Chapter 2: Plans

Sleep had been elusive since Bree had started sharing her bed with Trent, but that was okay with her. Listening to his heart beat beneath her ear, his arms around her, made her feel safe and settled in a way she’d never felt before, even if it meant she was tired most of the day.

Her gigs usually didn’t end until midnight, which meant she’d get home around 2:00 in the morning, earlier or later depending upon how far away they were. Then, she’d try to fall asleep for an hour or so, finally manage for a bit, and get up with him around 9:00. She knew that was sleeping in for him, that he’d be happier getting up with the sun, and the fact that he was willing to rework his entire schedule for her was just one more reason why Bree felt so unbelievably happy that Trent was finally her man.

She was up before him that morning, though, ready to get to the studio and see what Zelda had in store for her. Her entire life, Bree had wanted to be part of a band. When she couldn’t get even Sam, her ex-boyfriend who used to play gigs with her, to stay loyal to her, she’d sort of thought it might never happen. Now that she was finally starting to make a name for herself, it was a necessity, and she couldn’t wait to meet the musicians she’d be partnering with for the next several years.

Trent adjusted underneath her. Bree watched as he blinked a few times, and then his eyes opened. “Hey, what are you doing awake so early?”

“How do you know what time it is?” she asked, leaning her head on her hand so that she could stare down at him.

“By the sun,” he replied. “I’m guessing it’s not seven yet.”

Bree glanced at the clock. He was right. It was 6:53. “I couldn’t sleep.”

“Too excited about your big day?”

Nodding, Bree trailed her fingers along his bare chest. They hadn’t gone all the way yet, though they’d been close, and she thought she was ready, but she didn’t want to rush him. Maybe before they headed to the studio…. She pulled her thoughts off of that. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“No, that’s okay. You know I’m a morning person. Want me to make you some breakfast while you get ready?”

She smiled. He was so sweet. And thoughtful. And perfect. “That would be awesome.” She kissed him, letting her lips linger a little longer than she’d initially planned, and then headed off to the bathroom.

When she was done showering, she headed to the kitchen, following the scent of bacon. Trent had gone to great lengths to make a wonderful breakfast, and Bree’s stomach growled in recognition of his efforts as she dug into eggs, bacon, toast, and orange juice. Once they were done, Trent went to get cleaned up, and then at a quarter until 9:00, they headed over to the studio.

Bree would’ve been lying if she said she wasn’t nervous. Picking her bandmates was critical. She knew she wouldn’t have the final say; there’d be executives from the record company there, as well as Zelda, and who knew who else. Probably some sort of marketing experts who could tell them what sort of vibe their look gave off. All she knew was she wanted talented people who were easy to get along with. The last thing she needed was more drama in her life.

If Trent was nervous, she couldn’t tell. He had to be uncomfortable, she figured. After all, he was entering a world he’d never had any interaction with. She imagined she’d feel out of place if he asked her to help him pick new accountants. But he knew he was mostly there for moral support, and she felt so much more calm with his hand in hers than she would’ve if she’d been doing this alone.

Trent pulled into the parking lot outside of the studio a few minutes before she was meant to be there. “Are you ready?” he asked.

“I think so. Thanks, Trent. You’re amazing, you know that?”

He grinned, shrugged, and ran his hand across the back of his neck as he always did when he was nervous. “I try.” He looked up at her, and she couldn’t help but slide over and kiss him. “Come on. Let’s go put the next great band together.”

Laughing, she climbed out of the vehicle, excited to see where this would lead. Nothing could get her down at this point. Nothing