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Chapter Eleven

"Alright, we've got your shortlist of songs. Shall we get started?"

It was Tuesday. It had been a long day at school. And now I was in the studio.

As always, dad was there, but he was staying out of everybody's way. He only got involved when I wasn't happy about something. Luckily, that wasn't often.

Noah had worked out the beat for most of the songs on the drums. I had never been able to sit still long enough to learn an instrument. Noah was proficient on drums, guitar, and piano.

I remembered from my experience recording the first album that the first week was always the hardest in the studio. Preliminary takes piled up and songs I loved on paper didn't translate well once finished.

By the time the clock hands hit eight, I was more than ready to go. I had tons of Chemistry homework due tomorrow.

"Alright, we've got to wrap it up," dad said. He stood and I slid off my headset.

"Great job Brooke," one of the soundboard guys said. I smiled. "Thanks."

"Brooke?"

One of the 'suits' from the meeting had been hovering in the corner.

"Yeah?"

"I wanted to let you know that we've scheduled your duet with Trevor on Saturday. Make sure you know it."

I struggled not to make a face.

"Saturday? Aleady?"

"That's the only time Trevor can do this."

I rolled my eyes. The pretty boy was 'so' busy.

"Alright."

Dad and I walked out and got in the car. I stifled a yawn.

"Tired baby girl?"

I smiled. "Naw, I'm okay. I'll just be glad when Saturday night comes."

Dad didn't answer. I had gotten permission to go out with Garrett, but dad wasn't totally happy about it.

We got home and I ran up to start my homework.

"Hey, don't forget about dinner," mom said. She had a tray in her hands.

"Dad and I ate the studio."

"He said he was starving!"

"It's dad."

We shared a smile.

"Well, if you change your mind I'm going to wrap it up."

"Thanks mom."

I went back to my homework. The next time I looked at the clock it was past ten. Landon had gone to bed an hour and a half ago. Peyton had popped in a half hour ago to say goodnight.

I yawned and leaned back against my pillows. I still had a half sheet of algebra problems. But the house was so quiet. And my bed was so soft...

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"Brooke, you forgot to set your alarm!"

I groaned. Mom was standing in the doorway.

"Did you fall asleep doing your homework?"

I brushed a hunk of hair away from my mouth. "Yeah."

"Maybe you shouldn't record past seven."

I waved a hand in the air. "Naw, it's just the first day. I'll get used to it."

By the time I pulled into my parking spot at school, I was feeling a little more normal.

"Be prepared," Noah said. He grabbed his bag.

"For what?"

"Questions."

He wasn't kidding. Everyone wanted to know how recording went, what songs I sang, which songs I liked better than others, and if I could give people tours of the studio.

It was like the first day back all over again.

The only one who didn't act that way was Garrett. He was more concerned with our date. It was the topic of our lunch conversation.

"Are you a pepperoni girl or a veggie girl?"

"Pepperoni."

He grinned.

"Sweet."

"Are you good at miniature golf?" I asked.

His eyes sparkled. "I've played my fair share of games."

"I drive a mean ball," I said.

Farther down the lunch table, Noah snorted. I glared at him.

I was just glad he wasn't going this time.

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The rest of the week flew by. If I wasn't doing homework, I was at the studio. If I wasn't at the studio, I was at school. Finally, Saturday rolled around.

I just wished I could skip Saturday morning.

Dad was almost as grumpy as I was as we sat at the kitchen table eating a late breakfast.

"Dad can we go on the boat today?" Peyton asked. Dad smiled.

"Not today, sweetheart."

"Pey, I'm taking you and Landon to the movies," mom said.

"YAY! A MOO-VIE!" Landon squealed.

"Please tell me it's not something stupid," Peyton said with a sigh.

"It's not stupid. It's the new Pixar movie."

Peyton groaned. To her, that was stupid.

"I'm playing b-ball with the guys," Noah said.

"Can I come?" Pey asked.

"Uh, let me think," Noah said. He pressed a finger to his cheek. "No."

A big hunk of cantaloupe went sailing in the air. It bounced of Noah's nose and landed on the plate.

"HEY!"

"I think it's our cue to leave," dad said. We both stood up.

"Have a good day," mom said.

"I will once it's over. I just want to get this whole Trevor thing overwith," I said.

"That makes two of us," dad said. I heard him mumble something that sounded suspiciously like 'wannabe.'

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"Alright, this is exciting. Brooke. Trevor. I know you've met before."

I was standing face to face with Trevor Tylers. He was tall, blonde, and blue-eyed. He held out his hand. I shook it quickly.

"Shall we get started?" I asked. He nodded. Even at the photoshoot he had never said one direct word to me.

Snob.

We walked into the soundbooth and put on our headsets.

"Put Me to the Test. Take 1."

The way the song was split, Trevor took the first verse and the chorus. I took the second verse and then a slightly alternate version of the chorus. Then we both sang 'Put me to the test, Why don't you, Put me to the test' until fade.

The music flooded my senses. I wanted to knock this out of the park and send Trevor on his way. I glanced over. He looked at me and then focused on the mic in front of him.

I know that you've been hurt before
I hear that you have cried
But hold on to what's dear to us
Our love hasn't died
I know that you have been down before
I hear how they lied
But remember that I love you
I love you deep inside

So put me to the test
Why don't you
Put me to the test
Of all the guys
Who want you
You know that I'm the best


I hated to admit it, but his voice was pretty good. I hadn't really heard it before. I mean, I'd heard a couple Grenadine songs but they used autotune and I never paid close attention to who was singing what.

"Brooke?"

I looked up.

"Yeah?"

"You totally missed your cue."

Damn.

"Sorry!"

The song started again. Trevor sang his verse and chorus. I closed my eyes.

I know that I've got my faults
I know it in my soul
But just look at the love in me
You know you've got it all
I know the road is tough ahead
With many traps and turns
But just believe my love for you
It's so hot that it burns

So put me to the test
Why don't you
Put me to the test
Of all the girls
Who want you
You know that I'm the best


There was a musical interlude and then we were supposed to come in together. I started to sing. The music stopped.

"Hold it. You guys weren't in time with each other."

I glanced over at Trevor. He looked away.

"Let's try it again."

So we did. And the we tried it a third time. And fourth. And fifth. After the fifth time, the producer came in.

"Okay, this is only going to work if you look at each other so you know what you're both doing."

"Sorry," Trevor said. That was the first actual word I think I had heard from him.

"Yeah, okay. Let's roll," I said.

The producer left the booth. Reluctantly, I looked over at Trevor. He looked at me. The music started.

Put me to the test
Why don't you?
Why don't you?


Trevor smiled. I was caught off guard. I couldn't deny he had a really nice smile. During our photoshoot, we had been required to look 'pensive' and a little 'brooding.'

Put me to the test
Why don't you?
Why don't you?


The music faded. I glanced towards the soundbooth.

"That was great! Now let's do it a couple more times."

I glanced back over at Trevor. He rolled his eyes and smiled again.

I pressed my hands against my headset.

So much for a quick morning...

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Chapter note: Lyrics from freelyrics.co.uk