Shaking my head, I turned to look at Evan. He cringed in apology. “I’m fine,” I told him, closing the door on our conversation. I returned my gaze to Griffin. “And everything works just fine. But thanks for the advice…dipshit.”

Griffin grinned, nodded, then told me, “That’s what I’m here for, dude.”

It was only then that I remembered Lana was in the car with us. She was biting her lip, staring out the window, obviously struggling not to laugh. So much for sounding like professionals. I sighed and rolled my eyes. Jesus fucking Christ. Why me?

Matt sympathetically patted my knee. “I know,” he said. “Trust me…I know.”

That made me laugh, and then I couldn’t stop laughing. And then everyone was laughing. Oh well. I was sure it wouldn’t be the last time Griffin got everything wrong…at my expense.

Once we were in L.A., Lana had another limo waiting to take us to the house where we’d be staying while recording the album. It was all so surreal. I almost couldn’t wrap my mind around what was happening. Surely, this was just some long, elaborate dream, and any minute I was going to wake up. Because there was no way this was actually my life.

Looking outside at the palm trees and sunshine reminded me of when I used to live here. It felt so long ago, but really, it was just under five years ago. I remembered it all—arriving in L.A. and getting a crappy apartment with Evan, getting a job at a coffee shop so I could somewhat afford the crappy apartment with Evan, meeting Matt and Griffin, inviting them into the band, practicing in Matt’s friend’s garage, getting our first gig, getting multiple gigs, actually making a living off it…

And now look at us…riding in a fucking limo on our way to a mansion in the hills. What the actual fuck?

Evan and Matt had the exact same stunned expression on their faces. Griffin took it all in like he owned the city, and he was simply surveying his territory. Lana smiled as she watched me. “Better get used to this,” she said. “Because this is just the beginning for you.”

Knowing that she also thought we were going to be huge made me smirk and shake my head. Everyone was delusional. I didn’t bother arguing with her though; only time would tell which one of us was right. We approached a gate with an actual freaking guard who had to let us inside the neighborhood. It felt like we were in another world as I studied the houses we drove past. Jesus. My childhood home in West Seattle had been pretty nice, but it was nothing compared to these homes. Or would palaces be more accurate?

Evan whistled as he looked around. “Damn…think any celebrities live here?”

Lana smiled at him. “Several,” she answered.