Levi tilts his head to the side. “Care to elaborate?”
I try to bite back a real, genuine smile as I pick my words very, very carefully. “I think it’s there, in the song. You just have to listen closely.”
“I see.” Levi turns his attention back to the console in front of him. “And of course, I have to ask, is this song evidence that you’re getting ready to launch your own solo career?”
A knock on the glass window grabs both of our attention. Kevin’s glare looks like it could burn two holes through the glass.
“Absolutely not,” I say quickly. “I still have lots more to do with Evergreene.”
“Even though Stephan is now expecting a baby with his girlfriend back home in England?” Levi slips in, ignoring a second tap from Kevin and another from his own producer. His tone is slimy and sneaky as he continues. “That must have been a blow for you, Cassie.”
“I’m here to talk about ‘What I Want,’” I remind Levi as calmly as I can. I don’t think Levi is a bad person or even a bad radio DJ. In fact, these questions sort of prove that he’s very good at his job of being a “shock jock,” I just wish I had it in me to silence him completely.
With a huff that I suspect is supposed to represent defeat but actually sounds incredibly smug, Levi flicks a switch, and the piano intro to our song starts. “Well, let’s listen to the song in question now, shall we? This is ‘What I Want’ by Cassie Everard and Pia Lindberg.”
“You did good,” Kevin says as he looks out of the window. We’re driving through Koreatown, towards West Hollywood where the launch party is being held in a bar on Santa Monica Boulevard. “And sales are looking good. Should be top ten. Possibly top five.”
I nod as I gaze out of my own window. But it’s all a blur. As are my feelings about where we’re headed.
“It’s a shame Pia couldn’t be with you for any of it, but maybe it was a blessing,” he says, and I finally turn my head. He pins me with a pointed look before adding, “You know what she’s like.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well…” He shifts in his seat, the leather squeaking underneath him. “She’s a bit of a loose cannon. Isn’t she? And with DJs like Levi Frasier that could easily backfire.”
“So, I’m the safe people-pleaser who can manage men’s prying? Got it.” I return my gaze to the world outside the limo window.
His silence tells me I’m right. It also tells me I was an idiot for thinking Pia would show for at least one of the interviews. That’s not what she does. She doesn’t do what she’s asked unless she wants to.And even though I was sure my Polaroid response to hers would get me some kind of reaction, some kind of contact, I was wrong. Wrong and so damn foolish.
“That’s not what I meant, Cassie,” he says and reaches out to touch my arm, which is not like him at all. By the time I’m looking at where his fingers brush my elbow, they’re gone. “I just … Like I’ve said before, this is a great opportunity for you to prove what you can do without Steph and the boys. I really do see a long and very successful solo career in your future.”
“Then why am I not allowed to talk about that?”
“Because … the label doesn’t need to know yet. Even with your break clause, let’s keep them happy for now. Besides, now’s not the right time. This year is tied up with the tour, and I think the right thing to do is give Haven one more album.”
“One more album,” I repeat softly. It sounds so simple and so impossible.
“I know you’ve been working on songs,” he says. “Clarence told me some of it’s really good too.”
I smile at that. “Clarence and I work well together.”
“Bringing him in was the best decision I’ve made,” Kevin says, and I give him a look. “We made. Right, thatwemade. He’s a voice of reason in the band.”
“So there’s just one?” I keep staring at him.
“Right,anothervoice of reason. Shit, sorry, I … Look, I’m nervous about tonight. I have it on good authority that all the Femme Fatale muppets are going to be there, and even though Melissa is apparently also coming, which should keep Stephan in line, I can’t help but worry the wheels will come off again.”
“Well, I guess it will sell more records.” I shrug.
“But it’s your night. You and Pia.”
I blink as those three words echo in my mind.Me and Pia. Me and Pia.
“You’re going soft in your old age.” I reach over to poke his arm.
“Maybe…” He sighs as the car rolls to a stop. “Or maybe I’ve just had enough of babysitting grown men who should know better.”
“You and me both,” I say, and I move to get out of the car.
