Page 35 of For Puck's Sake

Devan rubs his beard wearily. “Oh good, because Spitfire is vicious, and I didn’t want to be the one to relay all of this to her.”

Alexis laughs. “Spitfire, huh?” she asks, raising her eyebrows suggestively.

Tor, Bast, and I turn our gazes to Devan who is actually blushing.

I want to laugh but I keep my face neutral when Devan looks at me sheepishly, his hands held up surrender. “It’s a nickname, that’s all.”

I raise a brow. “Are you sure?” I tease. I know there’s something going on between him and Lia, and I guess like Bast, I’m just going to have to wait and let their stories play out.

Devan sputters, “Well, huh.” He looks to Alexis who throws her head back and laughs. I don’t think he’s going to get any help from her anytime soon.

Tor clears his throat. “Thank you for telling us, Rid. Like Bast said before, we are here for you. Whatever you need.”

I look at them all gratefully and another crack in my heart mends.

“What I need is funnel cake,” I say to lighten the mood. What I don’t say is that I need Brea, my home, my moon, my true north, and all will be right in my world.

TWENTY-ONE

BREA

“Miss Brookes, this is Damien Greer. I think you and I need to talk.”

His voice was polite but there was a clipped edge to it as well. I had a feeling this was going to happen. I knew the minute news about Ridley and I got out there would be backlash.

“Damien. Hi, it’s great to hear from you,” I said tentatively. Picking up my two coffee cups once more I decided I needed to go somewhere a little more private for this conversation. Opening the door to my jeep, I secured my coffee and climbed inside.

“Likewise, Brea,” he said with a sigh. “Listen. Every artist who signs with Solstice Records is watched closely by our in-house PR Team. No, before you ask, we aren’t spying on you in any way. We do this to get ahead of negative press of any kind. Our image, as well as that of the artist on our label, is of the utmost importance. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Okay,” I said hesitantly. “Yes, I understand,” I replied, dreading what he might say next. I didn’t give him a chancethough. I knew exactly why he was calling. “Does this have something to do with me and Ridley Masters? We are back together. The media attention will die down eventually,” I assured him.

“Yes, I have seen the various stories about the two of you, and I have to say, I’m concerned. Brea, you’re newly signed to our label. I think it would be prudent of you to stay focused on your music for now. Muddying the waters by rekindling your relationship with a public figure with a less than stellar reputation is not the image we here at Solstice Records want for you. I need you to consider your future. Is this hockey player worth you not reaching your full potential?”

I listened to Damien and let his words slide off me. If this had been a year ago and he’d given me this same speech, I wouldn’t have disagreed in the slightest. I was so hellbent on pushing for what I wanted, I didn’t think my life had any room for anyone else in it after I resigned myself to living this dream solo. But I knew differently now. I knew Ridley and I could have our careers and each other.

After a minute of my continued silence, Damien cleared his throat. “You’re about to embark on a major national tour. I need your attention there. I don’t know much about hockey, but I’ve heard their schedule is grueling. I think it may be in your best interests to put this relationship on hold until?—"

“No disrespect to you at all, Mr. Greer,” I said as I tried to hold back my attitude. “Yes,” I said with conviction. “Yes, he is worth it. He has always been worth it. As far as my relationship with Ridley Masters, there is no negotiation in that regard. I’m not sacrificing him again over petty gossip and rumors you feel will paint me in a bad light. What I will do for you and the record label is show up, sing my heart out for my fans night after night, and make music as per my contract. My personal life, Mr. Greer, is untouchable.”

He sighed and I knew he wanted to argue but I meant everything I’d just said. I wasn’t going to discuss Ridley with him. He was not going to get in my head and convince me otherwise. My mother had caused enough damage to last me a lifetime.

“Well, you’re right. I can’t make you do anything you don’t want to do. As long as you fulfill your obligations to the label, successfully, your business is not my business,” he said reluctantly.

My phone beeped and I glanced down to see I had a message notification from Damien.

“I’ve just sent you a post the PR Team intercepted. You were tagged in the post as well as Ridley Masters. I’m sure he has his own team, but Brea, this has the potential to do major damage, and I think it is best to get you out of Lark Bay as soon as possible.”

I wanted to open the message, but I was too stunned by Damien’s words. “I have to perform tonight, the Summer Festival, the label is recording it. Then I have three more shows at Red’s then we move to the next city,” I replied frantically.

I felt panic. I didn’t want to leave yet. I needed these last few days with Ridley before we had to make a go at being far apart. I needed to shore up my walls so I could get through the next few months of video chats and phone calls. I couldn’t leave my friends without a proper goodbye.

“Yes, you will perform tonight. Then you will catch a flight out of SeaTac airport late tonight. I expect you in Los Angeles, at the Solstice Records office by nine a.m. tomorrow. Dean has called to cancel your music class this morning, so you can go pack your things,” he said matter-of-factly. We will be canceling your last three performances at Solo Reds, and I’ve agreed to compensate the owner as well. I know you’re friends and we will do it as a goodwill gesture.”

I looked at my phone in disgust. I was upset. I didn’t know what to say or do. My hands were tied, and I knew it. But of course, I tried anyway. “Can I fly out tomorrow?” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, because I already knew his answer. He was doing this, he did this out of spite. I’m sure whatever message he sent to me only solidified this.

“No. I need you on a plane to LA tonight,” he said nonchalantly. “Oh, Miss Brookes, as per your contract, this demand is nonnegotiable. Check my message. It might enlighten you. Help you see things as they are.” He said goodbye and that he was looking forward to seeing me tomorrow.

I didn’t remember hanging up the phone, just the silence on the other end of the line. I held back my tears, refusing to cry over this. He was right, for now, they controlled where I went and when. He was cutting my time here short to get me away from Ridley. Well, Mr. Greer, your efforts would be futile.

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