"Yes, we're on our way.We'll be there in about an hour."
"Good.Okay.The rest of us will roll in about the same time.See you then."
She looked at Jami, then turned and pulled clothing from her top drawer to pack into her suitcase."Tony wanted to know if we're watching the press conference at the Barn."
Jami nodded, the smile on his face both sexy and irritating."Okay."
She finished packing her suitcase and closed it.She moved to the bathroom to gather her toiletries and packed them in her little toiletry bag.Taking a glance around the room, she took a breath and let it out slowly.Mostly to calm herself.This was a big step.She hadn't lived with a man for about fifteen years.That thought deflated her a bit.She'd been alone for fifteen years.That was sad.She'd dated, but nothing ever seemed to last.Her friends told her she was too fussy and chased men away.Their assessment was something she had to agree with.It was a fact.
Jami watched her quietly as she looked at him.She appreciated that he gave her the space she needed to think.“Let’s go see how she plans to control the narrative.”
He nodded and stood.Reaching for her suitcase, he grinned that grin.The one that helped him get his way."I'm ready."
Downstairs, the hum of voices drew her toward the café.Breakfast was being served, and she felt bad about not being able to eat right now, but they had a press conference to watch."Jami, if you want to grab something to eat, I'll take care of checking out."
"How about I grab something for the both of us?"
Her shoulders relaxed."Thank you."
He grinned and shook his head."It's all good, Carlene.I'll help take care of you; you help take care of me.We're a team, remember?"
"I remember."
He winked and started toward the breakfast area.Turning to the front desk, she handed the receptionist her credit card and waited for her receipt.Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at it briefly to see a text from Hart & The Hurricane's attorney.
Summit Sound is giving a press conference at ten.Will you be watching?
She responded quickly.
Yes, we will.
Good.I have the breach letter ready to go.I'll email it to you and Tony.
Thank you.
The clerk handed her a receipt, and she turned to find Jami walking toward her, two Styrofoam containers in one hand and her suitcase in the other."Ready?"
"I am."Her voice sounded much more confident than she felt; this was all beginning to settle into her bones, and the feeling wasn't as uncomfortable as she feared.
When they entered the Barn, the Summit logo appeared on the computer screen, and the band was gathered around it.Vivian walked up to the podium, composed and polished, every inch the executive she wanted the world to see.
“Thank you for coming.It pains me to tell you that Hart & The Hurricanes have violated their contractual obligations.”She looked around the room for effect.“Summit Entertainment will pursue all necessary legal action to protect its intellectual property.”
Carlene felt Jami tense beside her.She slipped her hand into his and kept her eyes on the screen.
Vivian’s tone softened with rehearsed disappointment.“We’ve always supported this band.We’re saddened by their decision to leverage a personal relationship for professional advantage.”
The caption beneath the footage readLove Affair Rocks the Industry.Carlene’s stomach tightened.
“She made me the story,” she breathed.
“You’re not,” Jami said, his jaw set.“You’re the truth she can’t stand.”
She believed him, but words couldn’t drown headlines.She needed a plan more than reassurance.
That would be the next step, a plan.
ChapterThirty-One
