Page 26 of Diva Pop

“So, what you're actually telling me, is that in your heart you’re sure Jett is already expecting you to be there for him.”

Uh-oh. If that was true, then when he’d left the other day… Silas groaned and laid his head against the sofa cushion.

“I think I fucked up.” Silas rubbed an eye with his knuckle. “Actually, I’ve fucked up on several levels, but now I’m not sure how to fix the mess I’ve made of things.”

“Where do you think you took a left turn?”

“I shouldn’t have turned in the first place. I should’ve kept my eyes trained forward and on the band as an entity, rather than narrowing my focus down to one member.” Silas frowned. That wasn’t exactly true either. “Let me rephrase that. As a businessman, I’ve been viewing the band as a whole.” He snorted. “That’s what initially got Jett so upset.”

“Because he needs your attention. And not just the mindless adoration or negative attention he’s accustomed to all the time. He’s aching for someone to care about him and only him.”

“That’s where I really screwed up. I’ve been giving him mixed messages. Fuck.”

Silas hadn’t been prepared for how intensely Jett would affect him once they met. All he seemed to be able to think about anymore was whether Jett was okay, how he was doing, was he getting himself into trouble... At this rate, he might as well step away and simply be Jett’s manager.

His eyes widened and he swallowed hard. Could he? But he’d still be mixing business with pleasure.

“Silas, I think I could hear you groaning from across the country even without the phone.” Zane sighed. “Look, what’s the worst that could happen if you give him your complete focus? Is there a reason he deserves it beyond your feelings for him?”

The familiar irritation that arose when someone suggested Jett wasn’t worthy washed over him. However, he knew better than to believe Zane held any ill-intent. His buddy was only doing what he did best: holding up a mirror to the situation to help him see his way through.

“Personally, I think he’s the heart of the band. It wouldn’t last without him.”

“In other words, by helping Jett, giving him the majority of your attention, you’re also doing the job you were hired to do in the first place, correct?”

“Yes…” What Zane was saying made sense on one level, but in the context of Silas’ emotions and whatever turmoil Jett was suffering through, the situation was much more complex than Zane was laying out. “But I’m not sure the label would be onboard with the type of attention I want to give him.”

Zane chuckled. “Sorry. Not trying to make light of your situation, but let’s be real. If I said to you, forget about him, do your job in a detached, business-like manner and nothing else -- would you be able to?”

“Hell, no.”

“What if I said, then walk away before you cross that line. Let him and the label figure it out on their own. Would you be able to do that?”

Silas dragged a hand over his head, the harsh truth finally staring him in the face. “No fucking way. I can’t abandon him. Not unless he tells me to. I’d honor that, but only that. Otherwise, I’m here for him no matter what.”

“Even if the label comes down on you? You get fired?”

A sense of calm washed over him. “Even if.”

“Then there’s your answer.”

Silas grinned. “Thanks, Zane. When I’m in town next, I’ll bring you a bottle of that Port wine you love so much.”

“I’d rather you bring your boy.”

Silas let out a satisfied sigh. “It’s a deal.”

After they said their goodbyes, Silas’ next step was figuring out the best way to move forward. To begin with, he wanted to apologize to Jett about abandoning him the other day, that was a given. However, he wasn’t about to make any romantic confessions -- for many reasons. Despite knowing Jett was attracted to him, Silas wasn’t sure how much of that was a play to get Silas on his side, or if Jett merely wanted to mess around.

Regardless, that wasn’t the primary concern. What mattered most was making sure Jett felt comfortable and safe. That he understood that Silas’ true motivation was his wellbeing, not to control him in the name of the record label.

Gerry.

Silas rubbed his chin. He might take a look at Jett’s contract from a new perspective. He couldn’t give legal advice, but he could get a better sense of how screwed Jett would be if he broke it. There were several entertainment attorneys he trusted, but in the name of not crossing even more lines than he already was, he’d simply offer Jett a list, rather than recommend a specific one.

But for now, he could at least check in with Jett and reassure him not to worry about anything. It hadn’t worked out finding a photographer with an opening, or the costume designer changing her schedule, and he hadn’t had any luck finding a decent choreographer who was available within the next couple weeks. Basically, everything had come to a standstill.

That of course meant that Silas hadn’t seen or spoken to Jett since their conflict. Perhaps Jett would like to meet for lunch the next day, somewhere on neutral ground where Silas could make peace? Hopefully, he could reassure Jett and they could get on the same page.

Silas dialed Jett’s number, but it eventually went to voicemail. He tapped his finger against his lips, toying with the idea of showing up unannounced again. He quickly discarded that plan. After their run-in, he wasn’t sure how Jett would react. Perhaps it would be too much like the boss making sure the employee was being dutiful. He’d already unwittingly given Jett that impression too many times as it was.

He called again. “Hi, Jett. It’s Silas. I hope you’re doing all right.” He paused, wishing he’d thought through what he was going to say before he dialed. “You’ve been on my mind.” Silas cleared his throat. “I’d like to meet tomorrow for lunch, if you’re available. I want to help, Jett. I have some ideas that might ease your mind. Let me know. Bye.”

Silas ended the call then set his phone down. At this point, there was nothing left to do but wait. He plucked the remote from the end table and clicked on the TV, perusing his channel list. After finally selecting a film he’d seen a couple times already, he placed the phone on the couch cushion screen side up.

If Jett called, he’d be able to grab it right away.

He had to chuckle at himself. There was no turning back now. He was a total goner for this beautiful boy who needed a Daddy, a Papa. If everything worked out the way he wanted, Silas planned on filling that role as soon as possible.

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