Chapter Text
Goddamnit, Adam. Why can’t you just think of someone other than yourself for once?
We still have another six or seven tracks to record. Of course he’s not here. He’s out having the time of his fucking life somewhere.
We’re all standing around in the studio waiting for him to show up. How are we ever going to get this album done without a lead vocalist? It’s two in the afternoon. Where the fuck could he possibly be? He’s probably hungover in a stranger’s bed somewhere. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least. That’s the kind of person he is.
“C’mon, John. He’s a fuckin’ kid. He’s only been out on his own for a couple of months. Let him have some fun.” Eddie says, picking up his guitar and strumming a few chords before realizing it needs to be tuned again.
Eddie sticks up for him. He always does. Adam is his favorite. We all know, but no one has the guts to admit it.
“He’s two hours late. We agreed to be here at noon.”
The door swings open and Adam appears, a cigarette in one hand and some kind of fancy latte in the other. Speak of the Devil.
“Where were you? I thought you were dead in a gutter somewhere.” Shaun asks.
Adam laughs and takes a drag on his cigarette. I want to slap the cigarette out of his mouth.
He tells us stories about the party last night. Of course, he conveniently leaves out any details that might make him look bad. For a minute, I think about calling him out on it. He’s not nearly as focused on the album as the rest of us. It’s so obvious. Mark and Shaun would definitely want him kicked out. Eddie might too if we beg hard enough. Finding someone to replace him wouldn’t be a challenge. Anyone with a voice can sing and flail around on stage for an hour or so. Hell, the only reason he’s even in the band is because he has a pretty face. Adam is replaceable.
“You okay, John?” Adam asks, looking concerned.
Of course he’s concerned. He’s not worried about me, though. He’s worried about saving his own skin. He knows I’m not happy with him.
“Yeah. I just need some caffeine or something. I’ve been working all night. Y’know, to make up for the shit you were supposed to do.”
“I’m sorry, John. I just—here.” He stammers, handing me his Double-Mocha-Whatever. “You can have the rest of it if you want.”
I take the drink out of his hand and take a sip. It’s not even hot anymore but, it actually does make me feel a little better.
Adam mumbles something about going to finish recording Monterey Peninsula Bike Scene. It’s about damn time he actually does something productive.
“John, I told you to be nice to him. We don’t need anyone else to leave the band right now. I know he’s not the easiest person to get along with, but just try.” Eddie says, setting his guitar down.
It’s weird seeing him so serious about something. He’s not usually like that.
I take a deep breath in an effort to calm myself down. I have to do this for Eddie and Shaun, and Mark. Just a few more months and we’ll get a break from each other.
“Look, if you guys hate each so much. Why don’t you do like, couples therapy or something?” Mark interjects. Eddie tells him it’s a bad idea.
I’m not too keen on it either.
“But seriously! I know a guy who sees this one lady. Him and his girlfriend haven’t fought in months. It was crazy, they almost hated each other until they did a few sessions with her.”
Mark is still rambling and I’m not listening anymore. I’m not even the one with the problem. Adam is the asshole. We’re not going to see some counselor together. Never.