He rubbed the back of his neck. “I know I get on his case a lot and complain about this being ‘his’ band and all that, but I honestly couldn’t do all the things he does for us. Jared makes me crazy sometimes, but he’s also the best guy I know. Don’t give up on him yet, okay?”

I wasn’t sure how to answer that. I didn’t want to give up on Jared, but I couldn’t continue with things the way they were either.

The door opened, and Kyle returned. “That was Dan. He wants to know what’s going on.”

I drew a long breath and stood up straighter. “Well, I’m back, and I’m ready to rehearse. What songs are you working on this week?”

“The new one is ‘Radioactive’ by Imagine Dragons. Dan chose it because none of us could agree on anything after the results show.”

“What’s the theme?”

“No theme since it’s the finals. We also have to play our song from the audition again.”

I nodded. I hadn’t practiced “Behind the Mask” in weeks, but that song was branded on my soul. I’d never forget how to play it. I didn’t know “Radioactive,” but I would learn the guitar for it by Monday even if I had to stay up all night tonight and tomorrow.

“Who’s been playing guitar?” I asked. “Or did you get someone to play bass?”

The guys exchanged a look. “Jared’s kind of doing both,” Kyle said.

“What do you mean?”

“On Wednesday we all assumed you’d come back after you blew off some steam, so Jared learned the bass for the song. But by Friday, it was clear you were gone for good, and Jared switched to the guitar.”

“He learned both?”

“Yep. And recorded both parts himself, too.”

No wonder he was spending all his time here; he was doing the work of two musicians instead of one. “Didn’t the show get someone to fill in for me?”

“They did, but the guy was terrible, and Jared flipped out and scared him off. Dan’s been filling in as needed until we figured out what to do.”

I hung my head. “I’m so sorry I bailed on you guys. I just went a little crazy, and I couldn’t deal with anyone. But I won’t abandon you again, I promise.”

“Hey, we all lost ourselves a little that night,” Hector said. “But that’s over now.”

“Have you talked to Jared at all?” Kyle asked me.

“No.” I glanced at the door again. Jared must be in this studio somewhere, only a few walls separating us. “I’m not ready to face him yet. I know I’ll have to, but I just need a little more time.”