Page 34 of Bitter Beats

“Which they’re not going to do,” Levi tacks on. “Divorce would kill his reputation as a family man. No, if anything, they will double down and work through this.”

“At least publicly,” Jess agrees.

“And that’s where you’re at risk,” Aiden says, glancing at me, Levi, and Jameson.

“Our reputation is going to take a hit,” Levi groans.

“We’re fucking rockstars,” I mutter, shaking my head to clear it. “Aren’t we supposed to drink, do drugs, and fuck?”

Jameson tosses a throw pillow that Allegra must’ve bought at my head. I swat it away.

“It isn’t the eighties.” Kimberly wrinkles her nose.

Jess shakes her head. Even Mckenna looks disgusted.

Whatever. I close my eyes. I’m too tired for this shit. I hate that everyone is here, glaring at me like I’m the only screw-up inthe group. As if I’m solely responsible for the reputation of The Burnt Clovers.

Like Derek hasn’t pulled shady shit in the past. Did they forget about the mind games he played with Allegra? Suddenly, everyone has amnesia regarding Levi’s stint in rehab that screwed over our tour. Or how about when Jameson’s fallout with Marisa Mella was splashed across tabloids?

Instead, they’re looking at me like it’sjustme. Always Mav. The forever fuckup.

“You need to improve your reputation,” Jess states matter-of-factly.

I force my eyes open and slowly turn my neck to stare at her. “Huh?”

“You fix your reputation, it will positively impact the band,” she speaks slowly as if I can’t process her words. Shit, part of me can’t.

“You owe us that, man,” Levi mutters.

“I don’t owe you shit,” I clap back.

Jameson sighs heavily through his nose, his nostrils flaring. “You a part of this band, this family, Maverick?”

“Is that a rhetorical question, Jameson?” I growl.

“You need to lay off the partying,” Jess says. “Be more…wholesome. Less drinking, drugs, and fucking. More?—”

“Dating, cuddling, and hand-holding?” I cut in, sarcastic as hell.

“Exactly!” Kimberly grins, happy I caught on.

“Fuck,” Levi groans.

“I was kidding, Kimberly,” I snap.

Aiden chuckles.

“We need to find you a girlfriend. Someone who would be believable, so anyone you’re acquainted with is clearly out.” Jess flicks a wrist dismissively in my direction.

“Someone with a good head on her shoulders,” Aiden ponders.

“A woman my parents would approve of,” Levi mutters.

“She should be career- or goal-oriented,” Jess tacks on.

“Smart, responsible, friendly,” Kimberly offers.

“These are the most cliché and boring adjectives I’ve ever heard,” I drop in my two cents.

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