I looked to Everett who was gazing at the file with a grim frown. His lips pursed to the side before he glanced up at me then slowly tracked his eyes to Caris. Her angular face was highlighted by her threatening expression, but the big-boss seemed completely unfazed as he flipped the file closed.
“Well? Get on with it.” Caris tipped her head at me. “I’ve got an album to finish recording.”
Everett took a slow breath in through his nose and tapped his finger on the top of the file. “I’m sorry to inform you…” He gazed at me and my gut sank.
Great. So standing up for myself and my ideals was complete horseshit then. I lost the girl and my job.
“That I will not be firing my best manager. The way he has handled all your messes is well above and beyond the call of duty. You want to sue my company?” He stood, pressing his fingers into the table and leaning over her. “You go right ahead. As of now, you no longer have a contract with Torrence Records.”
Caris shrunk away from him with a small gasp.
Her mother’s chest puffed out as she tried to counter the intimidating man. “You can’t—”
“Ma’am! I wouldn’t say anything if I were you.” He buttoned his jacket and pulled it straight then looked to his lawyer. “Get this finalized for me, will you? I want the paperwork completed by the end of the week.”
“You got it.” Clay and Justin started scribbling notes as Everett walked from the room. Just before leaving, he turned and gave me a subtle wink. My face bloomed with a smile before I could stop it.
*****
Kelly stepped into my office. Since our final fight, she’d gone into professional mode. We only spoke about work and kept our sentences short and clipped. As triumphant as my Tuesday meeting had been, the rest of the week had been total crap.
Finalizing Caris’s dramatic exit from the company turned out to be hours of paperwork, which I had to meticulously read and sign. Her being in major breach of contract had been great for us, but it didn’t stop us from having to cross every T and dot every I. We had to sew everything up tight so that if she did sue, we were ready for her. That had been a time and brain suck, leaving me with no spare energy to deal with my Kelly issue.
I’d let her go and it hurt like nothing else, but I couldn’t bend.
I wouldn’t be her love affair. I wanted more. I’d always wanted more from her, and this time I was willing to hold out for it.
Her smile was tight and sad as she walked to my desk. She stopped short when she heard the song playing softly out of my speakers, “Let Her Go.” It was a haunting version by Jasmine Thompson and, for some warped reason, I’d been listening to it a lot. It was so freaking sad. I didn’t know why I tortured myself, but it kept coming up on shuffle play then getting stuck in my head, so I had to listen to it over and over until I thought I’d drown in the melody.
She cleared her throat and gripped her hands together. “Is there anything else you need before I leave?”
I looked at my computer screen to check the time—11:25 a.m.—then frowned at her.
“I have a wedding.” Her smile was weak and unenthusiastic. “I have to be there. Bryce gave me permission, but he’s not here right now. If it’s okay with you, I’m going to sneak away at midday so I can get ready and be there for the three o’clock start.”
“Family wedding?”
Her skin blanched and she swallowed. “Something like that.”
“Weird that it’s on a weekday.”
She shrugged. “It’s Valentine’s Day.”
“Of course it is.” I’d been walking past the cacophony of red all week, trying to ignore the love hearts and roses.
I pulled off my reading glasses and looked at her, drinking in her stunning face and wishing she’d ask me to go with her. I’d say yes in a heartbeat. It was all she’d have to say and I’d be hers forever.
But she wouldn’t ask.
She wouldn’t let me in, so I had to force my lips together to stop any kind of sentiment spewing out of them.
Wriggling in my seat, I slipped my glasses back on and gazed at my computer screen. “I don’t need anything. You head off when you’re ready. Hope you have a good time.”
“Thanks,” she whispered.
I couldn’t watch her leave, but as soon as the door clicked shut, I threw off my glasses and slammed back into my seat. The music was still wafting around me, a sad, melancholy reminder that I was a stubborn idiot and my high school self would be absolutely horrified by my behavior.
Chapter Forty-Six
Kelly
The cathedral was cool and drafty. It didn’t help that LA had put on a blustery day. Red, heart-shaped balloons had blown past me as I stepped onto the street and clipped up the concrete steps. I was in the strapless dress Mom had chosen weeks ago. It was a long, luscious wine-red number that hugged my torso so damn tight I could barely breathe, then at mid-thigh fell in waves of fabric that floated down to my ankles. I had sticky tape on my breasts, holding the fabric in place and making me look perfect…just the way my mother wanted.
I walked into the stunning church, gazing up at the intricately carved pillars to the high ceiling. The cavernous building smelled like roses. The wedding designers had decked out the space in extravagant blooms of red and white.
A camera clicked behind me, and I did a double-take over my shoulder when I spotted Charlie. I grinned and she snapped my image again. Mom had mentioned Charlie volunteered to take some photos at the wedding. She was mortified that her niece had boldly approached Evangeline’s parents at the party to offer, but Evangeline’s mom had been taken with my quirky cousin and said yes on the spot.
It was pretty impossible not to love Charlie.
Holding the camera against her shoulder, she looked me up and down.
“Okay, I’ve totally heard of spank me jeans, but never a spank me dress. Hot damn, woman, that thing looks so good on you. I just want to give that tushy a tap.”
