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Today, 3:17 PM

Kash:

Been focused on writing.

Today, 3:18 PM

Barry:

Paisley’s easy to work with, right?

I wouldn’t know.

Crap, I never actually told Barry I didn’t want to work with her. And I guess Paisley hasn’t let him know about it, either.

I stand and pace over to a box filled with wooden blocks of all shapes and sizes. I pick one up and twist it in my hand while I consider how to respond. Barry initially said it was up to me if I wanted to work with her a little or a lot, so I didn’t think I had to keep him updated. Although, I suppose she did help me improve my harmonica playing, which is music-writing adjacent, so technically I worked with her a little. Who knows, I might decide to put a harmonica track on a song for the demo.

Today, 3:20 PM

Kash:

I toss the wooden block back into the heap and a clattering sound fills the loft.

Today, 3:20 PM

Barry:

I bet you’re cooking.

I just knew you two would be perfect collaborators.

I grimace.

I’m not sure I’d go that far, Barry.

Still, Paisley did take a song I was writing and work on it, too. So, you could call that a collaboration.

Today, 3:23 PM

Kash:

Today, 3:24 PM

Barry:

Not to add any pressure, but the folks in management would like to hear a sample.

A short sample.

Can you get me something by the end of the week?

Can I get Barry something by the end of the week?

I release a maniacal laugh.

I haven’t managed to put two decent notes together in weeks. There’s not a snowball’s chance in hell I can make anything happen by the end of the week, even if it’s just a short sample.

Then Barry decides to really twist the knife.