Page 150 of Mine

There was clarity in my heart for the first time in ages. It was crystal clear that we were meant to be together.

Even more, I was in love with him.

With my thoughts unburdened, I rolled my shoulders back and put on my face. The Rosethorn Records CEO face, with the gleaming smile of a woman who knew exactly what she wanted.

A woman who not only knew, but gotexactlywhat she wanted.

I stepped out of the bathroom and proceeded down the hall, headset-wearing people darting by me. The venue was massive, with the awards taking place in a large auditorium that had a floor space for tables. I flashed my badge to one of the men in a tuxedo that guarded the doors, then entered the space.

As always, everything was dripping with money. Beautiful people mingled, their chatter a deafening roar above the hum of music from the most recent Top 40 artists. The stage stretched across the entirety of the back wall, a podium waiting for whomever would be presenting and accepting awards tonight.

Awards like this never went to me, and I was glad for that. I liked being in the background of the industry, and would dread ever having to stand up and make a speech.

“Ms. Jones,” a woman greeted with a smile. It took a minute to remember who she was, but I recognized her as a producer who was quickly becoming one of the best in the industry.

“Ms. Austen,” I said, holding out my hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You as well.”

I did that at least another fifty times. Chatting with people who’d probably whisper about me if they knew who I loved.

And I wouldn’t care.

The concerns for my reputation and what the world would think of me paled in comparison to the passion I had for Salt. I felt lighter with each step, making the rounds, until a grating voice interrupted me.

“Well, look who it is. I wasn’t sure you’d actually be here.”

I took a deep breath and turned around, forcing a smile as Jeff approached me. He was wearing an expensive tuxedo, his eyes narrowing on me in annoyance. My spine stiffened, but I reminded myself he didn’t have any control over me.

“You've been avoiding me,” he said under his breath, smiling at a couple of people who passed by us.

“I don't know what you're talking about.” I wasn’t playing games with him. I wasn’t going to give him fuel for the fire either.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” he said. “Is it because of your new boyfriend?”

My heart skipped a beat. Luckily, a man I knew well approached us. Richard Jaxon was the CEO of a record label we competed with heavily, but I liked him. We hated each other professionally, but I’d rather talk to him than stand next to Jeff.

“Richard,” I greeted, pitching my voice louder to drown out whatever bullshit Jeff was about to spout.

“Oh, hello Pepper,” he said, leaning in to give a kiss on the cheek.

I gave his arm a squeeze. “You’re looking well.”

“Thanks, it’s directly related to me topping you on the charts last quarter.”

My laugh was undeniably wicked. “Call me at the end of next quarter, darling. I’m sure you’ll be licking your wounds.”

He laughed. “That’s why I like you, Pepper.” His shark eyes glistened with amusement, but then flattened slightly as he saw Jeff. “Jeff,” he greeted less enthusiastically. “How’s it going?”

“Oh, you know,” Jeff quipped. “Just being ignored by my ex-wife.”

Richard’s brows shot up and my nostrils flared. “Heavy emphasis on theexpart,” I said. “Where are you seated, Richard? I haven’t looked at the charts yet.”

“I think I'll actually be at your table,” he said. “Should be us and a couple of music producers.”

“Wonderful,” I said. I looped my arm into his, shooting Jeff a dirty look. “Do you mind walking me to the table?”

“Of course,” he said.

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