Page 114 of Perfect Pitch

“I think we need to do some research into this firm before we meet with them when I’m up for the holidays...Because a Kensington would never go into a meeting where they’re signing any binding legal documents—‍”

“Without investigating the hell out of them,” I conclude.

My mother leans forward and gives me a big smooch right on my lips. “Exactly.”

* * *

CHAPTER FIFTY

Jack Daniels or Cristal? Rumors of a party at Beckett Miller’s are surfacing.

—Viego Martinez, Celebrity Blogger

I arrived back to New York after my two days with Austyn just in time for Beckett to announce he’s heading with his bandmates down to Memphis. With Kane out for a long overdue visit with his family, I work with Mick Ceron’s and Carly Stoller’s personal security to determine how many of Beckett’s team need to travel with him.

After finding out they’ll be visiting Mick’s parent’s place, I am told, “No, Clifton. I have no expectation we’ll be leaving the property. Mick, Carly, and their kids will want to spend every moment possible with their family.”

Curious, I asked, “Then why go?”

An amused smile caused Beckett’s eyes to crinkle at the corners. Dumbstruck over the similarities between him and his daughter caused me to miss his response. I coughed. “I’m sorry. Would you mind repeating that?”

He snickered. “Mick’s baby sister is Chef Aurora Ludovica.”

“Is that supposed to mean something, sir?”

He rolled his eyes. “She’s one of the co-owners of the Narcissus Restaurant Group.” He rubbed his hands together in ravenous glee. “She and her husband, a chef in his own right, will be in town this weekend from London. In other words, Clifton, I’m lending my plane but being paid with food. It’s more than a fair trade-off.”

Beckett waved like a debutante as he mounted the steps of the plane—obviously in good humor when we dropped him off on the tarmac at Teterboro. Chin jokes, “You should have taken a few extra days to be with your girl.”

“If I’d known, I might have asked for it.” I frown, concerned about how Austyn’s conversation with her mother will go after her show.

I quickly drop her a text.

Mitch:

Hope you’re killing it, Beats.

I get one back just as fast.

Austyn:

Thanks. Crowd’s amazing. Spotted three of my former UT classmates.

Mitch:

You on break?

Next thing, my phone rings. Her voice is breathless. “Hey.”

“Hey.” My voice warms. “Everything okay?”

“Had to take ten. About to head back out there. It feels good but...”

“But what?”

“Not as good as Milwaukee.”

“Why’s that?”