Page 21 of Don't Bang a Bandmate

My phone vibrates on the table, and I nod. “Yes, I’m sure,” I say as I reach for it.

The screen lights up with a name, and I pause, my hand hovering over the phone.

Paul Monroe.

“Uh-oh,” I mutter.

Chrissy tilts her head to read it, then sneers. “What’s he want?”

“I don’t know. He rarely calls me directly.” I gasp. “What if he wants to know what happened to the bug on the tour bus?”

“I doubt he’d come right out and say it like that.”

“So, what’s he want?”

“I don’t know. Answer it and find out.”

I hold the phone in my hand for a moment before answering. “Hello. This is Jordan.”

“Jordan, darling!” Paul Monroe’s grinning voice fills my ear. “Good morning!”

“Good morning, Mr. Monroe,” I say, as Chrissy mouthsspeakerphone.

I quickly tap it on so she can listen. “How are you, sir?”

“I’m quite well, as a matter of fact,” he says. “Just returned from a wonderfully romantic getaway with my new wife. Lots of fun in the sun.”

“That sounds great,” I say.

“It sure was.”

“How can I help you today, sir?”

He chuckles. “Yes, I know you’re probably quite busy, but an opportunity has crossed my desk and I would very much like to discuss it with you.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“In person,” he adds.

I widen my eyes at Chrissy. She widens hers right back.

“In person?” I repeat.

“I just checked over Criminal Records’ tour itinerary and I saw you’ll be in Chicago this week. Is that right?”

“Yes,” I confirm. “We’re on our way there this morning.”

“Wonderful! I’ll be in the Windy City tomorrow as well. Will you be available for dinner?”

“Tomorrow?” My chest tightens with panic. “Uh, actually, the band has practice in the evening and?—”

“Oh, I’m sure the band can handle that without you for a night.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” I say, my brows furrowing. “You want to have dinner with me?”

“Yes, Jordan.”

“Just me?”

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