Clayton tried not to stare at what appeared to be caterpillars along her lash lines. “Well, I don’t rightly know much about rock music, so we’re kind of even. Appreciate y’all inviting us today.”
“I didn’t invite Jamie. I invitedyou.” She sounded pissed in a way that confirmed his instincts were right.
“We’re a package deal, I’m afraid. Never had a song that’s gone viral before.”
Shelby rested her hands on her hips. “Good for you, Clayton.”
CHAPTER 9
JAMIE
Several weeks later Shorty summoned Jamie and Clayton to his office. The Bluebird video had amassed over five million views, their social media presence had exploded, and radio stations across the country were playing their single in heavy rotation. Jamie had more or less come to terms with it, though she still hated being labeled a country artist.
Jamie sat in a chair across from her manager, impatiently waiting for Clayton. “I’ve got shit to do,” she complained, examining her fingernails. They were ruined from too many shellac manicures, and she peeled off the polish instead of going to the salon and having them removed properly. “Can’t you tell me the news?”
Shorty had sent them a group text about an “amazing opportunity,” but she was doubtful if it involved Clayton Langley.
“Patience, my dear,” Shorty said. “He’s coming in from Franklin. It’s out in the sticks.”
“Country bumpkin.” She glanced over her shoulder as the sound of cowboy boots stopped at the door.
“Howdy, folks!” Clayton said, tipping the brim of his baseball cap. His stubble almost formed a beard, differentiating him from Derrick, who always maintained a clean shave.
“Finally!” Jamie glared at him from the corner of her eye.
“I’m on time,” Clayton said in his defense, glancing at his bare wrist.
Jamie pointed at her watch and turned her arm to show him. “Mickey says you’re five minutes late.”
“Mickey can shove it where the sun don’t shine,” Clayton said.
“Apologize to Mickey right now or—”
“Children!” Shorty said sharply. “Clayton, please have a seat.”
Clayton sat in the chair beside Jamie and she shifted her hips in the opposite direction, distancing herself as much as possible without losing her balance.
“I have great news.” Shorty leaned forward with his fingers interlaced and hands clasped. “The label wants to send you on a promotional tour for your new single.”
“I’m recording my album,” Jamie said.
“So am I.” Clayton turned to her and tipped his cap. “And I’m almost done, unlike yourself.”
It was no secret that she’d been struggling with her songs, and he damn well knew it.
“It’s just for a few days,” Shorty said, leaning back as he stroked his beard. “Up the coast—Atlanta, Raleigh, Washington, and New York.”
“Why that far north?” Clayton asked.
“Jamie’s got a lot of fans in Washington and New York—”
“DC,” she corrected him, then turned to Clayton. “I’ve got fans everywhere, unlike you.”
“Listen up,” Shorty said. “You’re going to New York because Rise & Shine Americainvited you on their program.”
“Rise & Shine America?” Clayton sounded impressed. “Even I know that’s the biggest morning show in the country.”
Shorty gestured toward the rock star. “Jamie’s played a few times. They love her there.” Jamie stuck out her tongue at Clayton. “It seems this promo tour is a good idea for both of you, and Mike wants you to do it.”
