Page 130 of Spark

On the contrary, Reed lays his hand on Kendrick’s shoulder and says, “Thanks to that stunt?—”

“And Ruby’s face when he did it!” Nadine whisper-shouts excitedly.

“Thanks to all that,” Reed continues.

“We got you in close-up, Ruby!” Nadine whisper-shouts again.

Reed laughs. “Thanks to all that, ‘Spark’ will be sitting at number one all over the world by the time we get to Savage’s birthday party.”

We all laugh and high-five; and as we’re doing that, Cooper appears out of nowhere, trailed by a frantic PA. “Cooper, get back here,” the PA hisses. “I’m so sorry, Nadine. I tried.”

“I thought we buried the hatchet,” Cooper stage-whispers at me. “You apologized to me, privately, but then you let Kendrick do thatto me in front of the whole world?”

“Ruby had nothing to do with it,” Kendrick says, slidinghis arm protectively around my shoulders. “So, slow your roll.” He smiles like a shark. “I’m an artist, dude. I felt inspired in the moment, so I went with it. You know all about that, right, Cooper? When the muse strikes, artists like us have to follow her lead—and to hell with whoever might get their feelings hurt as a result.”

36

KENDRICK

Music is thumping.

All the party people surrounding me in Savage’s massive, stylish living room are laughing, dancing, moving and grooving. Mostly, we’re celebrating Savage’s twenty-eight trips around the sun. Secondarily, we’re drinking to our kickass performance of “Spark” earlier tonight. Just as The Prick predicted, by the time we arrived at Savage’s house from Burbank, our new song was sitting at number one on all major streaming platforms, and early indicators suggest it’ll debut in at least the Top 10 on the most important charts. Probably much higher than that.

We’ve got a lot to celebrate tonight already. But, hopefully, before the night is through, Ruby and I will add another reason to the long list. The best one. Our engagement.

“Hey, you two,” Reed says to Ruby and me, and he approaches with his gorgeous wife, Georgina, by his side. I’m in the midst of mixing cocktails for Ruby and me at a stocked bar, so I offer to play bartender for them, too, and they accept.

As I make the drinks, Reed says, “I heard the big news. Congrats. It’s about time.”

I freeze. Fuck. Is Reed referring to the fact that Ruby and I are living together now? Or did Mr. Loose Lips Whenever He’s Drunk Adrian Savage blab to Reed about my plans, and Reed, who’s just arrived at the party, mistakenly thinks the big question has already been popped?

“What big news?” Georgina asks.

“These two kids finally figured out they’re made for each other,” Reed replies. “They’re shacking up. True?”

“True!” Ruby confirms happily.

“Glad to hear it. I like it when good people find each other.”

Ruby and I look at each other, like, “What’s happening?” Reed isn’t normally one to say nice things like that. Seems like he’s on his best behavior in front of his wife.

“Oh, Ruby, speaking of big news,” Reed says. “I’ve got another co-writing session for you, if you’re interested.” He tells Ruby the name of the artist who’s interested in writing with her, and Ruby loses her shit. I’m not surprised. The solo artist requesting her is as big as they come.

“Are you serious?” Ruby screams, her palms on her cheeks. “Of course, I’m interested. I’m elated.”

“They saw you on the show,” Reed says. “Which you got hired for, by the way, because I didn’t pull Cooper’s song.”

And the Reed we know is back.

Reed’s tone dripping with snark, he adds, “Who knew things would work out so damned well for you? Hmm. Was it a defamationlawsuit you threatened to slap me with, or am I misremembering that detail, Ruby Tuesday?”

Ruby fakes a yawn. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Mr. Rivers. That stupid song has never bothered me in the slightest.”

We all crack up at her comedic delivery—nobody more so than Reed himself.

“Aw, come on, Ruby Tuesday,” Reed says. “Give creditwhere it’s due. Things have worked out exactly like I said. Even better. At least admit Cooper’s song was a blessing in disguise.”

Ruby stares at Reed, unyielding, her face a perfect portrait of snark, and soon, he gets the message: she’s not willing to backtrack on a single thing she’s ever said to him.

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