Chapter 16: ~Music Store~

~Love At First Sight~Adam Banks~Words: 7231

~Music Store~

~September 💿~

It was saturday morning and I was getting ready to go to the music store. I would be trying to get a job there to earn a little bit of extra money.

I was getting ready when I heard a knock on the door. Julie already left for training and I was not expecting anyone. When I opened the door it was Lucas.

"What do you want?" i asked glaring at him

"Little birdie told me you're together with Adam" he said leaning on my door

"What's in it for you?" i asked

"I just wanted to say you can get so much better than him" he said

"Oh really. Like who?" i asked

"For exhample, me" he said pointing at himself

"Haha, who knew you can be funny" i said sarcastic

"I'm serious alright. It won't be long until he loses his spark and like any other kid on Varsity he cheats on you" he said

"And that's again a good  reason why I should not be with you" i glared at him and closed the door.

God I hate that kid.

After getting ready I left the dorms to head to the music store. When I walked in I started looking for the main desk. When I found it I saw a boy my age standing behind it.

"Fulton?" i asked

"Layla, what are you doing her?" he asked smiling at me

"Uh i was going to ask if you guy's are hiring because i need a job for some extra money" I asked looking around

"Sure I'll go get my manager. I'll be right back" he said and left to the back. I was waiting when I spotted another person who i recognised.

"Charlie?"

"Layla, hey what are you doing here?" he asked

"Just wanted to ask if you guys are hiring. Fulton went to get your manager" i said

"Cool" he said and continued putting cassetes in the rack.

"Charlie why did you leave" i asked

"I didn't leave i got kicked of the team" he said

"I know but why"

"Because of a conflict with Coach Orion" he started "He believes that I, as the team captain, is undermining his authority by trying to maintain a leadership role, even though I'm no longer the captain of the JV team. Then he decides to kick me off the team."

"I'm sorry Charlie but wouldn't you come back for the ducks?"

"The ducks are dead" he said and continued with his cassettes.

"Layla!" i heard Fulton yell "You can go to his office"

"Alright thank you" i said and went to the manager's office. I knocked on the door and heard a faint 'Come in'.

I walked in and sat across from the hiring manager, my nerves mixing with excitement as I prepared for the interview. I straightened my posture and smiled confidently, knowing this was my chance to shine. With a passion for music that had shaped much of my life, I eagerly talked about my experience—how I had spent years learning to play various instruments, from cello to piano, and had worked part-time at local events helping to set up sound equipment. I emphasized my love for connecting with people, knowing that customer service would be key in this role.

The hiring manager seemed impressed by my enthusiasm and knowledge of the store's inventory. I felt more certain than ever that this job was the right next step for me.

"You know, Layla, I think you'd be a great fit here. You clearly have the passion and the skills we need." My heart skipped a beat as I was offered the job on the spot. "Fulton will show you around and give you a uniform" the manager said.

"You got the job?" Fulton asked when i left the manager's room.

"I did" i smiled

"Hey good job" he gave me a high five and gave me a uniform.

"Come on i'll show you around" he said and i followed him

The walls were lined with guitars of every shape and color, their polished bodies gleaming under the soft lights.

"This one's a beauty," he said, running his hand over the smooth neck.

"It's got that perfect sound for blues, you know? Warm but with a bite." I smiled, clearly intrigued.

"I've always wanted to learn how to play the guitar," I admitted, eyeing the instrument. "But I'm pretty sure I'd just end up frustrating myself."

He laughed and shrugged. "That's how I started. Everyone thinks they'll be terrible at first, but you just have to stick with it. Besides, even if you only play for fun, it's worth it."

I nodded thoughtfully

He gestured toward a section filled with vinyl records.

"What's your favorite album on vinyl? I hear they sound different than digital music." He grinned, pulling out a record from the pile.

"This one right here. The Dark Side of the Moon. It sounds incredible. It's like the music wraps around you in a way that no walkmen can do."

I raised an eyebrow. "I'll have to hear that for myself then."

He grinned, clearly excited to share his passion. "You have to. It's one of those albums that makes you feel like you're part of something bigger, you know? Like, you're not just listening to music, you're experiencing it."

I nodded, my curiosity piqued. "I've always wanted to get into vinyl, but I'm not sure where to start."

He leaned in, lowering his voice like it was a secret. "The key is finding the right turntable, one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. And, trust me, the sound quality is totally worth it."

I smiled, rolling my eyes playfully. "Okay, so first a guitar, now a turntable... Are you trying to turn me into a music addict?"

He chuckled, shrugging. "Guilty. But honestly, there's something about owning the music, holding the album in your hands, and knowing you're listening to the way the artist intended."

I chuckled, looking around at the array of instruments and gadgets.

"Maybe I should just get a whole studio set up and call it a day," I joked.

He laughed, raising an eyebrow. "You're not wrong. I mean, why not dive in headfirst?" I paused for a moment, then grinned.

"Alright, convince me. What's next on your music must-have list?" He smiled, clearly ready for the challenge.

"Well, you can't really have a music collection without a good set of walkmen...

And so Fulton went on with describing his music gadgets and telling me his favorite artists. Me and Fulton were really starting to become good friends.

When i looked at the clock on the wall it was already 17:00.

"Shoot, I should go back to the dorms. See you tomorrow Fulton and Charlie"

"Bye" the two said

When i came back to the dorms Adam was about to nock on the door.

"Adam?" i asked

"Layla hey. I wanted to see if you were home" he said pointing at the door.

"Well, I am now" i said laughing

"Where did you do today?" he asked while i let him in the room.

"I went to the music store. I got a job there" i said sitting on my bed

"Really? That's amasing" he said smiling

"It is. Guess what? Fulton and Charlie work there too" I said

"Well it's great that you know some people there" he said

I put my back on my desk when I saw a post-it on it. It was from Julie

I started to smile. I knew there was someone in her life too.

"Hey Adam, look at this" i said showing him the post-it

"I knew Scooter ahd a crush on her" he said "It was so obvious at the game"

I smiled at the paper.

Me and Adam just watched a movie while cuddling. It was nice.

Author Speaking: Just to clarify I'm not shipping Fulton and Layla They are just besties. And Scooter and Julie are finally having their moment. I am more of a Dean and Julie girl but Dean doesn't show up until the end so sorry. I hope you guys have a wonderful day byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.