Chapter 4

Julie lay in her bed that night replacing the events of the day. Thinking back to the entire experience recording with Luke, Alex and Reggie and comparing it to how it used to feel to play around in the studio with her mom recording just to record. It was a welcome memory. But the feeling she had from playing with the guys was more than she'd ever felt in the studio before. She felt alive. Charged with an energy she never knew she would have.

She'd left the guys not long after finishing the song with them, much to their dismay. They liked her creative processes and input as they placed the track back to hear what they'd recorded. But the energy and tension in the studio she felt was becoming overwhelming every time she and Luke would lock eyes or rock out during the session. It was intense. She needed to get out of there to cool down.

She pulled her phone out to reply to LP's message. She felt terrible she'd gone all day not responding. But with her mind shifting back constantly to Luke, she'd lost track of time.

LP-

What a day.

How's your day going, LP?

I'm sorry if I've kept you waiting. Didn't' miss me too much I hope? (JK!) Mom was pretty great. Thank you. While I have recorded in the past – it was more of a past time. Nothing that we ever put out there for the world to hear. You're not missing much, I'm ok.

For the longest time I'd always focused on classical because of the piano and the expectations of the environment I'd been in the past few years. But it doesn't excite me, you know?

I'm not a rock star or a hot shot musician like some people I know, but I've gravitated more towards rock. It's thrilling and exciting and just… it makes me feel alive again? You know? I played together with a group of guys in the studio today and I just—there's no words. If you've never heard of them before I know one day you will. They're going places. They're incredible. Incredible group of guys and musicians.

Maybe your band crossed paths with them? They're Sunset Curve—what say you?

-J

She smiled once she hit send, thinking about the guys. A knock on her door pulled her out of her thoughts.

"Come in," she sat up in her bed as he dad walked in. "Hey dad."

"Hey," he smiled. "Flynn told me you were in the recording studio with the guys today."

"Yea," she looked down shyly. "They asked me to add some vocals and chords from the keyboard to their song. It wasn't a big deal."

"You don't have to be modest, mija," her dad smiled. "It's a good thing, you being back in the studio. I'm proud of you."

"Yea?" she asked.

"Always," he smiled. "You've only been home a day and you're recording in the studio with an up and coming band. That's huge."

"I just," she started. "I just think I've finally found the passion I've been missing. And playing again, back home, I feel alive again. And so much more connected to mom."

"I love that," he hugged her tightly.

"Dad…"she started.

"What is it?" he pulled back to look at her.

"What if…" she paused, not sure how to express her thoughts.

"What if what?" he smiled.

"What if I didn't go back to Julliard," she looked at him, unsure. He thought a moment.

"Honey you know I'll support whatever decision. Just make sure it's best for you." He told her. "If Julliard isn't where your passion lies, then that's not where your passion lies. I won't make you go back. I just want you happy, doing what you love. You still like music right?"

"Yea," she smiled. "I'm not giving up on music."

"That's good to hear," he smiled. "Get some rest, mija. I can't wait to hear what you guys created."

"It really isn't a big deal, dad." She told him.

"I disagree," he said. "Flynn said it was 'beyond EPIC'."

"She exaggerates." Julie said, causing her dad to laugh.

"You're very talented Julie," her dad told her. "Don't sell yourself short."

"Thanks dad," she smiled at him, letting his words sink in. "I love you."

"Love you too, mija." He smiled. "Good night."

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The next few days were a blur. Julie would go to the music center, usually around times she knew the band wouldn't be recording. She wasn't intentionally trying to avoid them. She actually found herself missing the guys and their banter. She especially found herself missing Luke. She just had a lot to think about. Her writing. What she wanted to do now that she knew for sure she did not want to go back to Julliard. Luke. The feelings he ignited within her every time they were around each other. It was very new. No guy made her feel the way she felt when she was around him. It was slightly unnerving how quickly she was getting hooked on him.

And then there was LP.

She kept up her correspondences with LP. Communication with him never stopped. She learned they were into the same music. Into similar bands and that he, too, was on the West Coast. They danced around the idea of where specifically they both were but never truly divulged. When she thought about it, he never asked. She knew she was merely curious but wasn't he? She also wondered what band he was in. Curious if the music they played was as good as the music the guys created. He always seemed to avoid direct insights into his band, which was odd.

