“If Lucy contacts me herself, then I will. Obviously I’ll play a little hard to get and push her to work around my schedule.” She smirks, knowing all the little tricks to let people believe she is in high demand, which it seems, she actually is. “I won’t approach her on the back of a Chinese whisper message from third parties though.”
“That’s my girl. I’m pleased for you, Shazza. Obviously I’d prefer you to work with anyone but her, but business is business and it’s an opportunity not to be missed.”
“Paul also mentioned that he’d love to see you and Lucy go back to back.” Shaz quietly adds and my eyes bulge.
Back to back? I think not!
“Over my dead body.” I flick the comment away and take a long glug of my Dr Pepper.
“It would sell a shit stack of tickets, could be a real money earner.” Shaz shrugs.
“I earn enough and I think it’s the competition between us that keeps us being talked about. I’m not doing anything that would dispel the illusion that Lucy and I hate each other.”
I don’t hate Lucy, I respect her as a very talented DJ and producer. I don’t really know her as a person apart from the image that she puts out when she is working. I, of all people, know how fake that image can be. We don’t seem to cross paths all that often to be honest. Probably because there aren’t many events that can afford to book us both to play on the same night. Pops makes a point of keeping Lucy and I separated, also playing on the rivalry. Plus my hard faced image and her sweetness and light persona makes us opposite ends of the spectrum. Surely we’d just clash?
“You wouldn’t hate me for working with her, would you?”
I snort and flick Shazza’s comment away. “Don’t be ridiculous. You know I support you in every way I can. I wouldn’t encourage you to work with her, after all, it does give the image that you’re defecting from Xtreem and myself, but I know that would never happen.” I reassure her with a smile. “Go for it, sweets, just don’t like her more than you do me.”
Shaz rolls her eyes and flicks a popcorn kernel at me. “As if. I have nothing in common with Lucy. Can you imagine if it was Lucy and I sat here now? Living together and having a Sunday Slog-out? She would want to be plucking eyebrows, painting nails and swapping stories of guys we’ve dated.”
“I can just see you now, feet up on her lap with toe separators in and curlers in your hair.” I tease and get more popcorn thrown at me.
“Fuck off. I don’t go for that girly shizzle. I do think Lucy and I could make an epic tune though.”
“I don’t doubt that. Just make sure you come back to your bitch to make more immense tunage,” I warn with a playful gleam in my eye.
“I know this, Mrs. No drama.”
Too much sugar and two sloppy comedies later I have nodded into a glucose coma and I’m laid with my arm thrown over my eyes and my leg thrown over the back of the sofa. I’m just floating in oblivion when Shaz shakes my leg and I ignore her. If she wants more Doritos she can just fetch them herself.
“Tara,” she whispers and I groan, throwing my hand in any direction to indicate I don’t wanna know. “Tara, get up you eejit.”
I get slammed, hard, in the head, with a cushion and I feel the zipper snap on my elbow. Shit, that hurt!
“What the hell is your problem?” I snarl and throw the cushion on the floor, inspecting my stinging funny bone.
“You have a visitor.” Shaz grimaces and I look up to see Dominic stood in front of the TV with a huge grin on his face.
Does this guy just wait until I do something stupid to walk in on me, or what? I visibly cringe which only feeds his amusement and I hear that sexy, throaty chuckle.
“I’ll give you both some space,” Shaz mumbles, visible unamused as she stalks from the room.
I look up at Dom, whose broad frame seems to dominate the living room. He looks tastier than champagne magnum ice cream in black jeans over a charcoal shirt and a leather jacket. His hair is in his trademark sexy mess and his eyes gleam. I empty a space on the sofa of junk food and tap the leather, inviting him to sit.
“Thanks. I’m sorry to invade your junk food binge.” Dom grins, lowering himself next to me and I get a whiff of his unique, soapy smell mixed with leather.
Oh, shit, that smells like it would taste divine.
“What’s up, Dom?” I ask, smoothing my hands over my hair which is probably frizzing up at all angles. Then I’m struck with a more pending question. “Hang on, how did you know where I live?”
“I rang Mum and Pops, I hope you don’t mind? Like I said, I’m sorry to crash your Sunday afternoon.” He doesn’t look in the slightest bit sorry.
