“Excuse me? Are you implying something else here?”
She holds her hands up, “I’m just saying it’s all a little suspect.”
“Bloody unbelievable,” I mumble, looking over to Tommy.
“And you’re just as bad with her little friend,” Dani says to Tommy. “I bet those two think they’ve struck gold.”
“Jesus, Dani. You need to chill,” Tommy says.
“I’m just giving you a friendly warning. I’ve seen it all before, and at this point in your career, you’d be better off with no hangers-on.”
“That’s enough, Dani. Cal isn’t the person you think she is. You have no idea of our history.”
“Okay then, how will your precious Calla feel once you’re out of her sight. She’s not the only girl on the planet. As I said, you have your needs?—”
“Stop right there.” I fist my hands at my side, determined she won’t get the better of me.
“I’m just trying to save you from heartache down the line.” She raises her brow. “It wouldn’t be forever sweets, just a few years, until you’re more established.”
“Whoa, what?” Did she just say that?
“We’re investing a lot of time and money in this band Ash, and we need to see a return. The music business is a rat-race and not easy. I need every member of the band fully focused on the music. Look at this from a purely business perspective. We have an album to make, a tour to organise, appearances to fulfil. It all takes time to build up your profile. Our PR team is amazing, but they’re not magicians. We can’t do everything without your full co-operation.”
The tips of my fingers smooth over my forehead, glancing at Tommy. He could have the same thing on his mind, but I’m unsure where he and Angie stand. He’s been seeing her a fair bit since they hooked up at the Black Pearl. That alone is pretty out there for Tommy. I’ve never seen him with the same girl twice.
“So, let me get this straight, this is a suggestion, not a condition,” Tommy asks because we have to take this crazyshit seriously. We may never have this kind of opportunity again.
“Of course, sweetie. It would be completely unreasonable of us to do such a thing, but we’re already well behind where we want to be with the band. I’m just suggesting a way to free yourself of any ties if that’s what you decide. It’s your call, but I can’t have any more pussyfooting around. We’ve got a lot of work to do, without interruptions I might add, and I only have so much patience.”
Fuck. No more Miss ‘nice’ Dani.
I glance at Tommy again, “And your dad agrees with you?”
“Not exactly, no.”
Her response makes a difference, to me at least. “Have you even talked it over with him?”
“Not yet, but to be honest, I’m doing what’s best for you as a band. Believe me.”
Dani has seen me with Calla only a few times, but it must be obvious she means something to me. Is Calla the real reason for pulling this move? Doesn’t she trust me to focus on the band if I have a girlfriend? As far as I’m concerned, it’s a crock of shit. I stand firm when I tell her, “I’m not giving Calla up, Dani. End of.”
I look to Tommy, but he’s looking down at his feet, not meeting anyone’s eyes.
“Fine,” Dani snaps. “But you better warn her, she isn’t your top priority.” She huffs, folding her arms. “And what about you, Tommy?”
“Hey, my thing with Angie isn’t serious. I’m sure she’ll be cool.”
“What sort of answer is that?” Dani sighs.
“It means my heart and soul is in this band, and I know the same goes for Ash. Right man?”
“You know it,” I tell him.
“If you’re as committed as you say, we should bring the signing forward. I can’t afford to lose any more time.” Dani grunts.
“As soon as our solicitor has looked over the contract, we’re yours, but we won’t physically sign until he’s checked the small print. I don’t want you putting this shit in our contract.”
“Don’t think about going back on your word just because there’s nothing in black and white, Ash. I need your commitment on this, and if you don’t make your mind up soon, we can drop you just as quickly as we picked you up.”
