Perfect Timing (Back on Track Series Book One)

By J.C. Layne

Jes Harper loves her life. Being the production assistant for one of the most sought after producers in the industry, Brett Winters, she gets to spend her time doing what she loves – listening to music. Working with the musicians is fun, too, but after being burned by them twice before in love, she’s sworn them off for anything more than friends. But, Brett’s best friend is back in town and perfect in every way, and he could change her mind...if she’d just let him.

Mitch Lansing has lived the musician life – the drugs, the women, the partying – but he’s over that now. At 40, you tend to want to settle down, even if you’re a musician. He’s happy to be back home with his best friend, Brett, and recording his own music. One look at Brett’s assistant and he knows he’s found the perfect woman for him...if he can just convince her of that.

When coming on strong doesn't work, Mitch decides to take it slow and vows to not give up. Day by day, piece by piece, he chips away at the wall around Jes’s heart. Can he prove to her that not all musicians are the same? Or will a ghost from his past ruin everything for them both? The other musicians from her past broke her heart...Mitch could shatter it completely.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.C. Layne
• Release date: Jul 20, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370684366

J.C. Layne

J.C. Layne is a new author, trying her hand at this writing game. J.C.'s love of music and reading are coupled in her novel, allowing both loves to come to life as one. During the day, J.C. is a techie nerd who looks at tons of numbers all day. Writing fiction allows her creative side to take over for a while and hopefully purge some of that technical nonsense from her brain. You will likely see a playlist at the end of her books of music that inspired that novel. Be sure to look for it! J.C. lives in Charlotte, NC with her four fur babies.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Jes

Have you ever looked at your life and said to yourself, How the fuck did I get here? Well, I certainly have…on more than one occasion over the past three months. Before I get into that, I suppose, first, I should give you a bit of background. My name is Jes Harper. I’m the production assistant for one of the most sought after music producers in the industry, Brett Winters.

Together, we run Peach Buzz Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. After a former life as a PR rep for a small record label, Brett gave me a shot to prove myself capable as his assistant, and eight years later, I’ve gained some credibility in the industry. I have even started producing occasionally under Brett’s supervision.

I’m not your typical industry chick. First, I’m not interested in musicians, other than to keep them from doing really stupid shit during studio time, keep them on schedule and whatever else Brett needs to make them sound great while they’re here.

Well…that’s not exactly true. I used to be interested in them. But after being badly burned twice by musicians, I’ve sworn them off as potential partners. I was actually married to an up and coming musician when I was younger—these days, I’m approaching 40…really fast.

The ex had dreams of stardom and was very talented, but he never could keep his ego in check. Even with the continued advice to be more humble and reasonable, he refused to change. As he continued to spin his wheels and get nowhere in the industry, he became cruel and I was the target. He was never physically violent, but his words could cut me to the core.

In fact, the last thing he said to me before he walked out was, I’ve wasted six years of my life on you. Maybe some other dumbass will want you. So obviously, that does a lot for your self-esteem.

Once I managed to get back on my feet after a divorce and a number of years being alone, enter musician #2. He was in a new band the label picked up. He was charming and handsome. As much as I tried to convince myself not to get involved, he was equally hell bent on having me.

Eventually, I gave in and we became a couple. For a while, it was great. I went to his gigs and traveled with him as much as I could. He told me he loved me. I thought he was the one. Until one night, I decided to surprise him at a show, only to find him with his pants around his ankles and one groupie on her knees working him over while he worked over a second one.

My heart was shattered…again. I walked out of that dressing room and have never looked back. That was eight years ago, just before I came to work for Brett.

In terms of looks, I’ve always considered myself average in that category. I’m 5’4", average build with straight shoulder-length brown hair that most days is an afterthought. I don’t really get into the girly things like tons of makeup or spending hours on my hair.

In fact, my daily wardrobe consists of skinny jeans, t-shirts and comfy shoes like Chucks or Vans. On occasion, I’ll mix it up by wearing a leggings/mini skirt combination, but I’m a t-shirt and jeans girl at heart. I work behind the scenes and I like it there. My life is my work and I don’t have time for any drama. But sometimes, things don’t work out like you expect, do they?