She used these days to re-center herself. To pull herself together and not attempt to not fall into a pathetic gushy mess for the next time she knew she'd be around Luke. It wasn't a matter of if, but when. She'd also used the time to reconnect with old friends. The one person she'd hope to avoid was her ex. Nick.

Nick and Julie dated for the better part of junior year back in high school. It was great in the beginning but she slowly started to realize their relationship wasn't meant to go beyond that of friends. He had supported her passion for music. But also was jealous when she preferred spending time with her mother, her other friends over him. As though they hadn't spent time together often. The dynamic wasn't for her. And with her mother's wisdom and guidance, she helped Julie realize what decision was best for her. He hadn't taken it well when she pulled him aside one day and laid it all out there.

She'd heard from Flynn that Nick was in and out the last few days of the music center, in hopes of catching Julie there and "catching up." Word got around that Julie was back, it seemed. He usually showed up around the same time each day so Julie used that knowledge to avoid the music center. Instead of staying cooped up at home—avoiding Nick and avoiding the guys—she went to a local park. Before driving over, she sent a quick message checking in with LP and his bands progress.

LP-

Crazy that I've only been back a few days, chatting with you for the same time length and yet it feels I know you well. No studio time for me for a bit. I'll admit I'm steering clear to figure things out. How do you like to unwind and process?

I've always gone to a local park and enjoyed the tranquility of the creek. I used to go there and write with my mom. Figured I'd try that today.

What are you up to? Any gigs for your band coming up?

-J

She'd spent the first half hour at the park just sitting on a bench overlooking the beautiful creek, enjoying the calmness which overtook the water. Her journal was out. Writing thoughts as they came.

"This seat taken?" she heard a voice to the right. She cringed as soon as she realized who the voice belonged to. She glanced at the invader.

"Nick," she acknowledged, though did not indicate the seat was open and welcome for him.

"Mind if I sit with you," he asked.

"I'm kind of waiting for someone," she lied.

"Well they're not here yet," he rebutted, acting put out that she wasn't as excited to see him as he was her. He took the seat regardless. She rolled her eyes and scooted further away. "I'm hurt you didn't call me when you got back."

"I've been busy," she shrugged her shoulders.

"Too busy to not think I'd want to hear from you?" He pressed. "I figured you'd missed me all these years you were away."

"I missed all my friends," she emphasized friends. Friends, which he was not.

"Friends," he scoffed. "Right."

"I really don't know what you're expecting here Nick," she rolled her eyes and finally looked at him. He looked terrible. And much more intimidating than he did back in high school.

"I expect you to call me," he told her flat out.

"Nick," she sighed. "I don't owe you a phone call."

He scoffed. "As your boyfriend, I'd expect a call."

"It's been four years," she looked at him like he was crazy. "We broke up. You're not my boyfriend. You haven't been for a long time now." He stared at her blankly.

"Right." He said dismissively. "Friend. Friend who's a guy. You know what I meant."

"Actually no," she told him. "It sounded how you meant it. Are you ok?"

"Fine," he waved his hand. "I expected a call is all. Everyone else knows you're back." She sighed.

"Nick," she started, choosing her words carefully. "While I didn't intend to hurt your feelings, we haven't spoken much since high school. It's in the past. Surely you can see why it didn't occur to me that after all these years you would be expecting to reconnect." When he didn't say anything in return, she started again. "Look, I told you I'm waiting for someone so…"

"Right," Nick rolled his eyes. "If you're waiting for someone then where are they? I think you just want to get rid of me."

"They're right here," a new voice joined. "Late but here, sorry Julie." She turned, surprised to find Luke standing next to her. How he knew where she was, she had no clue. But she found herself very thankful for whatever was the reason behind his appearance in a moment she really needed someone as a buffer. She stood up. Without hesitation, Luke pulled her in for a hug. It was not lost on him the glare he received from Nick from his seat on the bench.

"You're late," she smirked. He offered her a sheepish smile for a moment then shifted a glare on Nick. He shifted their positions so he was slightly in front of her, offering separation between her and Nick.

"Sorry, thought we were meeting at the studio," he told her. "But I forgot we planned to meet here. Hope I haven't kept you waiting too long."

"Not at all," she told him. "Nick. Luke… Luke, this is Nick. He was just leaving."

