Page 30 of All Tied Down

EMERSON: We’ve been in the car for five minutes so 10/10

OAKEY: Cute

OAKEY: We want him to do well—take him to get coffee or something today

EMERSON: Let me see if I can fit that in between all 7897897 things I need to do today

OAKEY: It’s important for him and your image

EMERSON: I literally have people who get me coffee and that’s not me being a bitch

EMERSON: I’m most productive in my office or somewhere in the building and now with commuting…

OAKEY: Do it for me

I’m about to respond something snarky but pause, my fingers hovering above the screen as I replay Garrett’s words from the night before.

EMERSON: How about a trade?

OAKEY: Sure, let’s pretend I’m going to agree to that

EMERSON: I’m buying you the tackiest Christmas present I can find

OAKEY: Can’t wait

OAKEY: Anyway…

EMERSON: Have you dug into Darren Waite at all? Garrett’s lead guitarist?

OAKEY: It’s like you don’t know me at all

OAKEY: Roan and I talked after our first little sit-down—he won’t pull the trigger on severing ties between Darren and Descending North until Garrett is ready

My heart squeezes in my chest knowing Garrett is struggling with what the band’s future will look like. But I’m glad preparations are already underway. Garrett’s heart is so much softer than mine, and I like that about him.

Usually.

But right now I wish I could cut the cord for him and be rid of Darren sooner rather than later. Patience has never really been my thing—Isla and I have always had that in common.

EMERSON: Good.

OAKEY: Are you worried about something specific?

EMERSON: No, I just want to cut his balls off and be done with it

EMERSON: Figuratively of course

OAKEY: Naturally

EMERSON: Who did you assign to Garrett?

OAKEY: Jace

EMERSON: Really?

OAKEY: Yes

EMERSON: Huh