Jes! Where the fuck are those Neumann microphones for Studio 4? I can’t fucking find anything in this place!

That’s Brett. An artist. A perfectionist. A genius…but scatterbrained as hell. Responding to the bellow, I enter his office to see him on the floor under the desk on his hands and knees.

I prop against the door facing and cross my arms over my chest. B, do you think they grew little microphone legs and set up camp under your desk?

Brett looks up over the desk and the mounds of papers, random cords and empty coffee cups, rolling his eyes. Jes, don’t be a smartass! Where are they? The band is going to be here any minute!

Attempting to calm Brett down, I respond, I’ve already set them up in the studio. Everything is ready to go. All we need is the band.

Brett sighs in relief. What would I do without you?

I sarcastically reply, Lie in the fetal position under your desk in the little microphone camp? He is completely focused on work so he didn’t even hear my smartass quip. I hate when that happens. That was a pretty good one, too…

He mindlessly responds, Yeah. So look, Becca is picking up Mitch at the airport and bringing him straight here. Send the band down when they get here, and come get me when Becca and Mitch get here, okay?

I respond, You got it, B. I’ll send everyone down as soon as they get here…and you’re welcome!

I shake my head as I walk into his office and try to clean up his desk. Why are men so damn messy? After straightening stacks of papers, winding up cords to return to their storage place and trashing coffee cups, I head back to my office to check voicemails.

The first message is interrupted by a loud buzzer which alerts me that someone is at the door. We’ve had our share of rabid fans and groupies, so we had to take extra precautions. I look at the fuzzy camera feed and see a group of musicians so I buzz them in.

I hang up the phone and walk into the hall. Hey, guys.

A tall kid with spiked black hair mumbles, Uhhh…hey…we’re um…

Suddenly, the door bursts open and a frazzled older man looking like he’s been beaten down one too many times appears. I’m sorry…I’m so sorry we’re late! We got stuck in traffic. The other guys are right behind me. I’m so sorry…

I smile at him and hold out my hand to greet him, You must be Jack, their manager?

He takes my hand as he huffs, Yes, I am…I’m so sorry we’re late…

I smile, Calm down, Jack, we’re okay. Take a deep breath. I snicker, Welcome to Atlanta traffic.

The other two band members run in quickly behind Jack. They screech to a halt, panting as if they have run a mile to get here.

I introduce myself to the band and ask, Is this everyone? Jack nods.

I grin, looking at each band member individually as I say, It’s great to have you guys at Peach Buzz. I’m Jes Harper, Brett’s production assistant. While you’re here, just let me know if you need anything. Now that I’ve got you all, I’ll show you around and then take you to the studio. Brett is there getting set up.

I step back in my office and grab a clipboard with their paperwork on it.

I glance at the paper, Okay, guys, come with me. The band and Jack follow me down the hall. This band is called Contrarium. A new, young band with only one album under their belt. They did well enough on the first album to get snapped up by a mid-size indie label, who set them up with Brett for their sophomore album. Lucky kids! This is their big chance to work with such a well-known producer so I know they’re crazy nervous. The nerves are confirmed since no one speaks a word during the entire studio tour.

Our studio is pretty large as studios go. There are four in the building. Three are currently in use. While Brett does a lot of the production in the building, we also rent studio time to other reputable producers. Brett is really picky when his studio’s name is on the line. I totally get that. Another reason that he’s the best. Integrity. Sadly, that’s not easily found in this industry, but sometimes when I least expect it, I’m pleasantly surprised.

The studio is laid out in a square shape. The front door leads into a small waiting area, and is followed by the security door. Straight ahead on the left side of the hall are the offices; Brett’s then mine, and another that serves as a touchdown area for the managers or producers, if needed. The end of that hall dead ends into Studio 1. As you turn right, Studio 2 is down on the left. Then you turn right again and Studio 3 and 4 are down that hall on the left. The center section contains bathrooms, a kitchen, a lounge and lots of storage space.