“Umm, should I be worried in case you have stalker tendencies?”
“Probably not, but I would appreciate it if you would delete someone off Facebook so I can send you a friends request. Or better still, provide me with a number or email so I can get a message to you.”
“Dom, you can contact me anytime…” I smile and he looks flattered. “Through Pops.” I add and his smile drops. “I’m only kidding. Seriously though. What’s up?”
“I got this message this morning and I thought you might want to check it out.” Dom passes me his phone and I see he has his Facebook messenger app open. “I wouldn’t dismiss it without thought, Tara.”
I take his phone carefully, trying to avoid that same static shock I get whenever I touch him. I check out the message he wants me to see and speed read it.
Dom, howz tricks my man? Listen, I know you have your foot in the door at Xtreem now and I wondered if you would be interested in speaking to Pops about a Serious Soundz Vs Xtreem event?
I’m thinking it would be a real crowd puller and we’d make a lot of £££ on the door. I know Lucy would be interested in a back2back with Tara and with that pair headlining the night it would be the event of the year dude! Anyway, put the feelers out with Tara & Pops then hit me back.
Hope to hear from you soon mucka.
Jimbo
I roll my eyes and toss Dominic’s phone into his lap. “Not interested.”
“But you haven’t even considered it!”
“I have, and my answer is no.”
“But, Tara…” He quietens when I raise my palm.
“But nothing. No, Dominic. Anyway, what’s with all the Soundz crew sending messages and wanting to team up with Xtreem all of a sudden?”
“Maybe they want to make some serious money and put on the event to top all events for their followers.” Dom replies like the answer is pretty obvious and I must be pretty dumb to even ask.
“Using the Xtreem label to make them look good? Or maybe they’ve seen the Xtreem birthday bash is being featured on every radio channel, is being written about in every mix mag and they want to cream it because none of their resident DJ’s are booked to play?” I point out and Dom frowns like I’m being a lunatic.
“Paranoid much there, love?”
“Pfft, try being shit on from the great height I have by all of the people who message you harping on about the chance of a lifetime. Sorry and all that, Dom, but no, it’s not happening.”
“Well, I think you’re mad and you’ll regret it if you miss this opportunity.”
“We’ll see. What does Pops think to this grand idea, anyway?”
Dom shrugs. “He didn’t say anything, just that Jimbo doesn’t run Serious Soundz and he doesn’t talk to monkeys.”
“And that’s all they are, monkeys. If we were gonna double event with anyone it would be Epic Records and that is between Jimmy Rayner and Pops to arrange. Not Jimbo and someone who has their foot in the door at Xtreem.”
Dom’s face drops and I see hurt in his eyes. I get a stab of guilt but it’s quickly erased when his lip curls and his eyes flash ice cold.
“You know what, forget it. Pretend I never mentioned it.” He stands to leave and I roll my eyes. So we’re back to this bickering shit?
“Dom, stop being a pussy, they were Jimbo’s words, not m
ine.”
Dom stops on the threshold and sighs, his eyes closed. He’s obviously trying to calm down but when his eyes open I see it’s not anger he’s fighting back, it’s disappointment.
“Look, Tara, I’m just trying to be a team player here and I thought I would throw the idea out there. You know, try and help the label make a buck whilst getting some big publicity. Not to mention doing you and Lucy a favour. You’re both my friends and I thought it would be good to help you both out.” He sniggers and shakes his head. “Seems nobody wants to hear about it, so fuck it.”
I can’t help but feel bad and I move to him. His eyes follow me with a saddened look to them. I put my hand on his leather covered bicep and look up at him.
“I appreciate the thought, Dominic, I just hate the idea behind it. I didn’t mean to shoot the messenger.” I apologise and when he smirks I wonder what’s so amusing. I’m having a rare sympathetic moment here and he finds it funny? “Whatcha grinning at?”
Dom’s eyes drop to my feet and I look down to see the big Minnie Mouse heads smiling up at me. “I just find it hard to have a serious argument with you whilst you have Disney feet.”
I giggle and wriggle my toes which just makes him laugh harder. “Listen, no hard feelings about suggesting the event, okay?” He asks softly and I shake my head.
