“Well, first, it turns out that the client was none other than Sabel freaking Matthews!” I nearly stop breathing, and it’s followed by a too-long pause.
“Lo? Did you hear what I said?” she asks.
“Y-yeah.” I suck in a silent, deep breath. “What else did she say?” I need to know that Lydia isn’t in danger.
“She was talking about this huge show that Sonus Corp is planning with Reverb! Like, babe, I’m talkingstadiumshow. She said that the smaller venues aren’t going to cut it now that they’ve grown such a large fan base. She said that the next show will be unlike anything that anyone has ever seen before.” She sighs, like this news is music to her ears. “Then she startedyapping about an Eden something and saying that she thinks this show will be the pivotal moment for Reverb.”
“Eden … did she say frequency?” I press.
“I don’t know, maybe? I was checked out at that point. I mean, Lo, our boys have made it. This is seriously the best news. And I left out the best part.” There’s more? I don’t like this. Before I can ask her what other amazing news she wants to burden me with, she starts talking.
“We got VIP tickets, Lo. You are so fucking welcome,” she shrieks.VIP again? If Sabel invited her, then it must be to get to me. And that must mean that Sabel knows I’m still an outlier.Shit.
“You … did?” I ask, slightly terrified of actually having to attend this thing. I also find myself worrying about Van and what it could mean for him to have to play this show. What if he isn’t able to stop her in time? Why do Istillcare? Sometimes being this empathetic is a curse.
“Yes, because I am aboss babe. Aren’t you excited?” she asks.
I consider her question. Do I come out with hownotexcited I am now, or do I let this play out and hope that everything comes to light before the show?
“Yeah, of course I am,” I force a tone that doesn’t call me out as a liar. “Did Sabel say when it will be?” I ask.
“A couple of weeks. She said she was meeting with Reverb today, actually, to give them the good news.”
Good news? I force back a scoff. Lying to Lydia isn’t something that I enjoy doing, but when it’s for her benefit and her safety, I’d do it every single day.
“Great, can’t wait!” I exclaim. I need to change the subject, now. “Have you heard from Callum?”
She laughs. “Nope, I think I might have scared his broody ass into hiding.” She pauses. “Little does he know, I amso goodat seeking.”
I laugh. “Oh God, you aren’t going to chase him down and force him to be your boyfriend, are you?” I ask, jokingly.
“Who me? Never.”
“Lydia! You are going to traumatize him,” I say, laughing.
“Maybe he could benefit from a littletraumatizing,” she says mischievously.
“I am both fascinated and afraid, and I don’t want to know any of your plans. You and I both know I am shit at secrets, and I’m afraid I’d slip up and blab to Riven.”
“My lips are sealed, babe.” She pauses, and I hear a car engine starting. “I just left work, I’ll talk to you later, and you can catch me up on all things Mr. Naughty Professor.”
“Bye, Lydia,” I say, hanging up the phone.
I’m not sure what to do about this whole show ordeal. I pull up Van’s number not once, not twice, but three times before swiping it away and deciding it’s not a good idea to talk to him. If Lydia had her gossip correct, then Van already met with Sabel, and he knows about the show. I feel so helpless sitting back and waiting for the pieces to fall into place, but I don’t want to drag Van back into my drama. I’ll handle this on my own. I stand, shutting off the TV, and head toward the stairs. This situation calls for a long, hot bubble bath.
Once I’m upstairs and in the bathroom, my phone rings. I look down at it on the bathroom vanity and see “Unknown Caller.” I almost send it to voicemail before considering that it might be Sabel. I swallow, take a deep breath, and hit accept.
“This is Sloane Keenan,” I say.
“Ms. Keenan. Hello. This is Sabel Matthews with Sonus Corp. I got your message, and I’dloveto meet with you for an interview. How’s tomorrow at two pm sound? We can meet at Sonus Corp. I’ll shoot you an address after this call.” Her voiceis as I remember it, sophisticated with a hint of patronizing condescension.
“Yes, that time would be great. I’ll be there,” I confirm.
“I look forward to meeting with you,” she says before the line goes silent. A few seconds later, my phone dings with a text of the address.
Okay, then. See you tomorrow, Sabel Matthews.
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