Page 57 of The Magical Bed & Breakfast

“What’s up?” Kyler leaned back, looking at ease. Rory could see he was in the back room in his apartment with his collection of Gibson guitars. Kyler spent all his money on guitars…if he could. Which, since the band was doing a bit better, was at present an option. But something in Kyler’s face showed he was holding back his emotions, that he expected bad news from Rory.

So Rory launched in and explained about the fluff piece in the Gazette and how Sunny Briscoe, besides falsely implying she was his steady girlfriend, hinted at a familial connection to the band.

Kyler crossed his arms, his expression radiating his scorn. “Dude, she lied about being your girlfriend. What makes you think she’s not lying about being related to one of us? She’s a nutcase.”

“I feel like there must be a kernel of truth in there somewhere. It doesn’t seem like something she’d lie about.”

“And what, you know her so well now? You can read her mind, know her thoughts?” Kyler wiggled his fingers in front of the screen. “She’s pathological.”

This wasn’t the reaction he wanted from Kyler, but it was to be expected. Kyler hadn’t had any patience with the past incidents. Or with Rory for not notifying the police when he first got the weird letters. “I can’t explain it.”

“Well, she has no connection to me, none. I come from a large family, but no way was she at any of our family reunions. She’s not the Montana type, you know. We’re a close-knit bunch. Most of my family is still in Montana working the ranch. I’m the wayward rocket shooting for the stars, seeking my fame and fortune out in the world.”

“Dustin?”

“Is an only child whose parents died when he was in college. He has no connections to anyone, and his wife is also an only child. That’s why they’re so keen on starting a family. And Ven, well, all his family is in India.”

“Marco?” Rory hated to say it.

Kyler was silent a long time. “Can you see that? Stalker-chick radiates New York City privilege. Marco is second generation out of El Salvador. She just has to be making it all up. I don’t see any other option. Sorry that she outed you like that to the world.”

“Well, I’m hoping the news won’t get out of Hazard.”

“Too late.”

“What do you mean?”

“Our next scheduled podcast, they’re already sending questions about your roots. Better decide how to spin this quick cause you are not incognito anymore. That podcaster knows about your wealthy family, even that scandal with your mom hooking up with a concert pianist and touring Europe.” Kyler frowned. “You never told us about any of that.”

“It’s not interesting. Just old history that I hate. I grew up like a regular kid after she left.”

“Maybe you need to do the interview then.”

Did he dare? Would Kate advocate that? Would it be the only way to get ahead of this media circus or would it start an even bigger media circus extravaganza?

Rory shoved a hand through his hair.

“And what is this Harvest Festival that you’re performing at? Did you clear any of that with Nolan? Because we don’t do solo gigs.”

“It’s not a solo gig. It’s helping out a friend with a piano duet.”

Kyler frowned.

“It’s a musical score from 1776 by an unknown composer for a tiny local Hazard event.”

“Bet it’s covered big-time now. Sunny-stalker Briscoe is gonna make sure of that.”

*

Head aching afterhis call with Kyler, Rory headed outside for some fresh air. He strode through the park. His lead singer was right. Would media descend on Hazard to cover the local festival? Would his fans show up? Did he even have fans that would care? His band wasn’t a huge deal, not yet. But as an up-and-coming indie band, they’d been touring for five years and not just opening for other bands. They had a significant fan base and decent ticket sales. His European “tour” had generated some interest, especially in the UK and Norway, which had been a bit of a surprise.

And this Harvest Festival would be a bust if he didn’t figure out how to make the duet work. Still, he probably should connect with Nolan, even though he was dreading that.

Rory stopped cold in front of the statue. He took a moment to analyze his revelation. He wasdreadingmeeting with Nolan.

Why?

Nolan worked for him, not the other way around. What was it about his latest interactions with Nolan that made him dread a meeting? Even a meeting over Zoom? He didn’t want to face him, that was it. He didn’t need Nolan searching his face, trying to see into his thoughts. Picturing that, Rory knew he needed to talk to his reputation management firm right away. He knew Kate was meeting with the Gazette, so he whipped out his phone and called Quinton. He needed some in-depth research on his band manager pronto.

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