Page 34 of Willow

He’s always front and center and this is no exception. “Mr. Morris, nice to see you again.” He holds out his hand as he walks into the room. Waving the white flag, no doubt. Reaching for his hand, I shake his hand with a firm grip. His matches mine. Good. I hate the wimpy kind of handshake.

“Zander, nice to see you.” Holding out my hand, I wait for the rest of the guys to enter. “Ace, Jaxon, Micah. Welcome toMorris Music. Please, have a seat.”

I just realized that playing it casual worked withThe Sinful Seven, since they were hungry and just signed. With these guys, they’ve been around for around six years, have a huge following, and have been around the block. So being their friend is out of the question. They need a boss, a leader, and that would be me.

Taking a seat at my desk, I sit straight up and get right to the point. “First, I’d like to apologize for canceling our first meeting. Something came up out of the blue and needed my immediate attention.”

Zander speaks for the group. “No worries, Mr. Morris. We understand that schedules and priorities can change. We’re prime examples of that.” Oh yes, they are. Firsthand.

“Yes, well, that’s something for the lawyers to sort out. Let’s hope it all works out in your favor. Now, let’s discuss your first album withMorris Music. Going into the studio and what to expect going forward.” Those are my main concerns, not how much money they’ll receive once everything’s sorted out.

“I know for a fact that Gabe, Mr. Anderson, went over our contract with all of you. Are there any questions you’d like to ask, or clauses you’d like implemented?” I’m not a prick, I’ll work with my bands if they work with me.

Ace sits forward, and I know he has something on his mind. “You have the floor, Ace. Now’s your chance if you have any concerns. Once all of you walk out the door, it’s locked in.”

Scratching his chin, he looks reluctant until Jaxon coaxes him. “Now’s your chance man. Do it.”

“I was in rehab for drug addiction a few years back.Ariawas able to hide it from the public. Now I’m afraid with everything happening, they’ll leak all our shit.” Ace has no idea how I roll. All of them will find out soon enough.

“Let them try! I’ll throw defamation of character in their faces so fast that they won’t know what hit them. Ace, I really appreciate you giving me a head’s up. I really do. Are you clean now?” When he nods and everyone sings his praises on how proud they are of him, I move on. “Good to hear. As you all know, this is a drug-free zone.Morris Musicdoesn’t tolerate that kind of behavior. It’s in your contract. We’re here to create music, gentlemen. Not party, get drunk, and do drugs like other bands. If you ever feel the need, talk to me. I’ll be the first to send you to a top-rate facility and pick up all the expenses. I take care of my own. Now, anyone else have anything?” My eyes are on Zander and he knows it.

Throwing his hands up in surrender, he chuckles. The fuck? “Sorry. I have a reputation with the girls, which you already know. Hell, the whole world knows. I’m not proud of it and I’ve been trying to take the low road ever since. Well, ever since Quinn. She’s my only regret in life, Caleb. Ah, Mr. Morris. That’s on me, but she’s happy with Jet and I’m happy for the both of them.” I call bullshit and he knows it. “I swear, it’s all good. We’ve both moved on.”

“Yes, she has. Now if no one else has any concerns, let’s discuss your first album and what to expect going into the studio.” And that’s how I spend a Tuesday afternoon. WithRebel Riotand the cocky lead man, Zander Stone. Suffice it to say, he still rubs me the wrong way.

WRATH

“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on yourwrath,”

Ephesians? 4:26?NKJV

21

WILLOW

Today,I had togo to the garage and clean out my oldToyota. The poor girl had seen her better days and I had to send her to the old junk yard in the sky. Alas, she served me well. Now, I’m exhausted and all I want is to soak in a hot tub for days on end.

After lugging in the last of the groceries, I stick my phone on the charger. I’ll need to pick up an extra battery while on the road this time around. I’m debating whether to start dinner or take that bath. It’s a no-brainer. Bath time it is.

Throwing in some lavender bubble bath, I set the water, strip, and sink right in up to my neck. Grateful that my mom never got rid of her clawfoot bathtub. My aching feet are already thanking me. Being on the road has its disadvantages, and this is one of them. I always loved soaking in a hot bath. For me, it’s soothing and a small way of pampering yourself. Can’t do that when you’re flying from city to city with sound checks, press conferences, and concerts every damn night. Reason why I’m going to enjoy it in the comfort of my house.

Once the water turns tepid and my hands and feet are soft and pruning, I pull the plug, shivering when I step out. Now I’m freezing. Wrapping the towel around me, I walk into my room to grab my phone. It looks like I have several texts. Swiping, I smile when I see they’re from Caleb.

Caleb:If you’re free tonight, I’d love to listen to you play the piano.

A few minutes pass and another text.

Caleb:Or, I could play you while you’re lying on my piano.

Now, he’s talking.

Caleb:I’ll see you at seven.

That man is so damn bossy.

An hour later, when I pull into the parking garage, I realize I have no idea how to get into the penthouse. I don’t have a keycard. Should I text him? There’s no need when the elevator doors suddenly open and Caleb’s standing there waiting. I never answered his text, yet he’s waiting for me promptly at seven. Am I that desperate or predictable? Apparently so.

“You’re late.” If anyone needs a spanking, it’s this man right here.

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