He fell onto the large bed in his suite and was asleep within minutes. When he woke up, several hours later, he drank a large bottle of lukewarm water, made himself some tea, and went down to the fitness center for an easy workout.
When he was back in his room, he was about to shower when his phone rang. He saw that it was Ariadne, so he answered immediately.
“Hey,” he said. “Sorry, I haven’t called yet. How are you?”
“I’m okay,” she said, which wasn’t usual for her. Normally, she seemed bright and happy, but he could tell by the tone of her voice that something was wrong.
He sat on the bed. “You said you wanted to talk about something or needed advice. What’s up?”
She was silent for a moment on the other end of the call. “Keep this between us, okay?”
“Of course.” He was starting to feel nervous.
“It’s about Troy.”
“Your producer?”
“Yeah.” She gave a shaky sigh.
Joel sat up a bit straighter. “Ari, are you okay? Are you safe? Has he hurt you?” Joel had been lucky to never deal with any abuse within the industry, at least of the physical or sexual kind, though he’d dealt with his fair share of predatory business techniques, especially when he was in his teens. Ariadne was one of the most famous singers in modern American pop music, but the men in the entertainment industry liked power, and they liked to try to hold that power over powerful women.
“He hasn’t hurt me, not physically or sexually,” Ariadne said. “He’s never laid a hand on me. But I don’t feel safe with him. He’s manipulative and takes advantage of me and my music.”
She sighed. “I was so young when I signed my contract, and I didn’t know what I was doing. My parents didn’t, either, and I’ve been locked into that contract for ten years. I want out. Ineedout. He’s controlling and demanding. He says he created me and that I owe him everything.”
“He’s full of himself, and that’s a load of bullshit. You oweyourselfeverything.” Joel took a breath to control his temper. “Whatever you need, I’m here for you. Just say the word. I’ll even ask Shivonne to help if you need it.”
“Thank you. Don’t say anything to her yet. I’ve got some thinking to do, and I’m probably going to talk to my lawyers.”
“Good. And if you ever feel physically unsafe, you can stay at my place in LA. I’ll even hire security, if you want.”
“I can afford my own security, but thank you.”
They talked for a few more minutes, about his tour and about the album she was recording, and he worried about her the entire time.
The Philadelphia concerts were just as good as the Boston concerts, and the New York concerts before them, though the energy in the stadium wasn’t the same as that first night in Boston. Joel wasn’t sure anything would compare to it.
He still felt bad about his original motivation for inviting Quentin on stage, but he was glad he’d done it. Quentin had risen to the occasion and put Joel in his place at the same time, and Joel hoped they could maybe be friends. He was starting to see Quentin in a different light, and when he was at his hotel, he watched some of Quentin’s hockey games on his TV.
Quentin was a magnificent player. Joel knew nothing about hockey, but even he could see Quentin’s talent. He looked as at home on the ice as Joel felt on the stage. There was something so beautiful about watching someone do something they were good at and passionate about.
He would be seeing Quentin again sooner than expected. After the Philadelphia concerts, Joel flew on a private plane to New York City, where they would be appearing onRise and Shine Americatogether.
When he’d first met Quentin, if he’d been told he had to appear on the most famous morning show in America with the hockey player, he would’ve done anything to get out of it. But now, he felt differently. Now, he didn’t mind. Now, he was almost looking forward to it.
Chapter 10
Quentin & Joel
Rise and Shine America was perhaps the most popular morning show in the country. Every day, the hosts, Marianne Flanders and Arash Tehrani, shared human interest stories, interviewed celebrities, promoted their book club, and talked in a pleasant way about the current state of the world. They were comfortable and kind, and attractive, and were like America’s mom and dad.
“The two of you have maybe one of the most surprising celebrity friendships we’ve seen recently,” Marianne Flanders said to Quentin and Joel that morning onRise and Shine America.
Marianne had sleek blonde hair and large blue eyes, an all-American face, and a sharp interviewing sensibility. She might work on a morning show, but Quentin recognized that she took her job seriously and knew that even if some people called her style of journalism “fluff,” it was still important.
Joel, sitting on a soft yellow couch next to Quentin, looking completely at ease, laughed comfortably at Marianne’s observation. “Why do you say that?”
Quentin had gotten to New York very late last night after taking a flight from Detroit, where the Minutemen had played a game against the Detroit Motors, and defeated them 2-1. He was very tired.
