“Unless we can find out what he was planning and why he did this. Get him to admit his game plan and then sue him.”
“And how do we do that?”
My stomach roils at the thought of having to hand more money over to him. We paid him handsomely as it was to be our manager. I’m about to tell Sean to pull over when they both announce at the same time.
“You’re going to get him to admit it.”
There’s no time to tell him to stop. The vomit is rising, and the electronic window feels like it’s inching down slower than a snail. I pay others to face people for me, not me. I’m not ready to do this. It’s one thing for Sean and I to walk in with Hannah, who clearly is the brains of this operation, but for me to go in and think that we can have this sorted. They have got to be joking.
“Jesus Christ, Reece,” Sean yells as he slams on the brakes. The wind whips the vomit around, and flecks of it splatter on my face and hair.
Wiping the back of my hand across my mouth. “You need to come up with a better plan. If I’m the only hope we have, then we are screwed.”
Hannah hands me a tissue. “You have got this Reece. Before, I would have said ‘not a chance in hell’. But now. This new Reece. He doesn’t seem like a person that gets pushed around. Having to fend for yourself and learn how the world actually works has been good for you. Madelyn has clearly been good for you.”
“I wish she was here with me.”
Sean starts to laugh. “You are so whipped.” Both Hannah and I glare at him. “But don’t worry, I’m right there with you. I want to make Hannah happy and proud of me. There’s a lot of things I don’t think I can do, but I’m willing to try because she believes in me. Madelyn believes in you. I wish I got to spend more time with her. She’s good for you. You need to make sure you do right by her.”
My stomach settles and I feel better from his words. I do have to show her that I’m capable. I just need to believe that I am, and that’s the hard part. I pull out my phone and type
Today is truly the first day I stand on my own 2 feet, u have been a huge part of that. I can’t thank you enough. Will ring you when we get there. Miss you already.
“Reece?” Sean calls.
“Yeah?”
“You have never been one to back down from what you want. I guess, you just have to ask yourself, what do you want?”
“Do you know how many times I’ve asked myself that in the last couple of months?”
Hannah turns back towards me. “And what did you come up with?”
“I know I’m going to sound like such a sap but having all the money, the fame, the women, people ready to do whatever I asked them – that was all nice at the time, don’t get me wrong. Madelyn’s had to start her life over again and even though mine’s not the same story, I’m pretty much in the same boat as her.”
Hannah shakes her head. “So what do you want to do with your life?”
“I’m not entirely sure. I know I want to get my finances sorted. I know I want David out of my life. I know I want to get back to Madelyn as soon as possible, and I will see what needs to be done tomorrow.” I think for a minute. “What about you guys?”
Sean looks at me in the revision mirror. “What I’ve wanted to do for a long time is produce. The media, the touring, that’s all been fun, but now? I’m beyond that. I want to try things I haven’t tried before.”
Everyone seems so excited to move on with their lives, and it made me realise just how hard I was fighting to hold onto something that wasn’t even tangible anymore. That said more about me than anything could. I needed time to mourn the loss of the lifestyle that was. I needed to find a way to get excited about the future and what it held.
“You will be an awesome producer Sean. You always had that stuff nailed down tight. Anyone who gets to work with you will be lucky too.” I hope he knows I’m genuine.
“Appreciate it, Reece.”
“And what about you Hannah? You clearly have a knack for the business side of things. Looking to take on any clients?”
I stop smiling at the glance she gives Sean. “Well, I do want to get into management, haven’t been able to land any clients though.”
Nodding my head, I say, “Don’t worry. You have your first client right there.” And I point to Sean. “Once we get this financial situation sorted.”
“We’ve decided that it might be wise if we don’t work together.”
If I said I wasn’t surprised, I’d be lying. I don’t pry any further. That’s a decision they have reached together and I, like anyone else, don’t need to go digging for reasoning.
“Cool. So can we talk game plan? What do you think is the best way to go about this?”
Even while Hannah gives advice on how she thinks David’s going to try and deflect a lot of this, my mind wanders back to Madelyn. I know Trent has begrudgingly let me have a room at his inn, but I enjoy having my own space. I pull out my phone, half hoping there would be a reply from her. I start to research rental properties and come up empty.
Reaching into my backpack to rummage around to find something to calm both my stomach and nerves. A flash of yellow pokes out from a sea of other bright colours. I push the bars aside and take out the note.
One of my biggest life lessons - doesn’t matter what I did, it’s what I do from now on that matters. Make yourself proud. I’ll support you in whatever you choose.
I stare at the note and mull over her sentiments while the car continues. I can’t help to feel a sense of impending doom. David goes right into fight mode when he’s confronted. This is not going to be an easy task.
I actually feel a bit broken by it. I can only assume what it’s like to go through a divorce. There’s been a huge breakdown in our relationship as a band and manager, and I don’t think any amount of smooth talking is going to fix it. The thing is, we don’t want it fixed. We both now have firm ideas of where we want to head, it’s just breaking the news to David.
Hannah keeps talking about how things were breaking down and all the underhanded dealings David had made. My mind is officially boggled, and no amount of sugar is going to calm me, but Madelyn’s note does.