It was impossible not to laugh. I loved Charlie. She could always make me smile…just like Marcus could.
I ran a hand down my stomach and pulled a face.
She giggled. “The things we do for hotness, right?”
I ran my eyes down her burnt-orange dress, mismatched with a pair of knee-high boots with big silver buckles. My mother would die if I walked out of the house like that. Charlie got away with it, though, because she was, well…Charlie. She had a multicolored scarf holding her hair in a reckless knot at the back. The silky strands rested on her shoulder, one of them tangled within her spiral earring. I reached forward to correct it.
“I want to grow up to look just like you.” She sniffed. “Ooo, and smell just like you, too.”
I stepped back with a doleful smirk. “You don’t want to be like me, Charlie.”
“When you find your happy, I will.”
Her statement stumped me, so I let out a confused chuckle. “I am happy.”
“No you’re not.” Her nose wrinkled.
I sputtered a couple of times then eventually sighed. “Okay fine, so how do I find my happy?”
A dimple scored her right cheek as she gave me her classic half-smile. “You stop worrying about what everyone else thinks and listen to your heart. It gives you the freedom to go after the things that really matter to you. Totally works for me.” She winked and turned at the sound of her name. Scampering through the incoming guests, Charlie headed to the door to snap shots of the arriving groom and his men. I stood in my place, the air in my lungs stale and thick as I tried to figure out what my happy looked like.
The truth was, I knew…I was just too afraid to stop worrying about what everyone else thought.
“Kelly, what are you doing just standing there?” Mom bustled up behind me in her ankle-length chiffon dress, flicking her gloved hand for me to follow her. I shuffled down the aisle as she prattled on. “Asher just called me to say he’s standing outside your apartment ready to collect you and you’re not there. You were supposed to c
ome together. That was the whole point!”
“I decided to come on my own,” I mumbled, still dazed by Charlie’s simple comments.
“I don’t know what is wrong with you at the moment. I set up everything to work perfectly, and you will not comply. Honestly, Kelly. Asher is the perfect match for you, why are you being so reticent?”
“He’s not my perfect match,” I countered softly.
Mom sighed and gave me a sympathetic arm squeeze. “I understand today is hard for you. I wouldn’t want to see my ex getting married either, which is why I was trying to soften the blow by providing someone for you.”
I wriggled out of her grasp. “You don’t need to do that.”
“Well, it’s not like you’re finding anyone on your own.” She bulged her eyes at Dad, who was sitting there quietly assessing my outfit. I could tell by the slight smirk that he was happy with the design but may have gone for a different hairstyle.
I stepped back from both my parents, their judgment feeling like a ten-ton wrecking ball. It pissed me off, so I let out a huff and snapped, “But I did find someone.”
“Excuse me?” Mom placed her gloved hand on her hip and looked at me. “You asked someone to come with you and they said no?”
I shook my head, suddenly realizing that Marcus never would have denied me. I could have asked him to walk through fire and he would have. All he wanted me to do was claim him, that’s it, and he’d do anything for me. He’d love me through my bullshit and kiss me when I was sick. He’d listen to me rant and yell then try to make me laugh with some ridiculous game or joke. He hadn’t met my parents yet, but he’d stand his ground and do whatever it took to be with me…if I was only willing to stand with him.
My eyes glassed with tears as a goofy smile spread across my lips.
“Kelly, stop grinning like a chimp, you look ridiculous.” Mom squeezed my wrist then saw someone over my shoulder. “Oh, here comes Fletcher. He’s just noticed you…and he looks like he’s drooling.” Mom’s smug smile made her lips purse into a repulsive kind of duck face. Her cheekbones protruded more than usual, and for the first time in my entire life, I saw all the way through her veneer and spotted the arrogant, uppity woman she thrived on being.
I snatched my wrist back and shook my head. “I don’t care. He can look all he likes. He can be jealous or nonchalant, I no longer give a shit!”
“Kelly,” Mom hissed, looking around her before whispering, “Mind your language.”
“I don’t want him. I don’t want Asher. I just…” I huffed and looked between my parents. “I want Marcus.”
“Who?” My father frowned.
I looked to the ceiling, willing my racing heart to slow down enough to let me speak the truth. Sucking in a quick breath, I let it whoosh out my lungs before saying, “He’s not the man of my dreams. He’s not even a guy I ever thought I’d end up with, but he’s perfect.” I swooned, placing a hand on my chest as images of our time together flashed through my mind like treasured photographs.
“Kelly, what are talking about?” Mom’s sharp voice made my eyes snap back to hers.
I shot her another goofy smile and gathered up the front of my dress. “I have to go.”
“What!” Mom tried to snatch my arm as I turned, but I shook her off and started running for the entrance. “Kelly!” she called after me.
I brushed past Fletcher, ignoring his flirty greeting and scampering out of the church before anyone could stop me. My dress floated out behind me as I skipped across the road, nearly giggling with excitement as I raced to Torrence Records, hoping I hadn’t missed the chance to claim the only man I wanted.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Marcus
Everett sat opposite me, his broad shoulders making him look like a defensive lineman. In spite of the fact he stood up for me with Caris, he still intimidated the hell out of me. I felt like a pipsqueak sitting on the couch across from him and trying on my best smile to a potential Torrence artist.
