Page 100 of Heartbreaker

“I love this,” Madeline says. “Royal? Jade?”

I can’t formulate a response just yet, but I’m nodding.

Thisisthe best course of action.

Of course it is.

I hate it but I’ve been around long enough to understand how these things work.

“Just, you know, maybe not Valentine’s Day for the release of ‘Midnight Snow,’” Royal says. “It seems really soon…”

“Why not?” I ask slowly, the idea starting to take root. “We can record it. It’s done. I’m sure we can find some musicians to play on it—my drummer, Wayne, is always available, and we can get studio musicians for anything else. It’s actually brilliant marketing.”

Royal looks startled for a moment but then nods. “Yeah, okay. I guess Valentine’s Day can work.”

“I still don’t know if I like this,” Atlas mutters.

“It’s okay, big guy,” Madeline soothes. “You and I will have a little chat one-on-one and you’ll feel better.”

He nods even though she obviously can’t see it.

Wow.

I love that there’s someone out there who can manage Atlas.

I really can’t wait to meet Madeline in person.

“All right, the twins need baths, and then their Dad can feed them while I start working on this,” Kate says. “Are we good with the plan? I’d like to get this statement out as soon as possible.”

“Yes, and we’ll check in tomorrow.” Madeline is all business again, her soothing tone gone.

“So we’re just going to let them get away with this?” Atlas demands.

“Not at all.” Soothing Madeline is back. “We’re going to sue the fuck out of Rico. But we can’t stop the people who’ve already heard it from listening, downloading…so we spin the narrative.And what are they going to say? Two adults who are in a relationship had sex and recorded it. Big fucking deal.”

“Jade’s reputation is predicated on hernotdoing things like that,” Atlas protests. “This makes her look?—”

“Like a grown woman with a boyfriend,” Kate interrupts gently.

“We’re going to make Rico pay,” Madeline says. “And behind the scenes, we’re going to get the audio taken down. A good cyber security firm can start working on that, but it takes time. Short-term, we’re apologizing for allowing it to get out, but hey, there’s a new song coming out on Valentine’s Day. Let’s focus on that.”

They talk for a few more minutes but I’m distracted now.

“Midnight Snow” is releasing on Valentine’s Day.

Holy crap.

Royal and I are not theoretically working on a new album with no release date or album title or anything else.

This is a real-life roller coaster ride.

And all I can do now is hold on for dear life.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Royal

Her hand is still tremblingas we walk out of the office, but her expression is calm.

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