Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 85167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
It boosted his confidence. He used it. All of it, the nerves and the swirling storm of emotions.
Every song he chose had a rock edge to it, something he could sink into. Something that pumped through him and kept the rage and grit simmering.
So when his friends filed into the studio, all smiles, Tam was burning with a fire of determination. He got right to business, not giving them a moment to relax.
“We’re starting in a two-one-two formation. Ansel and Hop up front with five paces between you.” He measured the distance and pointed to where he wanted them to stand.
“Jesus, what’s the rush?” Z asked.
“Just because we don’t have any gigs doesn’t mean we get to fuck around during rehearsals.”
Ansel blinked at him with wide eyes. “What the hell?”
“Since when have we been fucking around?” Z asked.
“Just get into position.” Tam waved.
Being the rookies, Hop and Jae hurried to comply, but Z and Ansel were slower to move. Tam just squinted at them with his hands on his hips until they got into place. When everyone was ready he went through the opening steps for Bonnie McKee’s “Bombastic.” He liked this song because it started off pure pop, all sweet and sugary, but the chorus was powerful rock and roll.
They got through the whole first verse before he tried it with music. By now, the five of them were so tight they could practically read one another’s minds. They all caught on with what Tam was going for right off the bat. When Tam started going through the chorus, whatever resentment Ansel and Z held on to because of Tam’s brash attitude was put aside.
Of course, the song, especially the chorus, suited both of them like a new pair of Louboutins.
It was full of spunk and rebellion. At one point, Tam had them all flipping the bird and sticking out their tongues. They punched the air and kicked invisible enemies so by the end they stood atop those they’d conquered as victorious queens.
After the last full run-through with music, they all smiled into the mirror and Tam felt like he could tackle anything.
“Fucking brilliant.” Hop squeezed his shoulder.
“I’ll say.” Georgia stood in the doorway grinning at them.
“Hey, Georgia.” Tam flipped his hair out of his face. “What’s up?”
“I’m glad I caught you all here. I have great news.” Georgia clapped her hands. “Do you have time tonight to check out a spot with me?”
Tam’s pulse quickened. “Where?”
“Of course,” Z said.
“What time?” Hop asked.
“I’ve made some calls. Everyone loved the pitch, but one’s ready for you right now. Have you heard of Switch?”
Hop’s mouth dropped on a curse. Jae shook his head. Ansel and Z grinned.
“Seriously?”
“I’ve got connections.” Georgia flicked her collar.
“Oh my God, Georgia. You are a miracle worker. They wouldn’t even take my call.” Now Tam felt like he might be flying, he was buzzing with excitement.
“Yeah, well, I’m your new manager, FYI.” Her laugh was so friendly that Tam crossed the room and hugged her. “Nothing is set in stone, yet. I’ve set up a meeting with the general manager.”
“Tonight?” Hop asked with a weird sort of panic in his voice.
“It’ll be casual, just be yourselves. Don’t worry,” Georgia soothed. “Meet me out front of the club, say, ten thirty?”
The boys all nodded and waved goodbye. As soon as she was out of sight, the squealing started. Switch was one of the most famous clubs in the city. They weren’t strictly LGBT, but catered to young people with a uniqueness and a fresh, modern approach to the business. Tam had only been there once, but he still remembered how cool it’d been.
To think that the Sassy Boyz could perform at Switch was a dream.
“Shit, I need to buy a new outfit,” Ansel said.
“Shopping spree,” Jae said.
“Hanging out with you bitches kills my budget.” Z slipped on his coat.
“That’s why you have a sugar daddy,” Hop said.
Their excitement was infectious and Tam found himself looking forward to the rest of the day. “Shower first, I’m rank.”
“I’m coming with,” Ansel said.
“I’ve got a lunch date with my sugar daddy.” Z smirked.
“Afternoon delight.” Ansel ribbed Z with his elbow.
“What’s that?” Jae asked.
“Sex in the daytime,” Tam translated for him. Jae made a funny “Oh” face that made Tam smile.
“Get a move on.” Hop was already at the door, ready to leave.
“I’ve never met anyone who loves shopping as much as I do.” Jae threw an arm around Hop and exited. Z, Ansel, and Tam followed. They split up with plans to gather at their favorite department store and later to have some drinks at Tam’s before they headed to Switch.
* * *
Tam had to admit he felt boss walking into Switch with the boys and Georgia at his side. They’d strolled right past the waiting line and the bouncer lifted the velvet rope like they were VIPs. If it were a movie there’d be a slow motion shot of them walking side by side like beauty queens—complete with a wind machine to make their hair flutter in a nonexistent breeze.