The Fight

by t. h. snyder

“Gentlemen, please show Mr. Reynolds’ guest out.” Joshua pushes past me and points at me. “This is bad, Damien. Your reputation can’t take much more of this. Her boyfriend wants to press charges. The paparazzi got shots of you two doing more than just innocent kissing or whatever that last bullshit story was about.”

  “So spin it. Like you’ve done all the rest.” I swear I’m not trying to piss him off.

  Joshua huffs before he sits down and presses his fingers to his temples. “Damien, we need to change your image. I don’t know how, but the label says that I’ve got two options. Calm your ass down or find another face for Liquid Regret. We both know they’re nothing without you.”

  Well this is a kick in the nuts. “I’m their cash cow, J.”

  “Maybe so. But I’m exhausted. Can we play by their rules for five minutes? Every single member of this band would leave the label before they let you go. We’re talking breach of contract and uprooting family and God knows what else. I’m begging here, Damien. I’ll spin this story but you may not like it. I need you to get your shit together.”

  I can’t help but be scared shitless about how he might spin this but I’ve got to trust him. He’s never done me wrong. “Spin away.”