I barely manage a breath before she barrels on, full steam ahead.
“I called you forhours. Everyone was looking for you, and poof! You disappeared into thin air. Don’t think I didn’t clock your little gang helping you sneak out. Especially that tall blond one, gorgeous, but looked at me like he wanted to set me on fire.”
That’s it.
“You don’t get to talk about Remi like that.”
Dead silence.
I exhale and force myself to rein it in.
“Sorry for disappearing,” I say, my tone softer now. “I wasn’t feeling well. Migraine.”
“Mmm-hmm. That party waswork, Seb. Networking, PR, the boring stuff that pays the bills. You know who was there? Two of the Queen’s cousins!”
Of course.
“May, I said I wasn’t well. Can you stop yelling for, like… one second?”
She huffs, then exhales sharply.
“Fine. You’re right. But you scared the crap out of me, Ialmostcalled your parents.”
“What?! Please tell me you didn’t.”
“I didn’t, relax. Your friend, Annie? She said you left with the blond one…”
“Her name isAnne. Andhe’scalled Remi.”
“Okay, okay. Anne. Remi. She didn’t say much, but after seeing that little snack… well, I assumed you ditched me for a romantic rendezvous.”
God.
“Remi.Hisname is Remi.”
This is getting ridiculous. And while she’s not exactly wrong…
I’m not about to hand her ammunition.
“Anyway, sorry for ghosting you. I promise it won’t happen again.
Can we talk about theconcertnow?”
She sighs. “Fine. You were right. Scriabin worked. It was bold, personal, and everyone saw it. The reviews are glowing.”
“Wait, really?”
“Everywhere. And since I’m not a complete monster, I’m dropping my percentage like we agreed. I was wrong. I’ll admit it.”
I blink, surprised. “Wow. Thanks, May. That actually means a lot.”
“And Seb?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re not that kid I signed all those years ago. I see that now. I’ll try harder to listen.”
I smile, despite myself. “Then let’s be fair, start the new rate next month instead.”