We complete the tour and stop outside the studio that they will be working in, Studio 4. The guys in the band are fidgeting and shifting their weight back and forth as the nerves really begin to show. I smile to calm them, Here we are. Guys, loosen up…Brett’s a great guy. He’ll work you hard but you’ll have a great album. I promise.

They nod silently. C’mon, let’s go meet him. I hold the door open for them as they file into the studio. Brett is in the booth getting set up for the session. I alert Brett of our presence, Brett, the band is here!

He comes out of the booth, smiling his 500 watt smile and offering his hand to each of the members in turn. Hey, guys. I’m Brett Winters, good to meet you. Turning toward Jack, he says, Hey, Jack, good to see you again. The kids look petrified. Poor kids. This is the typical reaction when bands meet Brett for the first time. He’s larger than life sometimes.

Heading toward the studio door, I check one last time, I’m gonna leave you to it. You need anything, B?

Brett responds, Nope, I think we’re good, Jes, thanks.

I look to the band and Jack, Guys, anything? They all shake their heads no, still with no words. I snicker and think to myself, Brett will calm them down.

I leave the studio and start down the hall. As I pass Studio 3, I glance in to see the folk band laying down drum tracks. The drummer is talking to the producer over headphones. Check…all is going well there. I mentally go through the calendar in my head. Those guys have been here a week, so they have several weeks to go. I arrive at Studio 2 and glance in to see the members of a metal band, Hellhounds, standing around in the studio taking a break. Playback starts from the booth and they begin to air play their instruments and head thrash as they listen. I smile. Those guys are great! They have been here a while and we’ve become friends.

That’s one of the cool thing about my job. I meet lots of cool people and many become lifelong friends. Check…all is moving along there. I think of the calendar again to recall when they are scheduled to be finished. I think it has to be soon. My brain is typically overloaded with a ton of band information…and today is no exception. As I pass Studio 1, I can’t remember if we have that studio booked. I’ll have to check on that when I’m back at my desk.

I return to my office and sit down at my desk. As I check the calendar on the computer, I see that we don’t have Studio 1 booked. Hmmm…that’s odd. We’re usually completely slammed with a waiting list. Maybe Brett has someone coming that he hasn’t bothered to tell me about. Unfortunately, he does that sometimes. Remember when I said scatterbrained as hell? I pick up my phone to finish listening to the voicemail from when I was interrupted earlier. As I listen to the messages, I take notes so I can return the calls the following day. Just as I am hanging up the phone, Brett’s wife, Becca, appears in my doorway.

Chapter 2

Jes

Brett and Becca are one of those couples. You know, the ones who get it right? They’re great together and they give me hope that maybe one day I’ll get it right, too. Becca greets me, Hey, girl! How’s it going?

I glance up, Hey, Beks, did you retrieve Mitch all right?

She replies, Yeah, as she daintily sits down in my side chair. Brett was coming down the hall when we came in, so Mitch went down to the studio with him. I smile and nod while continuing to finish my to do list for the next day. Becca continues, How has your day been?

Still with my attention not 100% on Becca, I reply,Good. We’ve gotten the band in for Studio 4 and Brett is starting with them.

She taps her nails on the desk as she says, Oh, great. So, what do you have going on tonight?

I stand and walk over to the side table where there are stacks of files, demos and promo information for probably hundreds of bands. I reply, I have a date with a hot bath and my bed at a decent hour. I can’t wait to have a normal evening. I rifle through the stacks of CDs and PR sheets looking for the bands that are related to my voicemails. I have got to get these organized…

Becca responds, Oh…

I immediately turn and look at her, knowing that tone means something more than ‘oh.’

Becca is my best friend and we share pretty much everything. She and Brett are practically my family, so I know that her inquisition isn’t just a harmless question about my evening.

I squint at her suspiciously. What’s going on, Beks?

