Higher Octave (Heavy Influence #2.5)

  ***

  I stared at the number next to the name 'Joe' on my screen. Marty explained that Joe didn't have a last name - just another reason for me to feel a little freaky about using Joe to find out about Sienna. But if anyone could find out about what Sienna was up to, it would be someone in Mr. Todd's camp.

  It was the first night I'd be staying in my new home, and I felt strange walking into the dark house. Moonlight cast through the highly placed windows in the living room, but didn't shine bright enough for me to really see anything. I had no idea where the light switches were. I turned on the flashlight feature on my phone and located the switches, turning them on. It was cold. and I searched for the heater. I slowly walked around the darkened house, turning on all the lights. and thought about Aly. I didn't want to think about her, but I had no control. I counted down the days until she graduated. That would be the next time I'd see her.

  It was early, just past 7 PM, and I made my way up the stairs and thought about the album covers I'd seen that lined Grace's stairway wall. She must be the graphic artist that did all those covers. I had to confirm my assumption. I hopped onto the bed and kicked off my shoes, sinking into the pillows as I called Gabe.

  "Jake?"

  "Yeah."

  "All good?"

  "Yep. I have a question. Does Grace design album covers?"

  "Yes. That's how I met her. Driving Dave Grohl to a party. Grace was there."

  Huh. "Thought so," I said as I moved from the bed to take my pants off. "I just had dinner with her."

  "How did it go?" Argh. I rolled my eyes. Gabe sounded like a father.

  "Fine." I picked up my duffle bag and dug out a pair of sweats. "Look, I told her I was stuck on Aly. We talked about Phillip. We're friends. I don't want anything from her. So you can relax."

  "Good."

  I punched the speaker button and tossed the phone on the bed as I struggled with sticking my legs through my sweats. "Why didn't you tell me she designed album covers?"

  "I didn't think of it."

  I chuckled. "Alright, man. Talk to you later."

  "Take care."