“No hard feelings. Now fuck off and let me get back to my Sunday snoozing,” I giggle.
I follow Dominic through the kitchen where Shazza is making strawberry angel delight and totally ignoring us both. On the front doorstep Dom turns and smiles.
“Even though you totally shot down my idea, I’m glad I came today.”
“Why? Because you caught me looking like complete shit and drooling while I slept?”
“No, quite the opposite.” He smirks and I raise my eyebrows. “I think you look as cute as a button with your school girl pigtails and Disney jimjams.” He playfully tugs a pigtail and I cross my arms with a pout, faking indignation.
“If that’s what gets you going, Dom…”
“Maybe next time I can join you in my Spongebob lounge trousers?” He teases and I look down at my slippers with a grin. This time his kiss on my cheek isn’t quite so chaste and I get to savour the warmth of his lips on my skin. The contact point tingles and my cheeks heat when I hear him inhale deeply before he moves away.
“See you tomorrow, sweetheart,” Dom whispers into my ear before quickly jumping into his Nissan and pulling away.
I close the door and lean against it, pressing my fingertips to the spot his lips graced.
Oh, shit, don’t you dare swoon, Tara Powers!
“Okay, so one minute I overhear you rowing over Lucy Hart and the next he has you giggling like a school girl. What’s going on, Tara?” Shaz demands when I join her back on the sofa to watch Top Gun.
“I don’t really know. He knows just how to hit my buttons to make me fly off into a rage…” I frown.
“But?”
“But he can turn me into a giggling mess with a few smooth words and a cute smile,” I answer quietly and Shaz rolls her eyes. “I think I love to hate him.” I can see Shaz isn’t impressed. I think we need a change of subject. I glimpse at her and she is devouring the huge bowl of angel delight. I notice the absence of a second spoon. “Can I have some?” I give her my best pout and watch her contemplate it.
“No, make your own.”
Fuck, I have pissed her off.
The next two weeks pass in a blur and I find now Dom and I are less frosty I can concentrate on my work, a very welcome relief. He tends to be very much like myself during his time at the studio; he keeps himself busy and has actually improved the radio station substantially, with better advertising and new jingle recordings. Pops is about as impressed as I am and Val seems particularly smug for him to be proving me and Shaz wrong.
The more Dom seems to settle into the place the frostier Shazza gets and I listen to her whinge about almost everything about him, even the trivial things like leaving the milk out of the fridge in the canteen. When I remind her just how fickle she can be she seems to take it personally.
I have to admit it’s been hard to listen to her jabber on about Lucy and the Soundz team. I’ve had to repeatedly remind myself this is a one off deal, Shaz is not defecting and her loyalty will always lie with her god father and best friend. She is Xtreem through and through. It just twangs a nerve that she seems to be enjoying herself a lot.
What’s the saying? A change is as good as a rest? Well, Shaz is definitely enjoying the change of studio and producer. I haven’t seen her so excited to get to work like this is quite a while.
I’ve been working with Jay and Lauren a lot lately. So much so that I’m starting to wonder where they’re finding the money to book so much of my time. It’s not coming cheap and for the last couple of weeks I’m seeing them almost every other day. Lauren is great to work with and is soaking up everything I teach her like a sponge. Her enthusiasm reminds me of myself and Shazza. Jason seems to be constantly on his phone which is getting a tad annoying.
“Jay, are you here with us or on the blower with your mates? Because you’ve paid a hell of a lot for this session but you haven’t taken a blind bit of notice of what I’ve just shown you about how to time and sync your loops,” I snap, while gesturing to the monitor. I see Lauren sink slightly in her seat and visibly blush. She throws Jason a warning scowl but he doesn’t look in the slightest bit bothered. He simply sighs like we are a pair of nagging parents.
“Sorry and all that, ladies, but I have a life outside of this studio, you know? I’ve gotta go. Someone is waiting for me outside.” He stands and pulls his jacket on.
“For God’s sake, Jay, we’ve paid a lot to work with DisDiva, time in this studio is invaluable. You’re not seriously going to run out on us?” Lauren teeters between disbelief and irritation. I simply roll my eyes and shake my head. The guy hasn’t got a clue what he wants.