Trying to be nonchalant but failing, she replies, Oh nothing, I just wondered, that’s all. She opens her compact and dabs at her lipstick with her ring finger.

My eyebrows raise in doubt. Cut the shit, Beks. What’s up? Suddenly, the sound of yelling and thundering feet are moving closer to my office. Becca and I both are startled and look at each other wide-eyed.

I walk toward the door of the office to see all five members of Hellhounds running down the hall toward me. Just as I get to the door, they all swarm around me and pick me up collectively, then run back down the hall. I have no idea what this is about but I giggle uncontrollably and just enjoy the ride.

Mitch

What the hell just happened? As Brett and I walk down the hall toward the offices, we see this mass of dudes dressed mostly in black running down the hall the opposite way. There is a huge commotion.

I look over at Becca, who is standing at the office door grinning as she watches the scene transpire. I know I’m tired, but this is just some crazy shit! I look over at Brett, hoping for some help in understanding what’s going on. Brett starts laughing hysterically.

I just stare at him, What the fuck was that, man?

Brett replies, That was Jes! Come on, let’s go see why she was abducted this time. The three of us follow the path of the stolen production assistant. As we approach the studio doors, Brett holds the door open for Becca and me.

Everyone in the building, including another band and Brett’s new band, are listening to the playback of a song. I listen as the song plays. It’s a metal song, with pretty fucking awesome guitars. I look around and snicker as the guys play their air instruments.

I don’t see Jes, but I assume she’s in the middle of the band in black. When the song is over, everyone cheers. The guys high five each other and Brett walks over in the midst of them. I hear him ask, Is that the song Jes helped you with?

The lead singer says, Yeah, man! Adding that bridge in there made all the difference. And she was right about adding some melodic sections in, too!

Brett says, That’s my girl! I still can’t see anything, but I figure I’ll meet Jes in a little while so I go out into the hall. As everyone disperses and goes back to their studios, one of the members of Brett’s new band stops me and asks me for advice on guitar amps. My musician geek kicks in as we walk down the hall a ways to get out of the path of the people coming out of the studio. We chat for a few minutes until Brett comes out of the studio.

Jes

I grin and high five each of the band members, That’s badass guys! So what’s left?

The lead singer, Miles, replies, One more song! Just one more song to record!

The producer, Alan, comes out from the booth and says, Yeah, Jes, the guys and I would like to keep going through the night, if that’s cool?

I reply, Sure…that’s no problem, you guys know the code. Turning to Brett, I ask, Brett? Any problems?

He replies, No, it’s all good.

Miles walks over to Brett and me, Well…we were thinking about some things for this song. We may need a little help with either equipment or some structuring. Would one of you mind hanging around? Our session ends tomorrow night, but we’re totally fucking zoning right now!

I look over at Brett, We’ll work it out, guys…just keep on zoning.

They all cheer and Miles picks me up and spins me around. I jest, Okay, okay…don’t make me change my mind. We all laugh as he sets me down. I clap my hands together, Okey dokey, I’ll be back in a bit to check on y’all. Becca is waiting for me outside the studio door.

As we begin to walk down the hall, Becca scowls, Are you sure you want to stay here?

Without even thinking about it, I reply, It’s not the first time, Beks, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. I’m preoccupied now so I am not paying attention to anything other than logistics of the evening.

Becca sighs, Well, I guess you won’t be going to dinner with us, huh?

I cock my head and ask, Dinner?

She nonchalantly replies, Yeah, Mitch just got in. We wanted you to come, too. Ah, there’s the meaning behind that ‘oh’ earlier.

I ask, Ah…that’s why you were asking about my plans?

She shrugs, Yeah, just wanted you to come with us, that’s all.

Becca and I walk back to my office to find Brett leaned up against the door facing, grinning. Well, Jes, you have another fan club!

I shrug and dismiss his comment, Yeah, whatever.

He continues, Seriously, I’m proud of you.

My face flushes, heat filling my cheeks, Thanks, Brett…that means a lot coming from you.

He squeezes me against him and smiles, Now, come on in and meet Mitch. I nod and the three of us walk into my office.

