Page 73 of Hold Still

Ozzy

THIS MORNING’S SWIMfelt better than the previous ones. I did my mile in record time. Must have been my conversation with McKenna last night. She explained so many things—why she never sleeps here, why she misses my concerts, her preoccupation with money, even an ex-boyfriend. It’s not like I’ve never had women before. Fuck, she knows all about Teresa.

Clearing the air between us fuels my morning positive attitude.

Humming my newest song, I tie my sneakers. When I get all the songs written for my new album, I’ll use my check from Platinum to help McKenna with her mother. She seems to want to keep her at home, so I’ll look into adding another nurse to the cycle. Maybe even a live-in nurse—so McKenna can move in with me.

Whoa.

Sitting on the bed, I let the realization that I want her to move in roll through me. Followed by another—I’m not going to be here past the end of the year, when my residency at the Jade ends. I’ll be in LA, then on tour. McKenna’ll have to come out with me. Since she’s a graphic designer, she can work anywhere with an internet connection. And if her mother’s being taken care of, there’s no reason she can’t be at my side. So different from Teresa’s having to stay behind.

Smiling at the easy resolution, I go to the kitchen and start a late breakfast. Picturing McKenna in here with me.

As I’m washing out the blender from my protein shake, the doorbell rings. I need to give McKenna a key. Rubbing my hands on my T-shirt, I race to the front door, eager to hold my girl. Bans joins me, barking. “Sit,” I order, knowing how nervous McKenna is around my dog.

“Morning, Dulc—”

My voice cuts off when I open the door to Ginger and Luis standing on the step. I hold it partway open, my knuckles turning white. “Ginger.” At my side, Bans doesn’t move a muscle, but growls. I don’t correct her.

Ignoring my obvious omission of acknowledging her guest, Ginger pushes past me and crosses the threshold uninvited. “Ozzy.” Not addressing her, I lock eyes with my former best friend. Ginger calls over her shoulder, “Luis, please come in.”

I step to the middle of the doorway, Bans at my heel. Smart girl, she can smell a rat when she sees one. “You’re not invited.”

Ginger’s footsteps return to my side. “Ozzy, let him in. We need to talk. Platinum’s orders.”

Feeling the walls closing in, I say in a hard voice, “In the office.”

“Fine.” Ginger turns and leads the way, followed by Luis. I bring up the rear with Bans, imagining all sorts of ways I can kill him and hide his body. Bans would be an innocent accomplice. When we’re all in the room, Ginger nods at Bans. “Can this be humans only?”

Seeing no way out, I point toward the door. Bans barks but follows my command. I leave the door open in case I have a change of heart and decide to let her tear his guts apart.

Ginger begins, “Listen. I don’t know or care what went down between you two. All Platinum cares about is that Ozzy’s next album is in the recording booth come January. Meaning twelve new songs. Eleven more than you have, Ozzy.”

I hate letting Luis see me in a position of weakness. I didn’t want to share about the progress I’ve made writing, but seeing no other option, I state, “I have three more written, and more in the works.”

She blinks. “Well, that’s good.” Pointing at Luis, she continues, “But you wrote your first album with Luis, which included six number ones. He’s here to collaborate with you to ensure the magic happens again.”

“No.”

Ginger plants her hands at her waist.

Luis taps his hat. “Listen, bro—”

“Don’t ‘bro’ me, you asshole.” I don’t care if Ginger’s here or not.

He plays with his fedora. “We were a great writing team. Our songs lived at the top of the charts for months. We can do it again.”

“No.”

“Platinum’s not asking, Ozzy. We need you to get your next album to the studio in a few weeks. Luis can make this happen.”

My eyes swing to my rep. “My band has been collaborating with me. He,” I nod toward the asshole standing in my office, “isn’t needed. Or welcome.”

Ginger huffs. “You two need to work whatever this is out.” She motions between the two of us. “I’m going to leave. This isn’t a request.” Before she reaches the door, Ginger pulls a pill bottle out of her purse and tosses it to me. “This should help ease the tension.” She walks out of the room.

Bans barks and Ginger yells for her to stay down. Luis watches as I play with the pill bottle, neither one of us uttering a word. After a minute, the golden retriever returns to my side, growling at Luis.

“Sit.”

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