A scowl flashes across his face before he softens and bends to kiss Lauren who simply turns a cheek to him. “Lauren, I’ll check in as soon as I get back from Terry’s. I have to go. I’ll catch you both soon.”
And with that he is gone. I blink at Lauren who throws me a sheepish look. “I’m sorry, DisDiva. I swear sometimes he doesn’t know whether he’s coming or going. He pisses me off. One minute he’s with me, the next his phone rings and he’s gone. I’m starting to think this duo is going to turn into a solo.”
“Don’t worry about it, Lauren. It won’t look good if he drops you like that at a gig though, you know?” I try to make her feel better but in reality I’m pretty sure he’s the one holding her back. It’s blatantly apparent the enthusiasm for getting Hot Ice on the flyers is all Lauren. Jason just seems to be along for the ride.
“I know. I dread playing out, but at the same time, I love it. I just wish I had the chance to showcase more often. I love the studio time but I love the rush of live performing, too.”
I’m struck with a thought. “How would you like to play on Xtreem radio? I’m sure Dominic would be able to book you in.”
“Really? That would be amazing!”
“We’re really busy at the minute, what with the birthday bash next weekend, but I could probably bag you a week day slot.”
“Any day is fine with me. Just let me know when. I really don’t know how to thank you. Not just for the slot but for everything. I’ve learnt so much already and I feel privileged just to be in the studio with you.”
I bat her comment away. I remember being in awe of the producers in this very studio when I first started working here. “Your money is paying for it, sweets.”
“No, it isn’t. Jason’s is,” she giggles and I snort.
“He is good for something then?”
He is obviously flush with the dosh. Maybe he’s a spoilt kid who has rich parents?
Thursday night Lauren and Jason arrive just 15 minutes before they go on air. Lauren looks flustered and Jason seems twitchy. I put
it down to nerves and greet them with a smile.
“Hey, guys. You ready?”
Lauren nods but Jason looks shifty. “We’re ready, Tara. Thanks for having us.”
“It’s our pleasure,” Dominic smiles, offering his hand which Lauren shakes before Dom turns to Jason. “Hey, welcome to the studio.”
Jason shakes his hand but doesn’t meet his eye. “Thanks, pal. I don’t suppose I can use the little boy’s room before we start?”
“Of course. Restrooms are just off the reception area.”
Jason leaves and I trade a puzzled glance with Dominic who I can see doesn’t quite know what to make of Jason either.
“Okay, let’s get you ready. Do you have your track list to hand?” Dom asks with a hospitable smile.
Lauren hands over her hand written play list, all the time jabbering and bubbling with excitement. Once Jason returns we start the show and I take a seat next to Dominic, giving the guys room to mix. I even join in the online chatroom and take part in the banter. The listeners all seem to be giving great feedback on Hot Ice and in a silly way I’m really proud of them. I can’t knock the mixing and hope they can mix this good in front of a crowd next weekend.
“Where did you find these guys?” Dom whispers and I flick a glance over at the duo. Lauren is concentrating on bringing in the next track while Jason is stood back, on his damn phone again. I shake my head.
“They’ve been coming for production sessions with me. Jason has been parting with a lot of dosh to get Hot Ice in the studio with me practically every other day,” I whisper to Dominic. “I’d wager he’s learnt absolutely fuck all though. He is always on that phone and has walked out half way through most sessions. Lauren on the other hand is coming on in leaps and bounds. She is definitely the brains of the duo. I can’t deny the girl has some skills and a lot of potential.”
Dominic nods, looking Jason over with an unimpressed eye then glimpsing at Lauren. He lowers his mouth to my ear and I get a shiver run down my spine at his nearness. “They say behind every good man there is a good woman,” he breathes and I chuckle. I can hear the smile in his voice and I turn my head, bringing our mouths closer together. Our eyes lock for a moment and my heart rate jumps. Then he sits back in his seat with his fingers linked behind his head, a roughish gleam in his eye. “Except with me maybe. They broke the mould with me, as you know.” He winks and I shake my head with a tsk.
Disrespectful Diva (DJ #2) Page 7