When Brett moves out of the way, I see Mitch standing behind him looking out the window. As he turns around, my heart starts to pound and my mouth involuntarily drops open before I can control it. Oh dear Lord, that’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen!

All I can manage to do is stand there awkwardly with my mouth hanging open, gazing at this perfect specimen of man.

Mitch seems to be several inches over six feet with wavy dark brown hair and a bit of gray mixed in, messy but stylish. The front is a little longer such that his bangs fall slightly into his eyes. His warm brown eyes are soulful and mischievous at the same time. He has a strong jaw and a slight cleft in his chin.

He grins as our eyes meet, revealing deep dimples. My stomach feels like it drops to my feet and my knees almost buckle. Noooo! Not dimples! Damn! I freaking love dimples.

He is wearing black jeans that hug the right spots perfectly, a white button-up shirt unbuttoned enough to reveal chest hair and a black blazer. Chest hair? Really? Come on!

Brett grins and says, Mitch, this is Jes. I think I close my mouth and attempt to smile, but I’m too dazed to tell.

Mitch, still grinning that damn grin, walks toward me and holds his hand out, Hi, Jes, it’s nice to finally meet you. I feel like I already know you.

Oh my gosh, I think he just shocked me! Like literally shocked me. Like BZZZZ! Shock! Struggling to find my voice, I manage a, Hi, Mitch. It’s nice to meet you, too.

He grins again and I swear his eyes twinkle. They freaking twinkle! My heart is beating so loud that I’m sure everyone in the room can hear it. That deep, sultry voice. Oh my gosh, look at those hands. Musician hands. Dammit!

I fidget with the awareness that I’m becoming uncomfortably warm in my nether regions. Breathe, Jes. He’s a musician, he’s totally off limits. I stare at him for a moment longer, until some of my wits come back to me. You talk to musicians all the time. Come on, Jes! I stumble, Uhhh, have a seat. Boy, that was a strong comeback.

His eyes never leaving me, he smiles. Thanks, he says as he sits his amazing butt in my guest chair. Crap! Stop thinking about his butt! I fidget awkwardly and look at the floor.

Brett breaks my stupidness by saying, Jes, I haven’t had a chance to tell you, but Mitch will be here with us indefinitely in Studio 1. He’s going to be writing and recording a new album. What? Dammit, Brett! You could tell me these things.

My head is reeling, but I manage to spit out, Oh, that’s awesome. I smile awkwardly, trying to breathe again as I look over at Mitch. He’s looking at me and grinning that damn grin. Those damn dimples are killing me! Stop smiling at me!

I swear it feels like he’s looking straight into my soul, and I know he can hear my heart pounding. My face has to be the color of the reddest apple based on the amount of heat radiating off of my face.

Without moving his eyes off of me, he says, Yeah, I’m really looking forward to it.

Brett turns to Mitch, So Mitch, Jes is the one who will be keeping your ass in line while you’re here.

Mitch grins at me again, That’s not at all unpleasant… Whaaaat? Oh crap! Breathe. I try to regain my composure, failing miserably.

Instinctively, I begin moving toward the door as I ask, Uh, does anyone want a beer? Feeling an overwhelming urge to run, I leave the room as quickly as possible.

I’ll go with you. Becca says as she follows.

Chapter 3

Mitch

Three airplanes, a long layover in Chicago and a ride from the airport with Becca, and I finally made it home to Atlanta. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back.

My name is Mitch Lansing, and Brett and I have practically been brothers since we were in middle school. Since I’m over 40 now, that’s been a long damn time!

It’s really good to be home and back to work making my own music in his studio.

First and foremost, I’m a musician. I’ve been in bands since I was sixteen but I gave that up years ago to become a producer. If you’re a musician, though, you know the need to make your own music never leaves your soul.

So here I am, home and about to make a new album. But I sure wasn’t expecting what just happened.

I’m flabbergasted right now, and that rarely happens to me!