“So, the lawyer I spoke to said there is a way out of it. You just need to get him to admit that he orchestrated the whole thing and no judge will hold up the contract to say it’s binding.”
“Leave that part to me. I know just what to do to get him to talk.” I look at Sean again through the rearview mirror. “Again, I’m fucking sorry that he treated you like this. It’s bullshit, and I’m going to make it right.”
“I know man. You got a bit blindsided.” I scoff, and he corrects himself. “A lot blindsided but you are here now, and you are helping to make it right. Appreciate it. I’m hoping by the end of today, it will be put to bed, and we can all move on. I know David is going to try and tie us up in legal knots.”
“Hannah just said that he can try, but if we get him to admit it, we will be able to move forward by bedtime tonight.”
My thoughts drift back to Madelyn. I wished I’d asked her to come with me, but I didn’t want to put her in that position. What I really need is a personal assistant, but no one is going to go near me because they think they won't get paid. I haven’t even thought about how I’m going to get back to Madelyn tonight.
“Reece?” Hannah asks.
I nod my head. “Yep. I think it’s better that I go in first. Butter him up, get him thinking I’m back with new material and ready to take on the world again.”
“And rip the fucking rug out from under him like he did us.”
If I said I wasn’t nervous, I’d be lying. I’ve always had others doing things for me, and this is where it’s landed me.
Today is the day that Reece Ashton shows them who’s boss.
I just hope I don’t fuck it up.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
MADELYN
Pulling into the driveway to park behind Trent’s Jeep next to dad’s BMW. His driver nods at
me as I walk past. My phone chimed when I was driving, I just didn’t stop to check it. I smile at the picture of us kissing. God he’s a good kisser. I never believed a friend when she said ‘life is just better when you’re with a good kisser’. I thought that was the stupidest fucking saying ever, but have to agree. Looking at that picture, I have a smile on my face, and I can’t wait to get another chance to kiss him.
My shoe catches on a clump of grass, and I’m forced to look up from my phone for fear of face planting. I hear Dad’s driver clear his throat.
“Ross. Please come in and have a cup of tea with us. I hate how he leaves you out here.”
“Hello, Ms Madelyn. I best stay out here. I have my coffee, thank you.” He lifts his thermos from the centre console.
“If you change your mind or need anything, please just come in. You are our guest here. He’s not on work time and nor are you.”
Ross effectively dismisses me and the conversation with a tip of his head.
While saving that photo to my phone as a background picture, I’m barely in the door when Trent’s long strides close the space between us. The pained look on his face makes me laugh.
“Madelyn, you negated to tell me about our guest. Apparently you knew about this last night.”
I nod my head and try to stop the giggles. “Yes, but if you knew about it, you’d make other plans, and we’re all aware of how important it is for a son to spend time with his father.”
“You will pay for this. I give it thirty-two seconds.”
“Is that my girl?” Trent and I exchange forced grins while he puts his hand on my lower back and gives me a less than gentle shove into the lounge room. I hold up my pinkie for him to take the deal. He links his around mine, and we swear on the bet.
“Make it seventeen. Dad,” I say while keeping the smile on my face and walk towards him. I’ve learned over the years not to get my hopes up when it comes to my father. I open my arms to give him a hug, and he goes as stiff as a board as my arms wrap around him. He used to hug me. That was another side effect of the fallout. Even though my father wasn’t available as a child, when all that shit happened, he changed towards me and the touching became apparent. I let my arms drop and ask him how he’s been.
“Busy. Very busy. How are things here? How are your studies?” I don’t even get to answer his questions before he launches into his commentary on our lives. “I’ve been asking your professors how you are going at school, and they are all very glowing. I hope that means you are considering journalism to be your first choice and not marketing.” I open my mouth to tell him that I haven’t truly decided and that I’m covering my bases by studying both when he launches into Trent. “And the pub. Can hardly say it’s booming.”
“It’s nine in the morning. I’m not licenced to open at that time—”
“Why you two decided to set up shop here in this two-bit town is beyond me.” And here we go. No matter the answer, no matter the restrictions – Dad always has an opinion.
“Dammit. Thirty-four seconds,” I hear Trent say as he moves towards the kitchen. “I have to go and make sure the pub’s ready for when all the hoards line up at ten.”
“Trent.” My voice is stern, and I glare at him. Dad hasn’t even drawn breath or taken notice of the whole other conversation in the room.
“You started this.” I hear the word failure, and my head snaps back to him. “Dad,” I chastise and Dad actually shuts up. “Madelyn has a boyfriend.” I give myself mild whiplash when my mouth drops open and turns to glare at him. Low blow. He’s played the boyfriend card to deflect attention. I’m not going to let this go lightly. With that announcement, my soon to be dead brother smiles as he heads towards the hallway and dad focuses all his attention on me.
“You do? Tell me about this boy. Does he pass muster? You haven’t had a good track record. Do you think it’s wise considering what’s happened? Does he know?”
Every question is like a slap in the face. I will never be considered as an adult in my dad’s eyes. Forever a fuck up. He will never let my past go, even if I can.
