Torn by Stefan Petrucha Read Free Book Online Page B

deadline with just the harmonies and the bass track to go.
    Devin looked at the clock. “And that is time.”
    Everyone moaned. Cheryl sighed.
    â€œDev,” she said sweetly, “nine thirty is just as good as nine for us, isn’t it?”
    But Devin was thrilled to have an excuse for separating Cody and Karston. He shook his head. “No, no. Time to pack it in. Karston can come back and add the bass tomorrow.”
    Which will be perfect, Devin figured. Alone, Karston could stare at his fingers, pick his nose, sacrifice to Zeus, whatever, and he wouldn’t have Cody breathing down his neck. But more moans and groans issued forth. Even Karston opened his mouth. “Come on, Devin, I can do it. I feel really on tonight.”
    Sheesh! Don’t you know when to shut up?
    â€œYeah,” Cody echoed with more than a little sarcasm. “Karston is so on.”
    â€œFinish,” One Word Ben chimed in.
    Devin shook his head and started shutting down the laptop. “Deal’s a deal.” He was a little hurt that Cheryl didn’t seem as eager as he was to be alone. But what came next made him feel better.
    â€œDon’t worry boys, I’ll handle this,” Cheryl said. She’d dressed in an orange blouse he’d always liked that showed some of her cleavage, and a tight pair of low-cut jeans. As Devin idly clicked afew laptop keys, she walked up, twisted him around, and pressed her lips against his. He felt her tongue poking at the ridge of his teeth in a way that made his head explode.
    She pulled back and said again, just as sweetly, “Dev, nine thirty is just as good as nine, isn’t it?”
    â€œNine thirty is the most amazing thing in the whole world,” Devin answered dreamily. “It’s my favorite time ever.”
    Devin moved to kiss her again, but she pulled away. Cody gave her a wicked smile.
    â€œOkay,” Devin said, surrendering. “How about this? We’ll finish recording tonight and mix tomorrow. Why don’t we pack up Cody and Ben and they can take off. You’re driving Cody back, right Ben?”
    â€œRight.”
    â€œCool. Then Cheryl and I will finish recording Karston. Deal?”
    Cody gave Devin another knowing look, but Devin just shrugged in response. Still staring at Devin, he unplugged his axe and moved to put it in the case.
    â€œDev,” Cody said, too sweetly, “can you help me load up the amp?”
    As they walked toward Ben’s minivan, out ofearshot of the garage, Cody shook his head. “You get one extra night, that’s all, and it’s just delaying the inevitable, man. He’s killing us.”
    â€œIt’ll be fine,” Devin insisted.
    â€œDon’t think I won’t know it if you play the bass for him,” Cody said as he slipped his guitar case into the back.
    â€œIt’ll be fine. Come on, you owe me for helping you with the Slits,” Devin said.
    Cody chuckled. “More like you owe me. It’s the first thing you ever did with your life.”
    The words stuck in Devin’s head as he watched them drive off toward the setting sun. He even waited until they were out of sight before heading back to the garage, fearful Cody might change his mind and come back.
    When he finally did return to the ad-hoc studio, quiet, hesitant bass notes filled the air. Karston was deeper in the garage, by the hanging tools near the steel door that led to the house’s interior. He was staring down at his shaking hands as he played his cheap bass.
    In the few seconds it had taken Cody and Ben to pack up and leave, Karston’s playing had grown much worse.
    Devin raised his voice. “One take, right Karston? You’re in the zone?”
    â€œYeah,” Karston said, nodding enthusiastically.
    How long can it last? Half an hour? Devin thought as he clicked the keys on his laptop. It’s simple. It’s quiet. He’s already run it three times. Then