Love at The Bluebird

“I’m beyond happy and grateful,” I say, nodding at Atticus. “Thank you,” I tell everyone, looking around the table. “I’m so thankful for you all and your hard work. Because of everyone, release day is going to be amazing.”

The album drops in three weeks, and it seems unreal that we’re finally so close. The conversation turns to discussing our schedule for publicity during the album’s release. Some of it requires out-of-town travel, and I make a mental note to ask Aly if she can get off work to join me for even part of it. A couple more pressing items are discussed and then the meeting wraps up, and everyone, including me, stands up to leave the conference room.

“Gavin, do you mind sticking around for a minute?” Atticus asks.

“Of course.” I sit back down and plaster a smile on my face, wondering why he wants to speak with me privately. When the last person shuts the door behind them, Atticus turns back toward me and smiles.

“Now that it’s just you and me, we can cut all the bullshit and be honest. Are you really happy at Charisma Records?” His smile is just as phony as he is, because I know he doesn’t care about my happiness. All he cares about is if he can make a profit off me and my music. Record companies shell out a lot of money on their artists, so I know the bottom line is all that matters to a man like Atticus Langston.

“I don’t bullshit people, Mr. Langston. If I had any issues, they would’ve been discussed already.” I look him straight in the eye so he can see I’m serious. “What’s the reasoning behind this question?”

“No reason, other than the fact that you’ve been spotted out publicly at numerous functions held by another record label. The rumor mill amongst our peers is beginning to turn. That is not the type of negative attention I want brought upon us.”

“If you’re referring to functions hosted by Big Little Music, then that’s only because my girlfriend works for them.” I grit my teeth in frustration, since he damn well knows the reasoning. It has only been a handful of outings, most of them not public, so who the fuck is telling him this shit?

“Ah, so you’re serious about the girl?” He gives me a doubtful look, and my hand fists in anger underneath the table.

Fuck, I hated this guy when I was dating his daughter… and I still hate him now.

“Her name is Alyson, and I’ve been serious about her from the moment I met her.”

He stares at me a moment longer before looking down and folding his hands. “I trust you, Gavin, because I know how appreciative you are for everything we’ve done for you. However, I don’t trust Kathleen Davidson. I have no doubt she’s plotting to try to steal you from us when your contract is up.”

“Well, then, I guess you’ll just have to make me an offer I can’t refuse.” I smile coldly at him and mimic his movements by folding my hands in front of me. Kathleen Davidson hasn’t said one word to me about joining Big Little Music. She’s been nothing but gracious and kind every time I’ve seen her. If I’m honest, I’ve enjoyed seeing how much she values her employees with the amount of employee appreciation functions she hosts, and since there were other spouses and partners at these events, it never seemed odd for me to attend with Aly.

Now that I think about this, the only thing that ever seemed odd is Aly’s reaction to Kathleen. She completely shuts down and barely looks at her when she’s approached us. When she does acknowledge Kathleen, her expression always holds a touch of wariness. I need to remember to ask Aly what’s up between them.

“We’ll worry about that when the time comes. All depends on sales, right?” He raises an eyebrow at me, and I agree with a nod. “Now, onto some other business. I want to rehire you to write for Tori.”

I chuckle softly, not believing how big this man’s balls really are. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Mr. Langston.”

He knows his daughter cheated behind my back. Seemed everyone knew except for me. The worst part about it all is that she won’t even admit to her wrongdoings and instead, she’s acted like the victim. Two weeks ago, she made the nominee luncheon almost unbearable. I would’ve walked out if it weren’t for Aly, who was bearing the brunt of it all. Thank God for Aly’s boss, Shane, who found more chairs to cram around the Big Little Music table for us to sit there during the event. I didn’t give a fuck about what people were saying that night. All I cared about was Aly and her feelings. She was more upset that Tori was ruining my big moment than she was about how Tori was treating her.