The room was silent. Everyone looked at one another, unsure of what to do.
“No one has to decide right now,” I said. “We all have time to think it over, but I’m not sure how much time we have. JIVE is finally getting us started on our album and we have to either get ourselves back together or find replacements quick.” No one answered me. I bit my bottom lip. “Guys, I know this is my fault and I’m sorry I forced you into this. If you want it to be me that leaves, I’ll do it. No hard feelings-“
“You’ll do nothing of the sort!” Mel said, firmly, sitting down next to me on her bed and wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “This is their fault, not yours. You put us together and there is no way you’re going to ditch us now. Not when we’re just about to get big.”
“I’m not sure this decision involves me, but can I say something?” Claire asked. The three of us nodded.
“Of course,” I said. “It definitely involves you.”
“No doubt it does,” Star agreed.
“Okay, then, I think you should get someone else.” Claire’s answer was blunt, but she explained. “All of us have known them since 9th grade. We know Elis has a bad temper, even worse than yours, Lexi.” The four of us giggled slightly, relieving some of the tension in the room. “We also know that Roxie will do anything she says. There’s no way of getting them back if they don’t want to come and even if they come willingly, the same thing is only bound to happen again.”
“Elisbeph hates that she lost control,” I said. “She absolutely hates it that I’ve changed. Ever since I came back from Texas she’s seemed distant with me. My priorities changed and she can’t handle it. Roxanne’s just following her lead.”
“Then, they’re out,” Star stated. “That’s all there is to it. They’re out and we find replacements.”
“I’d volunteer and all,” I joked after a long silence, “but I think my voice is just too good for ya’ll.”
“Bite me, Grasty,” Alex laughed, chucking a pillow at me. Giggling, I caught it.
“Seriously, though, I’d love to be with ya’ll, but I have to be getting back to my horses, soon.”
“Unless you move in with Brian,” Mel said, wiggling her eyebrows.
“Which is never gonna happen,” I stated.
“He likes you, Claire, face it,” Star chimed in.
“He more than likes her,” Alex said, purring. She turned to me. “I think he really loves you.”
“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” I said, my jaw dropping. Alex shook her head.
“No joke,” she said, sincerely. “I can see it in his eyes.” I was lost in thought for a few seconds, then my lips curled into a crooked smile.
“Maybe I will join you guys in Kentucky for a few days . . .” The three of them purred simultaneously and we all fell onto the bed in a fit of laughter.