My body is responding strangely to Jes, like all of my neurons are hypersensitive. I can’t stop smiling at her. She may be the cutest, sexiest woman I’ve ever seen! I can’t believe Brett never told me about her.

She looks really nervous, but that makes her even cuter. Maybe they never told her about me either.

I’m tremendously tired from the trip from London, but this shit just got real!

Searching my thoughts, I know that the prospect of seeing Jes every day makes me really excited. I’m already diggin’ being home!

I walk over to the door and look down the hall after Jes and Becca. They’re completely out of sight so I turn to Brett, Dude, in all the times we’ve talked about Jes and how amazing she is, you never once told me that she was drop dead gorgeous! You could’ve warned me.

Looking as though this never occurred to him, Brett replies, I see her every day, I guess I didn’t think about it. He thinks for a moment and grins, Is that going to be a problem?

I can’t help but grin, Well, I’m not sure. She could be a huge distraction for me!

I think about Jes for a moment and pose, So, do you think I might have a chance?

Surprise crosses Brett’s face before morphing into a grin. Ahhh, I see! Well, she’s not seeing anyone. He pauses as his expression becomes more serious, But you should know, she has sworn off musicians.

I grimace and feel my heart drop just a bit, Why?

Brett explains, Well, she works with them all day for one and…

I finish his thought, And she got fucked over by one, didn’t she?

He nods sadly, Yeah, she did. Pretty badly. She was married to one musician for years and then dated another musician and both of them fucked her over pretty bad. She’s put up some pretty high walls because of them.

Fury ignites in my gut and I growl, Assholes! Those guys give us all a bad name. I look down at the floor, absorbing what Brett just said before repeating, So do I have a chance with her? I’m not scared of a little work.

Brett squints tightly enough that his eyes almost shut, then grins and says, Give me a while to observe and I’ll let you know.

One brief nod and I reply, Okay. Fair enough!

Jes

Fight or flight kicks in with a vengeance as I sprint down the hall. Becca catches up to me. Jes, stop running!

I shake my head vehemently and don’t slow my gait until I reach the ladies’ bathroom. I lean over the sink, panting from the exertion. Holy crap, Becca!

What? Becca says and tries not to smile.

I blurt loudly, Where did he come from? My perfect man dot com?

In a calm, quite irritating voice, Becca replies,Jes, calm down.

Raising my voice again, I screech, Becca, you know he’s everything I find attractive rolled up into one man! I start to twirl my hair around my finger, trying to lessen the nervous energy. What am I supposed to do with that?

Suddenly, it feels as though something is squeezing my chest. Crap, I think I’m going to hyperventilate…

I lean over the sink and try to catch my breath. Becca puts her arms around my shoulders and instructs, Breathe, honey.

Through gritted teeth, I sputter, I’m trying…

Becca rubs my back, You have to calm down…take a deep breath.

I try but can only take in a shallow breath. My field of vision appears to shrink. Oh crap! I’m going to pass out!

I try to concentrate on Becca’s voice, Take another. This time, I’m able to completely fill my lungs. As I begin to calm, Becca says, Honey, look at me. She turns me around to face her. He’s just a man.

I bristle slightly at her statement, replying, He’s a musician! A beautiful, perfect, sexy damn musician. I can’t look at him all day for an indefinite period of time. You know that!

She chortles, I think he sorta likes you.

I stop breathing momentarily and stare at her, incredulous at her response. Shut up, Beks! I’m serious. This is one of those times that I’d really love to smack her!

Becca smiles and calmly says, Look, it’s going to be fine. You’ve got to get used to seeing him.

I glare at her and suppress one of those sarcastic mimics of what she just said. The swirl of emotions makes me unable to decide if I’m angry at the fact they didn’t warn me about Mitch or about my reaction to him.

I sigh deeply and glare at her.

Becca scowls and overly stressing each word, says, Jes, you…are…going…to…be…working…together. Do you get it? He’s not going away. So get your panties out of a wad! Now, let’s go get beers and get to know him. I think you’ll like him, he’s a great person.

My