Back To The Viper by Antara Mann Read Free Book Online Page B

that’s highway robbery! Why only twelve percent royalties for us and half of that share going to the producer?” Ashley exclaimed.
    “Well, if you think you can find the money to record a whole studio album, be my guest! Besides, don’t forget that Mark knows that guy from Sony, and without him, our chances to sign a contract with a music label are close to none. Especially with one of Sony’s caliber.”
    All of them were silent. Chad, who had been only listening to his friends, suddenly spoke up. “Guys, wait a minute! Why are you taking everything so seriously? Have you forgotten that this is not real and that we’re here in this space for a short time? We wanted to get rid of the feeling of failure and guilt and now here we are chewing over that music contract offer as if we were staying here forever.”
    “Yes, Chad’s right. Actually, how much longer are we planning to stay in this reality?” Craig inserted. “It’s been a few days. In reality, that’s several hours. Don’t you think we should go back?”
    “Relax, pal, you’ll see your family. I just want us to sign and to know we’ve made it,” Wayne replied.
    “Just make sure that won’t take us several more days,” Craig said dryly.
    “We’ll stay as long as we must!” Wayne snapped.
    Craig looked at him without uttering a word.
    The next day, the band met the producer at the office of a law firm called Saches, Stone and Mitchell, whose services Harris used. Craig slowly read the contract one more time and finally signed it. The rest followed him. Going out of the office, Mark Harris was visibly pleased.
    “A good decision, guys.” He looked at Ashley. “We’ll record the album in a few months, and I’ll call Brian Owens from Sony so that we know for sure what their offer is. When can you start recording at my studio?”
    “As early as tomorrow,” Wayne said firmly.
    “I like your enthusiasm; it makes me feel young again,” Mark replied, his eyes sparkling. Ashley was examining him with interest, wondering how old he was; he looked forty-five at the most.
    They agreed to meet in front of Harris’s studio in Los Angeles at nine in the morning.
    While walking down the boulevard and discussing the favorable turn of events, Craig suddenly cried, “I think that was all. Let’s go back!”
    “Wait a second, what about the album?” Wayne asked.
    “Man, Monique is home alone, and I have some work to do!”
    “Didn’t you say you warned her? I took a day off,” Ashley interrupted him.
    “What else do we need to do? This isn’t real. Am I the only one here who can think clearly?” Craig raised his voice.
    “You know what, let’s go to a restaurant and celebrate it. What do you think?” Wayne broke the awkward silence.
    “Great idea!” Chad and Ashley answered simultaneously.
    They all fixed their eyes on Craig.
    “All right, if I must,” he sighed and joined the others reluctantly. He didn’t want to stay here even a second longer. If it had been up to him, he’d have immediately gone back to the present where his family was.
    ***
    “Well done; good job, guys!” The sound engineer took off his headphones and raised his thumb approvingly from the control room.
    Wayne, Ashley, Chad, and Craig had been recording for a few hours at Mark Harris’s home studio. Before they had begun, Wayne and Mark had discussed at length how to bring the songs to be included in the album to perfection.
    By the early afternoon, they had already recorded half the album when Mark entered the recording room wearing a wide smile on his face.
    “Good job, boys! You’re doing great.”
    Ashley turned to him, insulted. “Mark, I guess you’ve forgotten there’s also a woman in the band?”
    “You’re right, Ashley. I apologize. You’re an important member of the band, and I value you greatly. I came by just to tell you we’re doing pretty well. We’ve recorded more than I had planned, and you deserve a break. I can see you’re tired, so