“Yep. She came all the way up here to hear you guys.”

“From Minneapolis?”

“Chicago.” Flynn grinned even wider. “She’s with one of the big ones.”

I glanced at the guys. They were goofing around with Ellie and Lee, not paying any attention. “A record company, or—”

“Artist management. She knows her stuff. She knows exactly what to do for you.” Flynn’s eyes hooked into mine. “Listen. I know it’s still a couple of weeks until graduation . . . but I’m telling you, this is the deal you’ve been waiting for.”

I was already so laced with energy, my heart couldn’t pound any harder. But I heard my voice catch. “Seriously?”

“Seriously.” Flynn’s smile looked ready to burst like a firework. “These guys work with huge names. Huge. This is it, Anders. This is the door.”

Ellie laughed at something Jezz said. I looked up at him, his sweaty blond hair sticking out of his head in a million directions, like he’s just gotten out of the shower and toweled himself halfway dry. Patrick was smiling at them both, stretching his arms behind his back, one at a time.

“All right,” I said. “I’ll get the guys.”

Flynn’s hand caught my arm. “Anders. She just wants to talk to you.”

“Wait.” I blinked at him. “What?”

“She asked for a meeting with you,” Flynn said. “Just you. At least at this first meeting. Even I’m not tagging along. You can handle this on your own.”

“I can’t do that,” I told him, my voice low. “You know I can’t.”

“I know you should.” Flynn’s gaze was steady. “If you want to talk about the band, fine. Discuss that with her. But at least meet with her. Learn what she’s offering.” He still hadn’t let go of my arm. “You owe this to yourself, man,” he added. “You owe it to what you can do.”

Maybe it was because this was Flynn, who knows me better than almost anyone. Maybe it was because, deep down, this was exactly what I already wanted. Maybe it was just to stop the twisting feeling in my stomach. Whatever the reason, I heard myself saying, “Okay. Fine. I’ll go.”

I made some kind of excuse to the guys, something about the car, Dad needing me home early. Jezz and Patrick were still high on the energy of our set. The night had been good enough to wipe out their anger about the last time I went behind their backs. They both gave me quick, sweaty hugs. We pounded one another on the shoulders.

And then I ducked out the back door.

Now I’m skidding around another bend, veering closer to the streetlights of downtown.

I park in front of the studio, behind a glossy black Audi with Illinois plates, and jump out into the rain. Most of Main Street is asleep at this hour, even on a Friday night. The signs of a few bars glow through the wetness. I duck my head and run for the door.