Nick stood up slowly, staring intently at her. Whatever he had intended to say, he stopped short seemingly rethinking his plan. She wasn't sure what Nick saw in her eyes or even Luke's eyes –as she was positioned behind him—but whatever it was, it got him turn around and leave without further argument. When Luke was sure Nick was truly gone, he turned to Julie, concern filling his eyes.

"You ok?" he asked.

"Yea," she smiled at him. "Thanks for that."

"Anytime," he smiled back.

"How'd you know I'd be here?" she asked him.

"I didn't," he admitted. "But Flynn mentioned sometimes you come here and I thought I'd take a shot in the dark. We haven't seen you around these past few days. You ghosting us?" he joked. She paused a moment, looking at him with genuine curiosity. She hadn't mentioned anything to Flynn about her whereabouts. Nor had she been a park like this in years….

"No," she rolled her eyes at him. "Just have been catching up with some friends and figuring things out."

"That guy one of those friends you're catching up with? He asked.

"No," she told him. "That's an ex who seems to have forgotten he's an ex."

"I see," he mused. "How long's it been?"

"Four years," she shrugged. His eyes grew wide.

"Four years and the guy still thinks he's your boyfriend?" Luke asked incredulously.

"Weird right?" Julie laughed. "My current boyfriend certainly will get a kick out of that." She watched his face, gauging his reaction. She didn't have a boyfriend. But messing with Luke was oddly entertaining. He seemed so tense.

"Oh yea," he nodded, looking anywhere but at Julie. "I can't imagine he would."

"I'm kidding," she laughed, looking down. She noticed her journal had fallen to the ground in her haste to get away from Nick. She bent down to pick it up off the floor.

"Wait, so you don't have a boyfriend?" he looked at her uncertain.

"No," she laughed. "Gotta keep you on your toes." She threw the same joke back at him he had used on her a few days ago. He shook his head in disbelief.

"You're something else," he laughed, looking down. He saw a piece of paper on the floor that must have fallen out of her journal. He bent down to pick it up, the written words capturing his attention.

"Oh, here I'll take that," Julie started. "It must have fallen out when my journal fell." But he was captured by her words, already formulating a killer melody to compliment what she created. Lyrics. He shifted away slightly to keep reading. "Luke," she started. He looked up at her, smirking.

"These are really good," he told her.

"It's just poems," she shrugged off.

"No," he disagreed. "These are sick lyrics. Do you have any idea how insanely talented you are?" She looked down, blushing.

"It's really not a big deal," she said.

"Julie," Luke started, placing his hand on her upper arm gently. "You shouldn't sell yourself short. You're incredibly talented." She looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there and smiled.

"My dad said the same thing," she smiled.

"Clearly he knows what he's talking about," Luke smirked.

"I'm not trying to put myself down or down play what I can do, really," she started. "I've just been so far removed from music this past year. Now that I have that urge to write again…play again… It's weird having people seeing that who aren't my mom."

"Something tells me you're meant to shine, Julie," he smiled. "I never knew your mom. Just what your dad's shared in old stories around the studio. But I have no doubts she's looking down on you and is proud of you." His words moved her. She couldn't resist throwing her arms around him, embracing him in a hug. He hugged her back with equal vigor. Having her in his arms felt right. He wondered if it was the same for her.

"Come with me," he smiled and took her hand.

"Where are we going?" she laughed at his sudden excitement.

"I have a killer melody stuck in my head for your lyrics," he told her. "We're going to the studio to work our magic."

She laughed, shaking her head but went with him willingly. It didn't go unnoticed to either of them that their hands remained entwined. The charge between them was back full force and neither shied away from the sensation.

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Luke, Reggie, Alex, Julie and Flynn sat gathered around listening to the Julie's song once it was recorded. Unbeknownst to the group, Julie had dedicated the song to Flynn. She'd called it Flying Solo. Flynn looked at Julie in wonder once the track ended. Silence filled the room as the group exchanged glances.

"You're making me paranoid glancing over at me like, Flynn," Julie exclaimed. "Knock it off."

"Can you blame me," Flynn rebutted. "I knew you could write Julie but damn. This is next level. When did you write this?"

"Over the past year, bit by bit," Julie shrugged.

"It's perfect, you guys," Luke smiled, beaming at Julie with pride.

