Chapter 123

* * * *

“Kris?”

“Hey, Reg.”

“What the fuck is this email? Who color-codes itineraries for a bachelor party? And can I hire her to take over our staffing and scheduling departments?”

“She’s Justin’s best friend,” Kris said. “And running our new record label. You know, the one you put money into.”

“Well, I’m not doing color-coded itineraries for you.”

“I sure as fuck hope not. Why rain? Why do I need good boots?”

“You’ll find out.”

* * * *

They dropped by the recording studio the morning before both parties. The song, the new one, came out rough but swinging, with Kris’s guitar and a finger-snap layer and a borrowed drummer from The New Regency and the bassist from Incantation. Bren and Justin recorded backup vocals, voices harmonizing and catchy as hell, and Kris scribbled “Being Human/Love All Your Pieces” on sticky tape as a title, and loved his world and his art, his music, his life.

* * * *