"Mercedes, you know no one would blame you if you handed this project over to someone else. Just once, you could take a back seat on this thing."
Mercedes was adjusting some dials and checking the monitors. She stopped momentarily to look up at the man standing over her.
"And then what Johnny ?" Mercedes leaned forward across the control booth panel and placed her forehead in the palms of her hands. "I've been away for almost two months. What with losing the baby and Liam's...passing...the house is so QUIET. Would it help to stay home another two months, or six ? I've got to get on with it, Johnny." She straightened up in her chair and took a deep breath, "Besides I am FINE. With all the changes your guys have been through with the record company crap, they need to get back down to business. You have all been wonderful to me and waited patiently for me...we are going to have a HOOT."
Mercedes forced a smile. Johnny thought she was trying a bit too hard, but decided to drop it. He patted her back and heard the loud noise of a thundering herd of elephants roaming into the studio.
"Hey Mermaid!"
"Hey, Brooklyn!" Mercedes greeted Joey.
Justin and Joey rushed up to her, "Where's our hug?"
JC enters the studio and instantly Johnny asks, "Do you have something for us tonight?"
"It's not finished yet, but it's coming along ! Hey, babe good to see you !" JC hugs Mercedes and kisses her cheek. Lance comes into the studio.
"Where's mine?" asks Chris who sneaks in behind Lance. JC gives Chris a double-take, clowning around he asks, "Me?" and Chris pushes him aside to hug Mercedes. The control booth booms with laughter. Lance lingers in the doorway, glancing up into the control booth. He smiles faintly, bites his lower lip, and raises his hand in a wave.
"Hey you," Mercedes says softly.
Soon it is all down to business, and hours pass unrecognized as tracks are laid.
"Let me playback that last part..." Mercedes says.
"I don't like that section," JC tells her.
"I think you've almost nailed it guys," she replies.
"Almost ? That sounds a bit negative, only the good vibes can remain. All I want to hear from you is POSITIVES." laughs Chris.
"I'm positive you've almost nailed it," she deadpans.
"Very funny."
"Whoa, guys it's late."
"Or early," snaps Chris. "Depends on how you're looking at it."
"Let's call it a night."
"Or morning."
"Enough, Chris," says Joey.
"Or not," Chris smiles devilishly.
Johnny raises his concern over Justin's voice, "Does he sound froggy to you?"
"Ribbit." Joey and Chris look at each other and break out laughing. "Who did that?" Joey asks innocently.
"Seriously, do you think a little tea with lemon and honey might help tonight."
"Or this morning?" Joey said.
"That's MY line." Chris puts his hands on his hips. Even Lance smiles as Johnny gets a little exasperated.
"Mercedes?"
"Yes, Johnny. I heard you, I think Justin can do that if he feels he needs to. But, he sounds great as always."
"How about that Justin?" asked Johnny.
"Johnny stop being a friggin' MOTHER," yelled Joey good naturedly. "Alright, alright. G'night guys. Tomorrow one o'clock."
Lance pulls his bag over his shoulder and waves, "Good night." He walks out of the studio. Once the door closes behind him, he turns and faces the wall, burying his face against the plaster. Joey nearly trips over him as he exits the building.
"Hey, ohh sorry...Lance? Lance, what's wrong?"
Lance steps away from the wall and turns in the opposite direction from Joey, "Nothing, just tired." he shrugs.
"Yeah. I hear ya," Joey replies. Then Justin and JC come out and Lance is relieved for the distraction. "Go have a cup of tea, Justin," teases Joey. "Do you KNOW how to boil water?"
"Do you KNOW how to blow it out your ass?" Justin swipes back.
Joey laughs and even Lance breaks into a smile. "Why don't we all go over to McKinney's and have some tea?" suggests Joey.
"'Cuse me, but since when have we ever had tea at McKinney's ?" asks Justin.
"Long Island Iced Tea for a Brooklyn Boy!"
Chris and JC emerge from the studio.
"You guys coming?" yells Joey.
"Where?" asks Chris.
"McKinney's."
No, we shouldn't. Yep, it'll be good for us. No, it's late. Lead the way. Okay let's go."
