Chapter Eighteen

The alarm to my phone buzzes once more. I'm tempted to throw it against the wall, but I'd regret that. Since it is brand new and I need it, I'm afraid it would be a stupid move on my behalf. However, my hand still twitches from the prospect of throwing it. I'm tired, overworked, and need to sleep.

"Are you going again?" asks Kol.

"Yeah." I yawn. "I need to get to work."

"How many hours did you sleep?"

"Three or four?" 

"Blow it off and stay in bed with me." Kol does the usual trick of wrapping his arms around me. As he drags me towards his chest, it's almost impossible to refuse him. Though, I can't be late . . . not with all the work that needs to be done.

Svana is pushing to have my music tweaked and recorded by this upcoming producer, Monty, who works funny hours. His content is great and I enjoy working, but I'm tired.

"I can't and you know that." Kol's arms go soft which allows me to slip out of bed.

I race into the kitchen to find something to eat. Kol follows hot on my heels and probably something else to pester about.

Opening the fridge, I scan over the bare shelves and groan. I haven't had the chance to shop since I started recording. Thus, there's nothing to eat. If I bounce now, I'll be able to pick something up on the way there.

"I could grab you something?" 

"Thanks, but I won't have time." I look at my phone and groan. "I don't have time for a shower either." I pout.

"Or time to do the washing, clean the apartment, or water the plants," adds Kol. "When's the last time you actually slept?"

It's only been a week, but I feel like my life is crumbling around me. Even my poor basil plant is feeling the consequences. The green leaves are slightly crumpled from the lack of watering. Kol is right, I've had no time for anything but working these horrible hours.

"I don't know what to do. Move in and look after me?" I tease.

"I can if you want."

Kol's words catch me off guard. Is he being serious? I was only joking, but I wouldn't say no if he's being serious. More of Kol is always nice along with someone to clean the place for me. Perhaps he'd even have a cooked meal on the table when I get home. I can't keep consuming snack foods, I want a proper hot meal.

"Really?" I ask. "What about your place?"

"About that." Kol scratches the back of his head.

"What happened?" 

"I'm slightly behind on my bills," he admits.

"It's a small place, but I can shuffle things around."

I'm part to blame since he's been hanging around me instead of going to his other jobs. Sure, you could consider me a job, but he'd never asked for a full price or refused to accept my money at some points.

It felt nice to have someone cuddle me without a payment attached, though, I hadn't thought about his finances.

"Should I shuffle things around?" 

"Don't be like that." I tap his shoulder. "I have an interview this morning and then some down time. The producer isn't coming into the studio until tonight," I explain.

"I'll do the food shopping and have this place tidy,."

"Uh, sounds like a dream." I grin.

My phone buzzes, there's a reminded about the interview. Sighing, I drag myself to the bedroom to change. I find a maxi dress, a cute leather jacket and a pair of sandals to wear. It's only on the way out of the apartment, I realise I need to brush my hair.

I'm like the mad hatter. . . I've lost my head and I've got wacky hair.

Despite my best efforts, I make it to the interview three minutes late. They don't seem mad, but I'm quickly shuffled into the studio without much of an introduction.

There's a small radio station down the road from the recording studio. Minty Pop is promoting her tour, so Svana has me doing the same things. Svana has pushed my debut single and is now staring the rounds of promotion to make sure it's a success.

We've really kicked it into gear. I wish I could see the look on Jason's face. I wonder if he regrets losing me. If not, I know he will at some point. I hope to never see him again, that would be lovely.

I'm seated at a small desk the houses two overhead microphones, and a board with buttons on it, and a chirpy radio host. I see my hair in the reflection of the glass behind her and jump. I quickly comb my finger through to neaten my appearance.

When it's time, I place the earphones on my head and smile. I've never done and interview and I'm scared. I don't to ruin this over a silly slip up. I hope I can get this right.

