Page 109 of True Abandon

I glance at the cable box to see the time. “Pretty soon. He went for drinks with the guys. It’s cute how they’re taken him under their wing.”

“They could be leaving him for dead in the Bay.”

“That, too. I’m holding out hope they’re just having drinks.” I unbutton my blazer. “My night was crazy. The hotel is swamped with record executives and music critics. There’s this up and coming artist there. He has a big concert tomorrow night so they’re all here to check out his music. It’s wild, but it’s exhausting.”

Kelli shakes her head. “I would feel sorry for you if I didn’t think you were going to get major tips on the tail end. Don’t forget to get an autograph from that musician. Better yet, steal something. It’ll be worth money.” She taps a finger to her lips and adds, “Strike that, give me the key. Maybe I’ll pay him a visit and get a little something-something for myself.”

I throw a pillow and her waggling eyebrows. She catches it and laughs into the pillow. My shoulders relax at our usual rapport back in action. The air in the apartment seems easier to breathe than it did minutes ago.

A knock on the door and ceases Kelli’s laughter.

“Jax!” I exclaim and climb over the couch. In nano seconds I’m at the door.

He’s still wearing his outfit from the wedding and has his phone in his hand.

“Who are you always texting?” I grab his phone and place it on the table next to mine and then grab his hand. He has his guitar case slung over his shoulder, a large duffle bag ontop of it and Olivia Benson’s cage in his other hand.

“Ella. She’s been demanding updates since I boarded a plane to get here.” He kicks the door closed with his heel as I pull him into the living room.

“Is that a pig?” Kelli’s mouth is open and her tongue is slightly out like she’s half dumbfounded and half disgusted.

“You won’t even know he’s here.” He gives Kelli’s stunned face a kiss hello as I continue to guide him into my room.

Once inside, we settle his suitcase against the side-wall, rest his guitar case on the ground and set Olivia Benson up on the lanai.

“How did it go?” I half ask, half exclaim. I’m kneeling on the bed in complete anticipation.

He toes off his sneakers and empties his pockets on my bedside table. “Drinks with the guys was good. Kal tells some pretty funny stories. Word has it you get pretty mouthy when you drink. Looks like I’m going to have to get you to start drinking rum.”

I swat him in the arm. “Not with them. With Asher!”

“Did you know his real name is Alexander Gutierrez. You should start calling him by the right name.”

“Ugh! Semantics. What did you two discuss?”

He stands there in complete silence. The suspense is absolutely killing me. grins. “He wants me to work for Black Dog Entertainment.”

I jump up and down and clap at the same time.

He continues, “He introduced me to Noah Kanë and we hit it off. He’s going to start working on his sophomore album next year. We kicked around some ideas so we may work together. Nothing in writing yet.”

I can’t contain my elation. I bounce on the bed making it squeak. Olivia Benson comes in, probably to see if there’s another pig in here. “This is great. What about False Accusations. Can you still work with them?”

“He’s really open to me keeping my prior commitments. Any new clients I take on moving forward would be through Black Dog and I’m considering it. I like the idea of working for one company and having a home base. Plus, the compensation he’s talking about is better than any other jobs I’ve been offered. He really cares about his artists.”

I throw my arms around his neck. Inhaling that warm scent of honey I melt into his embrace. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Proud of me? You got the interview. I haven’t decided anything yet so don’t get too excited.”

I hold myself arms length away from him. “Why wouldn’t you take the job?”

“I’m not going back to New York when you’re here, Trish.”

His sentiment is wildly endearing and I nearly fall backward on my bed at the way it makes me feel on the inside.

Loved.

Cherished.