“That was a damn good save,” Noah tells me as we make our way to the elevator at Hardin the next day. We have a meeting with my dad and brother and a few others from logistics. There’s a big signing coming up in Nashville and while that should be the focus, the only thing anyone is talking about today is the photo leak on the internet from yesterday.
“What was a good save?” I ask, raking my hand through my hair as the elevator door closes. I prefer to stay out of the media, out of the light, and out of breakroom conversation. But ever since Amanda got here and we made our little announcement, it’s been easier said than done. More like damn near impossible. Everyone wants to see who is marrying into the Hardin family. And the questions arising in the comment sections are less than savory.
Is he capable of love?
Is she pregnant?
Is she a gold digger?
I’ve always followed a strict rule: Don’t read the comments. I like to think Amanda is following this rule too.
“Don’t tell me that kiss was spontaneous. You did it to get ahead in the game,” Noah says.
“I did it to appease the paparazzi. She looked like a deer in the headlights. I hate the press. But good press is obviously better than bad.”
“Call it what you want but it saved your ass. And, it gave you an edge. Your brother has got to be shaking in his boots right now.”
We exit the elevator and I’m not going to lie. It had crossed my mind that Avery would see that kiss. It also crossed my mind that it would, as Noah put it, give me an edge. He may have more of a reputation for dating around than I do. But the women he goes out with also have reputations and the media knows that and rarely takes Avery’s ventures seriously.
Noah and I are the last to walk into the meeting room. My dad, Avery, Brendan from reliability, Dalton from logistics and Emily from HR.
“Well, if it isn’t the man of the hour,” Brendan grins. Emily cracks the smallest of smiles but other than that? It’s crickets. No one looks particularly happy.
“Let’s get this meeting started,” Hiram huffs. “My sinuses are flaring, and I have a splitting headache.”
“I agree,” Avery says, taking a sip of his coffee. “So, what are we opening with? Callum’s face littering the internet right now? That seems to be a juicy topic.”
“I was thinking Nashville,” Hiram says while popping a couple Dayquil. “Or did you all forget that we have a company to run? Tell me what I need to know.”
Noah as usual knows to take the conversational cues that Hiram is annoyed. Mostly with Avery and I but still. “Her name is January Parker. She’s a mix of Memphis blues and modern country. Her demos are catchy and edgy and–”
“When are we going to Nashville and how much is this going to cost me?” Hiram cuts to it.
“It’s a weekend trip,” Dalton says, pushing his always sliding glasses up the slope of his nose. “Her manager has it all set up. We go in for drinks, dinner, check out the studio.”
“It’s in the bag,” Noah cuts in. “This is more for PR than anything. We snag January Parker and launch a tour with say, Malina Mavis? It’s the catalyst for a whole new genre for Hardin.”
“Malina Mavis?” I ask. “She’s already been on tour this year.”
Noah holds up a hand. “Festivals. She’s done festivals. But word is she wants to go solo. We work with Davies Records, tell them we have an opener that is sure to fill the arenas, and we have our foot in the door.”
Hiram coughs and it’s obvious he doesn’t care about any of the details as long as the potential dollar signs are significantly higher than the current. “You boys know best. Work together to make it happen.”
His eyes flicker from mine to Avery’s, avoiding everyone else in the room, all the while saying the words his mouth didn’t.
“Speaking of working together,” Avery starts in, and I tighten my jaw. I knew he couldn't go one meeting without saying something. “I feel like Callum’s recent antics might be a little problematic for the face of Hardin.”
I lean back and cross my arms over my chest. “I don’t think you have room to talk considering every other day there’s a photo leak of you and a different woman.”
Avery leans in, his eyes hot on mine. “I have been dating Zoe exclusively for months now. Which if I had to guess is a lot longer than you’ve been with what’s her name.”
“This meeting is over.” Hiram says and everyone knows that as the cue to leave the room. Everyone but Avery and I. Noah closes the door on the way out and Avery turns to stand in front of me.
“I don’t know what you are trying to pull with all of this. But I see through it. And I’m sure our dad does too. Isn’t that right?”
He turns to look at our father who looks…tired. And annoyed.
“If you want to know what I think, it’s that both of you need to stop measuring your dicks and put your heads back into the business."
