Page 43 of 4-Ever

The image of that character had me biting back a laugh. Then I reminded myself to pay attention. Ignore the smile and the charming accent. After our experience with Greg, I was wary of music executives and their motives.

“So, welcome,” Averell added as he looked around the table.

When he spotted Faise, he paused. The once over was subtle. But I noticed.

My protective hackles activated.

“It’s my great honor and pleasure to bring a talented group as yours into our team. I’ve got some ideas I’d like to share but first, I’d like to hear from you about your expectations moving forward.”

“To start, we’re not working with homophobic dickbags,” Brodie announced.

I bit back a laugh at our frontman’s blunt words.

Averall nodded, seemingly unfazed by Brodie’s direct manner. “As a proud gay man myself and one of the leaders of our management team, I can assure you that will never be a problem.”

One fear laid to rest.

“Our main issue is trust,” I added, and Averell turned to me. “Off the record, things happened with our former label. Shitty things. They pretended to protect us but, in the end, sold us out. And I don’t mean ticket sales.”

Averell leaned forward. “Our job is to market you to the fans, not throw your personal life to the media wolves. If there are any concerns, you bring it to your manager. And of course, my door is always open.”

That sounded right, but only time would tell.

“And our contract has a three-month trial when it comes to our new manager, right?” Holls asked. “If we don’t like whoever it is, we can request someone else?”

Faise tapped the table. “Our last manager was Greg’s spy. And given that we’re here, with you, no guesses as to how that went down.”

Averell nodded. “I’m familiar with Mr. Haddley and Mr. Hines’s reputations. Be assured, that won’t happen with us.”

“We want someone like Van,” I suggested.

“No one will be as good as my husband,” Brodie interrupted with a cocky grin. “But yeah, as Ro said, someone like him. In fact, if my husband doesn’t know our new manager, it’s a no go.”

Averall leaned back and nodded.

“All that’s fair. We’ve assigned Jesse Aimes to your group. He’s been working in the UK as a manager for almost a decade. We sent his resume to your agent this morning so you can review it. His reputation is stellar. First things first, though, we’re going to get new promo materials done. We’ve got you scheduled with our studio photographer after this. Then we’re back here for lunch. Jesse will join us for a meet and greet and then it’s on to the PR team. And of course, tonight we have a party to launch our kickoff. Everyone and anyone who’s in the music business will be there.”

“What about dates?” Faise asked.

Averell smiled at him. “Love them. You?”

The fuck? Was he flirting with Faise? So much for being professional.

“I meant the upcoming schedule,” Faise replied with a cheeky grin as he leaned forward. “Not mine, but the tour dates.”

And Faise was flirting back? Not that I hadn’t witnessed that before. But why this guy? And why did I fucking care?

A sudden tightness in my chest left me uncomfortable and edgy.

“Ah, yes. We’re working on that now. We’ll have an update by EOD. It looks like a local concert the first week of June and then down to Florida, and nearby states. We’ll start close to home given the timing. Then you fly out to LA for a show on July 1 to kick off the west coast leg.” Averell’s phone buzzed. “Excuse me, I need to take this. Head on down to the studio on the tenth floor. I’ll meet you there in a bit.”

With a nod, he stood up and headed for the door.

When he stepped outside of the boardroom, I turned to the guys. “What the hell was that?”

“What?” Brodie asked. “I like him.”

“Me too,” Holls nodded.

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