Maverick Glade.
He was a singer/songwriter who looked like Dean Martin and sang like Johnny Cash. He wasn’t the style Torrence usually went for, but his super-hot looks had girls across the nation swooning, and the YouTube channel he started up six months ago had gone viral. It was called Just A Man and His Guitar. The ladies couldn’t get enough of it.
A Torrence exec spotted him a few months back and had been tracking his progress. When rumors started circulating that he’d had offers from other record companies, Everett jumped on it immediately. He was looking at me to manage the guy. I hoped it would be an easier task than Caris, because I had some major redeeming to do.
Everett’s thumb twitched on the armrest. “So, what do you think, Maverick? I can guarantee Marcus would take good care of you. He’s one of the best managers we’ve got.”
A languid smile pulled the right side of Maverick’s mouth up, but he didn’t say anything. With offers coming in from all sides, he had the luxury to choose, and Everett hated being in that position. He wouldn’t want to pander like he had done with Caris, but a big client like this would make up for the Caris windfall.
I eyed them both carefully, wondering what his final decision would be. Maverick pursed his lips and was reaching for the contract again when my office door flew open.
“Marcus, I…” Kelly gasped and stopped in the doorway.
My mouth dropped open. She looked incredible, like she belonged on the red carpet at the Oscars or the cover of Vogue. That silk dress with her sultry red lips and those eyes looking straight at me.
I rose from the couch, drawn by some magnetic force. Her gaze held me in place, and all I could do was stare at her. There was something about her expression that told me what she had to say was vitally important. I didn’t want to miss a word of it.
Everett cleared his throat. Kelly and I both flinched at the sound. I glanced down to see my boss tipping his head at the door with an annoyed scowl.
“Um…” I smoothed down my tie.
“Sorry to interrupt.” Kelly smiled at the two men opposite me, her eyes flashing with embarrassment when she noticed Everett Torrence sitting in my office. Yes, it never happened, but after I’d given Maverick a tour of the building, Everett had been waiting for us in my space. I still hadn’t figured out why.
The two men nodded at Kelly, their eyes traveling down her body with appreciation. It was impossible not to check her out—she was drool-worthy in that dress.
“No problem.” I smiled, my gaze flicking over the two men as I strove to be professional. “I don’t actually need you for anything right now, so why don’t we catch up after this meeting.”
Kelly’s head bobbed. “Okay, sure. I’ll just…” Her sigh was soft, more like a shudder, as she turned out the door, but then she paused and spun back. Pressing her lips together, she looked at Everett. Uncertainty washed over her expression, but it was swept away when her eyebrows pulled together and she looked right at me. “Actually, you know what? I can’t. I’m sorry to disturb…” She smiled at Maverick then pointed to me. “But I have something really important that I need to tell this man and it can’t wait, because he does need me.” Her eyes flicked to mine. The slick sheen coating them hit me right in the heart. “You need me…just as much as I need you. And I’m sorry I wasn’t willing to fight for us. I was afraid. I couldn’t fit you into my world. All I could see was one obstacle after another, so I gave up.”
Her mouth curled down and she started blinking. Placing a trembling hand over her mouth, she lightly rubbed the edge of her lips before continuing. “But I realized today that it doesn’t matter whether you fit or not, because I want you by my side. You make everything better. Being with you makes me so happy.” She patted her chest, a stray tear wandering down her cheek as she sucked in a breath. “I love you, Marcus. I love you, and I’ll tell anyone you want me to because I am all in.”
A goofy smile spread my cheeks wide before she’d even finished. Tears glassed over my eyes before
I could stop them, and if it hadn’t been for more throat-clearing from Everett Torrence, I would have vaulted over Maverick and kissed my woman senseless.
“Maybe you two could finish this later?” Everett’s thick eyebrows rose, his strong gaze emphatic.
“Of course.” I nodded, gazing back at Kelly and giving her my best smile. “Are you free tonight?”
Her head bobbed rapidly. “I’m all yours.”
My insides sizzled, and it was an effort not to giggle. I felt like Charlie after he’d unwrapped his Wonka Bar and discovered a golden ticket. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”
Kelly’s smile took over her whole face. Her dreamy expression was radiant, and I swear my heart catapulted out of my chest for a beat before settling into a heady rhythm. Kelly DeMarco loved me, and she was willing to tell the world.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Kelly
Walking to the elevator was impossible, so I floated there instead. I could feel Marcia’s surprised gaze on my back, but I couldn’t turn and tell her anything. Talking would have been hopeless. I could barely form a coherent thought, let alone a sentence. Bubbles were popping inside of me like a crazy fireworks display. I’d done it. I’d told Marcus the truth, and it felt so damn good.
I pressed the Down button and checked my watch. Only three hours until seven o’clock. Only three hours until I kissed my man.
The doors dinged open and I stepped inside, smiling at the marketing exec and her assistant. Spinning around, I checked that the parking garage was highlighted and then…
Troublemaker (Songbird #6) Page 22