Page 99 of Reckless

Fisher Brown is waiting in the hotel room when I arrive with Luther. He’s a short guy, decent looking, with close cropped brown hair and a perfectly trimmed beard. Unlike my unruly growth. He has that whole short guy syndrome going on, and he tries a little too hard to fit in and assert his dominance. He’s going to see taking over Reckless Soul as a big leap with the label. I’m not sure if that is a good or bad thing.

It can’t get any worse than Cody.

He’s busy schmoozing with a woman in a red skirt and black blouse who looks over the minute I walk in, already forgetting all about Fisher. He glances me up and down too, his brows bunching. Yeah, so I didn’t make much of an effort, other than running my fingers through my hair and putting on clean clothes.

They could have at least briefed me before introducing me to the reporter. Two men are setting up their cameras in the corner closest to the window, making sure they get the best angles. One will be on me, the other on the woman to capture both our reactions and conversation. Another woman is standing behind them, staring over at me. I frown and look away.

“Jude, come on in. It’s great to see you.”

I nod at Fisher. It’s the best I can muster, without letting on to this reporter, I don’t like the guy.

“Can I get you a drink?”

Christ, Cody would never be this accommodating. It’s like he’s bending over backwards to make me feel better or impress me or something. Or maybe the label is hoping I’ll decide to give this up and come back if they’re nice to me. Not a chance. There are bottles of chilled water on the table, so I grab one to appease him.

I’m introduced to the reporter, Ivy Scholes, who gives me the look I know well. They couldn’t have taken this shit seriously and used someone who will not give me fuck-me eyes the whole time we’re talking?

My knuckles crack as I clench my fists and I catch Luther’s eye. He doesn’t say a word and to anyone else, nothing about his facial features changes, but I can read him. He’s saying do what they want, and I’ll get out of here quicker.

I smile at Ivy, shake her hand, and let her linger over holding it longer than is polite. Then we head over to the seating area as we talk about what is going to be discussed. Fisher at least makes sure she knows what we’re here for today, insinuating anything else will not be tolerated. Cody would have been flirting with her.

There is a large floor to ceiling window in the room, which is open, so the curtains are billowing in the breeze. It’s welcome because I’m getting hot and uncomfortable.

I sit down on the couch and take out my phone while the other woman starts to touch up Ivy’s makeup.

Jude

What do you know about Ivy Scholes? She’s interviewing me today

Solene

Hold on…

When they offer to put some make-up on me, I hold up my hand. Fuck that shit. I don’t really give a crap about lights and glare. The second woman clears up her things and moves back behind the camera, but she is still staring. It’s hard not to roll my eyes. They set me up with a mic pack, check it’s working, then go back to their positions.

Ivy sits opposite me, perching on the edge of the seat and crossing her legs so her skirt rides up her thigh. It’s nothing I haven’t seen a million times before.

Solene

She dated Elliott Parks from Dirty Crew for about six months. She’s been linked to an actor too. Looks like she likes to sink her teeth into the people she interviews. That’s who they got to interview you? Jesus. I hate Fisher

Jude

I can handle it

Solene

Text me when it’s done. When is it airing?

Jude

No idea, I just want it over with

Solene

I’m ready to take her down if need be

Sol takes pleasure in cataloging the so-called professionals who come on to us or behave inappropriately. She’s always ready to make a public comment or refuse to allow them near us again if she deems them assholes.

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