I can’t believe I’m related to my father. Is there any way I can trade half of my blood that has his DNA in it with someone else’s? Nope, probably not.
“X3, how are you guys doing?” Justin, our agent, says with excitement.
I want to tell him to take it down a notch, but I keep my mouth shut, knowing I’ll get scolded.
“We’re great,” Amelia answers for all of us. She scoots down into her chair and glances around the kitchen.
The tension is thick in the room. We all hate Dad. Even Mom has a frown on her face. She’s taking it out on that poor orange she’s squeezing to make fresh orange juice.
“Leonidas,” Dad says.
I turn my head slowly toward the screen and listen as best I can.
“How’s the writing?”
“Great,” I lie, and Elijah kicks my foot again.
I clear my throat and mutter, “Could be better.”
Justin and Dad lean back in their seats and cast each other concerned looks.
“The entire reason you’re there is to write—” Dad starts, but I interrupt.
“It doesn’t just come quickly. It takes time. I need motivation, and how can I get that in this small town?”
His fingers fold together, and his lips purse. “You really don’t have a choice, son. People are getting impatient, waiting for another album.”
I know my fans. Yes, they get impatient. But they can also be very understanding. We can always tell them we’re in the middle of writing. Saying that would make them thrilled and also give me more time to write.
“Don’t forget, we also need to record in the studio and make it perfect for the radio,” Justin says, looking down at his clipboard. “Call me right away when you’re finished. I’ve been taking care of your social media.” He pauses and snaps his fingers when he remembers a thought. “You have a radio interview next week. So, be ready for that. I’ll give you the list of questions that will be asked. I want you guys to answer them now, so you’ll be prepared.”
Casting another look at Dad, Justin clears his throat.
“We took it upon ourselves to decide that the three of you and the team will be traveling a lot once you come back to LA,” Dad informs. “To get more engagement and support, you’ll be having another international tour.”
I swallow hard at the initial shock. A flashback of all the tiredness I remember vividly clouds my mind. The constant rehearsals, meet and greets, interviews, and talk shows. Fuck me.
ELEVEN
TRINITY
Ihaven’t seen Leo in a week. I try to convince myself that his absence doesn’t bother me. But who am I kidding? I miss seeing his grumpy, handsome face. His white G-Wagon hasn’t left the driveway like it usually does on a regular basis. Maybe he left, and he isn’t here anymore? Although his entire family is still here, so I don’t think he would just leave without them. Would he? I really don’t know.
I miss seeing his muscular, tanned arms from my window. I’m still waiting for him to come up to me and ask about the book. How does he expect me to wait this long without reading on?
“They look rich,” Harper says from over my shoulder. Her eyes are trained on the triplets’ luxurious cars.
We’re both standing at the window, being creepers.
I nod in agreement. “They are rich. You should see the inside of their house. It’s unreal.”
“I wonder why they moved here.” She hums, biting her lip.
“I think they love the quiet lifestyle,” I muse and laugh.
Harper chuckles and hits my shoulder.
“It’s actually nice here,” she says and plops down onto my bed. Pulling the covers over her petite frame, she stuffs popcorn in her mouth. “I wish I could live here with you. It’s so peaceful here, the air is so clean, and you’re here.”
