*****
He’s not going to be happy, but I don’t think I can do it. This is their shot, their work, their tour. I can’t bring drama. I need to talk to him now before I change my mind. Declan is looking over notes on the tour when I sit next to him.
“Dec, we need to talk.”
“That doesn’t sound good.”
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea for me to join you guys this summer. You know I’ll come whenever you want me, but with this recent article, I’m scared I’ll hurt you guys.”
“Really, Raven? You think I’m going without you?”
“You have to!”
“Nope, you’re going and you’re gonna be our manager.”
“Why aren’t you listening to me? I can’t–”
“Come with me.” He interrupts and yanks me to my feet. I follow him to our guest room, and he pulls out a box of small notebooks from the closet.
“What is that?”
“Those are the letters I wrote to you last year. Some books have song lyrics in them, but mostly they’re to you.”
“Why didn’t you show them to me before now?”
“Because I’m a pussy. When we got back home, I had other things on my mind. Namely getting that ring back on your finger. I didn’t want to go back to the dark place I was. We had said no more apologies and no looking back, so I didn’t mention them again.”
“But why now?”
“Because you are the most important thing in my life, and you need to know I can’t go to that dark place again. Someone chose to invade our lives and bring up things that hurt us both. I will figure that out. I need you with me, and you need to be our manager. We trust you one-hundred percent, and you’ve never let us down. Please, don’t say no.”
“I need more time. I’m confused.”
“‘Bout what?”
“Two days ago we were thrown for a loop. People hate me; Sayge fans are raging on the internet, and I have security walking me to class. I need to know this is the right thing for you!”
“Oh baby, you never really had a choice. It wasn’t a yes or no answer. You’re a smart girl that had taken note of what we need. You care about us and our success. You are it, so just say yes.” He starts kissing down my neck and squeezes my ass. I try to argue, but my body betrays me.
“Yes.”
The smile on his face melts my heart. His eyes are shining with happiness. “You’ll do it?”
“I’ll be like y’all’s personal assistant right?”
“You better not be anyone’s personal assistant but mine. Those fuckers think differently, I’ll beat them.”
“Shut up, really, what would I do?”
“Well, Amber will focus mostly on other MJ clients and you will take over our PR, schedules, and appearances. You’ll still be in charge of the social aspects unless you don’t have time. We’ll be on the road a lot so we can do call-in shows a few days a week to promote the concerts. Jay will work with you too.”
The thought excites me. I’ve enjoyed learning more about the music industry the last few months. Then it hits me, I’ll be in charge. These guys will have to listen to me. For the first time in three days, I smile.
Chapter 44
Pleasure Party
“Sparkle, my sisters called and said you need to be there by five thirty. I’m going to drive you.” Declan comes into our bedroom as I look through my outfit choices for the night.