"We should add it to the set tomorrow night," Alex suggested.

"Yes!" Reggie and Luke exclaimed suddenly. Julie looked at them confused.

"What set? "She asked.

"Hear us out before you say no," Luke started.

"Or just don't say no at all," Reggie threw out there as an option.

"To what?" Julie stood up, crossing her arms.

"We have a gig tomorrow in the city," Luke started. "We had a band meeting…what do you think of joining the band for a few sets?"

"Or just…joining the band?" Reggie suggested.

"Yea, or that too…" Luke looked at her with uncertainty.

"Join the band?" Julie looked at each of the guys. She looked at Flynn who looked as surprised as Julie but excited.

"You don't have to answer right now," Alex assured. "It's a big decision." He gave a pointed look at the guys. "But play with us tomorrow. See how you feel about it."

"Yea," Luke jumped in, agreeing with Alex. "If you hate it or you know, don't feel it's your thing then no harm. But if you like it…"

"If I like it then join Sunset Curve," she finished his sentence. He nodded, smirking at her.

"What's to even think about Jules?" Flynn threw her hands up.

"The music you guys have been creating together is freaking epic," Flynn said. "The guys are amazing, hands down. But with you? Managers will be lining up trying to sign you. And you'll have this demo we've been working to record to showcase you all."

"It's not that simple Flynn," Julie shook her head.

"No, you're right. It's not that simple. I imagine running a music center instead of letting yourself shine like the star you are is the dream," Flynn rebutted.

"It's just a lot to think about," Julie said. She looked around the room at the guys, trying to avoid Luke. She sighed. "What time's the show?"

Luke broke out into a smile. He couldn't help himself as he pulled her into a hug, spinning her around excited at the prospect. Reggie and Alex exchanged a high five while Flynn clapped her hands in excitement.

"We go on at 8:00pm," Reggie told her as Luke set her down. He looked at her sheepishly, mumbling an apology.

"Ok well show me the set list," she told them. "I need to see which songs you had in mind for me to join in on."

"You're really doing this?" Flynn asked.

"Yea," Julie said. "Now or never—right?" she said, throwing the guys' song title back at them. The song that had reignited her fire.

"Let me just get my book and we can review," Luke said, heading into the studio. Julie sat down next to Flynn, processing. She stole a glance at her phone to see if any messages had come in. There was one from LP time stamped twenty minutes after she sent her message to him earlier in the morning.

J-

Funny you should ask about gigs. We've got one tomorrow night. Sending vibes our way? I hope you're not avoiding that studio for too long. You're depriving people of your awesomeness, J. Share that talent! What's got you steering clear? Who pissed you off?

I usually write when I need to think and process. Sometimes boxing helps. But I get my ass kicked each time so… the pen usually wins.

Talking to you also helps. Our conversations are something I look forward to.

What's on your mind J?

LP—

Julie read the message over and over. How odd that LP had a gig the same night Sunset Curve –and now Juile—had a gig. Would they cross paths? If they were to cross paths, she'd miss it. She had no idea what LP looked like. Hell, she had no clue what his band name was or where on the west coast he was compared to her. But then she realized….

"Hey Flynn," Julie thought aloud.

"What's up Jules?" Flynn answered.

"How'd you know I was at the park earlier?" Julie asked, glancing at her friend.

"The park?" Flynn asked, genuinely confused.

"Yea," Julie answered.

"Jules, I figured you were home reviewing the books with your dad to get ready to help with the music center," Flynn told her honestly. "You haven't been to the park since before you left for Julliard."

"Right," Julied nodded her head.

"Why do you ask?"

"No reason," she smiled and redirected her attention as she noticed the guys were coming in. She looked at Luke who was flipping through pages, dog earing some over others.

"Hey Flynn," Julie whispered, leaning closer to her.

"Hey Jules," Flynn mimicked Julie's position, leading close.

"What's Luke's last name?" Flynn looked taken back.

"Um," Flynn paused for a second, thinking. "Patterson, why?"

"No reason." Julie said, leaning back and crossing her arms. She was lost in thought.

"Hey, you ready?" Luke asked, coming up to her. She broke out of her revere and looked up at him in wonder. Luke Patterson. L.P.

What were the chances Luke and LP were one in the same, Julie thought.