Starting from Scratch (Starting from 2)
“That’s what my dad thinks,” I replied unthinking. I cleared my throat before adding, “Zero is my priority and honestly, the animosity between you guys might be tough to overcome.”
“It’s not a problem on my side. The past is the past. I’ve apologized a hundred times. I’m not sure what else I can do. Justin is a stubborn fuck and Tegan is—whatever. This doesn’t have to go on forever. We can end the grudge BS and start over. I think we could actually help each other, ya know?”
I did too. In fact, my brain went into overdrive. I could build an empire based on their combined raw talent. Healthy competition might work in their favor if we controlled the message.
“Maybe so,” I replied thoughtfully. “I’ll be in touch.”
I hung up with Declan, flipped open my laptop, and outlined a few ideas to implement in my business plan for Zero and the prospective label. I squeaked when I noticed the time and scared my poor cat. I quickly fed Caprice, then scrolled for the contact info I’d input earlier and pushed Send before hurrying to my car.
“ ’Lo,” a gruff voice answered.
“Hello, Ed. This is Charlie Rourke. You might not remember my name, but we’ve met at a couple of Zero shows. I’m the short blond with—”
“With the big mouth,” he finished. “Yeah, I know you. How’d you get my number?”
“From your friends at Sandstone. I did a little detective work when I figured out you’re Nelson Cormer and…” I paused for a dramatic effect. “You’re Ky’s father.”
“Congratulations. Well done, Inspector Gadget,” he snarked. “You want a medal or something?”
“No, I want to know what you’re doing. Why are trying to sabotage him?”
“I’m not sabotaging anything. I’m teaching him an invaluable life lesson. Not everyone’s gonna like what you do. Get tough. Stay tough.”
I slowed behind a Suburban and furrowed my brow. “What kind of crap is that? You’re his dad. You’re supposed to support him. That’s what parents do.”
“No, they teach.”
“Not by being an asshole,” I retorted. “That’s a pretty elaborate scheme too. Pulling in favors from friends, talking up the competition in a music blog…why did you keep coming to Zero’s shows if you thought they sucked? Why not write about Declan and piss everyone off that way?”
“I did, but he doesn’t have much material. The kid’s not ready for prime time.”
“He will be when I’m done with him.”
“Are you representing him too or just fucking him on the side? Does Ky know about it? I’ve heard you two are sweethearts…or whatever queers call it.”
“Who told you that?”
“I’ve seen you moonin’ at him onstage, but if I had any doubts, my ex-wife confirmed it,” he huffed sarcastically.
“Mona? Oh. Right. We met at dinner and—she told us you were terminally ill. I’m so sorry. I really am. But I guess that makes it harder for me to understand why you’re trying to hurt Ky.” I pulled to the curb a block away from my dad’s house and glared at the screen on my console.
“Christ, I’m not terminally ill. Where’d you get that?”
My forehead creased so hard that my head ached. “Mona said you had cancer. She also said there was a chance you were lying, but why would you lie about—”
“I’m fine. I’m gonna live another twenty-five years. But in case it’s less, I’m not leaving a legacy of bullshit behind me,” he replied gruffly.
“So you just wanted his attention? That’s…despicable.”
“Hey. Don’t get high and mighty with me. I’m trying to help here.”
“By lying?”
“Ky has no shot in the music business. He picked up the bass to be a rebellious shit. I get it. I was a dick. But I’ve learned my lessons. The thing you love the most will tear you to pieces if you’re not careful. Music is a fickle lady. You love her, she tells you she loves you too, then she stabs you in the fuckin’ back. By all means, fuck her. But don’t let her fuck you. It’s not a one-night stand, it’s a life sentence of getting led around by the short hairs and having your dreams crushed. Night after night. Year after year. Ky’s in the wrong business. He needs somethin’ safe and reliable. And he needs a girlfriend…not a boy toy. He won’t talk to me. He doesn’t listen anyway. So I’m showin’ him. He’ll get the picture eventually.”
Wow. That was…awful. I didn’t think I’d ever spoken to a more odious person in my life.
“You’re jealous,” I said. “You’re not trying to save him from anything. You don’t want him to be better than you. You hate the idea that he might be successful doing something he loves. And that he has people in his life who genuinely love him. You’re a real asshole, Ed.”
He chuckled. “Why, thank you. And you’re a spoiled little shit. I know who you are, Charlie. I know who your dad is. You don’t love Ky. You love the idea of what he can do for you. Grow up, kid. I know your type. Something tells me you’re as big of a shark as your dear ol’ dad.”