"Hi, and welcome back to Nancy's Hot Hits! I've got Lola at the desk with me," introduces the radio host. She flips her colourful hair over her shoulder and adjusts her earphones. My eyes catch the sparkly nose ring, which delays my initial response.

"Thank you for having me." I smile.

"Your latest hit is a female empowerment tune, what inspired this song?" asks Nancy.

"Many things." I weakly smile. "I had someone hold power over me and it wasn't until I broke free that I realised everything he said was a lie. I found my inner power and took control of my life. When people listen to this song, I want them to feel empowered too," I explain.

At least my mistake with Jason can be a lesson for someone else to learn.

"That's amazing, Lola," she says. "This is one of my favourite tracks at the moment. I'm so glad people are joining in and supporting it."

"I'm so awed that people are enjoying it," I explain. "For a long time, I thought I wasn't good enough. I'm glad I broke free and found my wings."

"And how are those wings treating you?" She smiles.

"Wonderful." I laugh. "I'm recording my album and I get to go on tour with the fabulous, Minty Pop soon!" I grin from ear to ear.

"Minty is such a cool chick!" Nancy agrees. "Her mint hair is gorgeous too."

"I'm ecstatic we're paired together. I can't wait to hit the road with her. I know she's can teach me about music and touring," I explain.

Nancy asks a couple more questions about my music before wrapping up the show with my song. It's surreal, but I love the fact they're playing my song on the radio. A song I'd only just written and produced. It's amazing at how quick things can come together.

At the end, I give Nancy a hug and head off. As I'm walking back, I get a call from Svana. I dread why she'd be calling, so I answer it like ripping a Band-Aid off.

"Hi, what's up?" 

"Please come to the studio." And with those few words, Svana hangs up the phone. My stomach knots. Did I stuff up the interview? I'm so tired, I don't know what to think anymore.

Thankfully, I haven't walked far. I turn back and head to the record label. I bypass the reception desk and head straight to the studio. I find Monty and Svana already in the recording studio freely chatting.

"Is there something wrong?" I yawn.

"Monty has had inspiration for this track. What do you think?" asks Svana. She motions for Monty to play the music.

The guy presses a button and then the song plays. The guy is a complete weirdo and his skeleton rose obsession tattoos are just as weird, but he's brilliant at his job. It's only until I get to the end of the song that I frown.

"Is there something wrong?" asks Svana.

"I just, hm." I ponder. "I think the lyrics are wrong here."

"Okay, I agree." Svana nods her head. "I want you to re-write the lyrics so that we have options."

"But –" Their eyes snap to me and I feel guilty. I guess I could sleep later. My music is more important.

"Is there something wrong?" 

"Nothing." I shrug.

"I have a looming meeting to attend. I'll check in tomorrow." Svana twirls on her toes heads off. I turn to face Monty for help, but I see him packing away his belongings. It looks like he hasn't left the studio yet.

"Where are you going?" 

"I'm exhausted. Call me when you've finished the lyrics." I grumble.

"Okay, sure." It looks like I'm alone with this.

Taking a seat, I scribble down the lyrics and think. If I rest my head on the desk, perhaps I'll think of something. I cross my arms over and rest my head on them.

While I think about the lyrics, I end up falling asleep from the exhaustion plaguing my body. If anyone asks . . . inspirational naps are a very important part of the creative process.

I'm later woken by the sound of my phone ringing. I jump up and find the caller is Kol.

"Hi?" I mumble down the line.

"Where the hell are you, Lola?" shouts Kol.

"I'm in the recording studio." I run my hand through my hair. "What's wrong?"

"I've been trying to call you all day. I was worried."

"I'm so sorry, what's the time?" 

"It's seven at night. Are you coming back?"

"Shit, yes, I'm coming. I'm sorry." I hang up and scramble to my feet.

At this point, I don't care if the lyrics aren't done, I'm going home. Svana never said I had to stay here and Monty certainly isn't anywhere to be found. Who knew fighting would be so exhausting!

Questions: Can Kol get any cuter? What do you think about Kol moving in?