“The video has blown the fuck up. Have you bothered to turn on a television while you’ve been home? Andrew Lane did an interview with MTV, all about how Kickstart is his new favorite band. ‘Candy Jar’ has been number one on Dial MTV ever since.”
My jaw drops as the news sinks in. The way the entertainment industry moves, that video should be old news by now. Andrew managed to breathe some life into the video Davey Revolver tried to kill. Dial MTV? Shit, Alvin and I used to call in to vote for videos after school all the time when we were teenagers. “Are you serious?”
“Don’t let it go to your head. Most of the chatter has revolved around how hot Mallory is and whether the two of you are a ‘real’ couple.”
“As opposed to a fake one?”
He snorts. “Yeah.” In a lower voice he adds. “Jacob’s not taking it well. The singer’s usually the one who gets all the attention.”
I roll my eyes. “What do you want me to do about it? I’m not fanning those flames. As you helpfully pointed out, I’m not even there.”
“Just passing along information.”
“How’s Val feel about all of this?” It’s been a while since I checked in with her, so it’s weird I haven’t gotten a “where the fuck are you” call.
He hesitates. “I don’t know.”
“Chaser!” my father yells. “Get your ass over here!”
“That the old man?” Alvin chuckles.
“Yeah, I gotta go. I’ll call you when we’re leaving.”
“Make it soon. The record company’s running out of patience. They want these demos finished. We’ve gone way over budget already.” He lowers his voice. “I told them you had a family emergency and that’s why you went home.”
“Thanks, brother. Appreciate that.”
“Tell your dad I said hi.”
“Will do. Hang in there. I’ll be back soon.”
“Who you callin’ brother?” my father asks when I hang up the phone.
“Alvin.”
He smirks. “How is that kid?”
“He’s the only sane one out of the four of us. He says hello, by the way.”
“Think he’s interested in slapping a patch on his back?” He turns and marches toward his office, expecting me to follow.
Out of my three bandmates, Alvin’s the only one who could probably handle club life. “Maybe. One day.”
My father closes the door behind us and points to the chair across from his desk. “Sit down.”
Wary of whatever’s on his mind, I take my seat. At least my odds of getting choked today should be low.
“Where you at?”
“Feel good. Better than I have in a while.”
“Tell me straight now. How’d Mallory do with her dad?”
My mouth pulls into a quick smile. “She did good. I was proud of her. I don’t think she’s ever spoken up for herself with him before.”
“She’s a sassy one.” He laughs. “Good for her. I’m sure DeLova was thrilled.”
“He was definitely surprised.”
“Where are you two at?”
I drum my fingers against the table, considering whether I should answer my father’s question honestly. I’m really not in the mood for him to try and talk me out of my future plans.
“She’s the one. I need more time sober under my belt and then I’m asking her to marry me.”
He absorbs the news slowly, sitting back in his chair, but keeping his eyes on me. “You move her out of that shitty apartment yet?”
I glance away. “Not yet. The guys are right downstairs, so it’s easy for us to collaborate. Mallory understands.”
“Just because she understands, doesn’t mean you should subject her to living in squalor. You got any idea the kind of home she probably grew up in?”
“That stuff doesn’t matter to her.” At least I don’t think it does. “She’s not materialistic at all.”
“It seems fun and romantic now, but eventually, it’ll wear on her.” His jaw ticks. “I don’t want to know how you got hooked on coke, but a change of environment now that you’re clean is in your best interest.”
If anyone else offered up so much advice on my living arrangements, I’d tell ‘em to fuck off by now. But the old man has a point. “I’ll look for a place when we get back.”
“Good. Got a ring?”
Okay, not the question I expected from him. “Uh, planning to stop over at the Treasure Box before we head back to L.A. Maybe put some money down if I find the right one.”
“Good. Bruce should be able to find whatever you want.”
“That was my thought.”
“Where you plannin’ on proposing?”
I run my hands through my hair. Really wasn’t expecting Dad to have so much interest in this subject, given his feelings about marriage, monogamy, and women in general. “I haven’t gotten that far yet. Maybe Niagara Falls?”
Pain slashes through his features. “I took your mother there for our honeymoon.”
Fuck, really? I search my brain, turning over memories I’ve buried for years. Did I know that? Is that what made me think it was a good idea? “I didn’t realize.”