Wreck the Halls: A Novel

Beat Dawkins and Melody Gallard are 16 when they meet at a television studio. Their mothers, Octavia Dawkins and Trina Gallard, used to play in the band Steel Birds together. Melody feels uncomfortable when she sees Beat for the first time. She’s wearing braces, while Beat looks handsome and confident. He also seems comfortable being in the spotlight. Melody has hated public attention since she was young.

Beat introduces himself to Melody, and they chat for a few minutes. They commiserate about the questions the paparazzi always ask them. They’re particularly tired of people asking about a Steel Birds reunion. Their mothers are enemies now, and Beat and Melody know they’ll never play together again. While talking, Melody can’t help but feel a connection with Beat. She feels silly about it, but Beat confirms that they have a bond. He reminds her that because they both have famous mothers, she can call him if she ever needs a friend. He hugs her and kisses her forehead before leaving to give an interview.