“Yes, dad. He knows and he doesn’t judge me for it, unlike others, present company included.”
My phone chimes and I lift it off the table. It’s from Reece.
Today is truly the first day I stand on my own 2 feet, u have been a huge part of that. I can’t thank you enough. Will ring you when we get there. Miss you already.
His words give me an instant lift, and I know he’s heading straight for the lion’s den. He has every option of hiding out for as long as he likes, but he’s stepping up to the plate to change his circumstances. I scoff at the realisation that he thinks I’ve helped him. He’s shown me that I’ve had blinders on. I’ve allowed the thoughts of others to influence my decisions. Reece knows my past, and he hasn’t run a mile. He knows what I’ve been through, and he still wants to be with me.
“You know I just worry.”
I scoff at his words. “Dad. Don’t take this the wrong way, you worry about yourself and how you are represented.” For once, he remains silent. “What I do with my life is my business. I’m smarter, I’m wiser, and I’m more critical of any person that comes into my life than anyone could ever be. This guy is worthy. He’s like no one I’ve ever met.” I realise then that I’ve fallen for him. As much as I wanted to keep my heart distant from him, somewhere along the way, I’d crossed the line.
“So tell me about him. Does he live here? What does he do?”
Dad doesn’t even bother to hide the scoff or disgust on his face when I say, “He’s between jobs.”
Dad’s judgemental attitude was passed through to my half-sisters. They judge a person based on how many zeroes their bank accounts hold.
“Please don’t tell me you are in for love.” I can’t even think of a response to that comment. “Love fades.”
“Or it gets a wandering eye, isn’t that what happened in your case dad? Hmm?” I watch him shift in his seat. I’ve hit a nerve.
“I loved your mother very much. I still do.”
“Yeah, just not enough to stop from finding this elusive love in another place? Might be in the pot at the end of a rainbow? That’s about the only place you haven’t looked dad.”
I don’t know what’s come over me. I’ve never spoken my mind to my dad before and if I’m truly honest, it feels good. For years, I’ve taken his snide comments, his belittling barbs and white-anting sentiments about my life, but I feel a pang of guilt when I see that my comments have hit a nerve in him.
His stoic face falters before he speaks. “I loved your mother. She just couldn’t understand that my job took—”
“Took precedence? Your job came before all of us, dad. This was not the life mum signed on for. You said it would be great for all of us. No, dad. It was great for you. You missed pretty much everything from our childhoods. I don’t remember you at anything. No major events, everything has memories of mum, not you, and you wonder why you have a son that doesn’t want to be in the same room as you.” I lean over and take hold of his hand. “I love you, Dad. There is no disputing that, fuck I just can’t stand you sometimes. I know you think you have the best for us, but you don’t. Trent is a hugely successful business owner but to you, it will never be enough. I’m studying a double degree, and I have two jobs. I have a person in my life that cares for me. Scrap that. I have two. Trent has looked out for me like the amazing older brother he is. A person who knows my backstory and you know what he told me? He told me it wasn’t my fault.”
I give him a moment to digest what I’ve just told him. He doesn’t even look me in the eye when he says, “I know it wasn’t your fault.”
“Really? Feels like you’ve made me suffer for it ever since it happened. You know you haven’t hugged me since you found out about the video?” His silence and refusal to look me in the eye, stings. “Always a pleasure seeing you, dad.”
Leaving him in search of Trent. I know he will be making himself scarce, I h
ave had enough of people making me feel inferior. I hold my head up high even though I notice that dad makes no effort to stop me from leaving the room.
I find Trent behind the bar. “You didn’t hide too hard.”
“I’m not hiding. I’m avoiding.” I watch him turn his back and fiddle with the taps. “Oh and I’m not talking to you following this little ambush.”
“Ambush? You never see him. You always toss me under the dad bus. Anyway, which room are you putting Reece into? I’ll get his stuff out of the car.”
“Doing his bidding already?”
Recoiling at the comment, I say, “No. I’m helping him get set up. What’s with you? You seemed fine this morning.”
“He’s going to be in room four.” I wait for him to talk more, but he doesn’t.
“Thank you.” I know exactly why he’s put in him in room four. It’s the most private. It’s the first one you come to from the stairs, so there will be no chance of anyone crossing his path. I turn from the bar when Trent finally starts to talk.
“I know what you’re thinking, and that’s not the only reason. It’s the one the furtherest away from my room so I don’t have to go through any repeats of what you did last night.”
I burst out laughing at his shudder. “Hey, why do you think I moved out?”
By the time I make it back to the residence, dad’s car is gone. I know he’s my father, but I can’t handle his judgement. I pull the door open on the car and start unloading Reece’s stuff. I think about sending him a text, and decide I don’t want to interrupt him. What I do want to do is get his writing boards all set up so when he’s back and hopefully inspired to write with his life free of David.
The car is unpacked in ten minutes and in another ten, the boards are up on the available wall. I look at my watch and see that I’m going to be early for my shift at the supermarket, I pull out my phone. I smile at the picture and open up a message to Reece. I hold off sending it until I’m in the shop.
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