

“Well, I appreciate your guys’ confidence. I’ll make some calls this afternoon and see what it will take to relocate the show.” Bette picked up her purse from the couch that Tayo was still sitting on with her beloved bass. “Oh, fuck!” Bette stopped in her tracks. “I just remembered I gotta call the printers off. Dammit!”

“Printers? What for, Baby Sis?”

With a furrowed brow, Bette admitted “I was going to surprise you guys on Friday with some flyers Max and I put together promoting the show next week.”

“See there? You think of everything, Little Porter. That’s why you are the brains behind this operation.” Angus said with a warm smile.

Bette regarded Angus with a smile of her own. He’s the only straight guy I can honestly say I love to death. Why won’t Kit just be with him? Bette thought to herself.