Page 161 of On The Edge
“What about her job?” I whisper the question that’s been eating at me since we found out that Louis forged all her shares away and forced her out of a job. I’m running on the assumption that Hannah wasn’t in the understanding mood to bring her back on as co-owner anymore. Especially not now that she’s makingallthe money.
“We all make more money than we’d ever think to spend. We don’t spend unnecessarily, private jet and security aside. We’re set for life just based on what we have now. Melody will never want for anything.” Adam laughs softly. “But if she wants to work, we’ll build her a new business from the ground up. Whatever she wants. It’s what she deserves.”
“Fronting her for a business… it’s the very least we can do.” I nod. “And the very least of what I want to do for her.”
FORTY-NINE
The next day,Paul calls us for a band meeting. I’m thankful, yet again, that Louis is gone because Paul always asks howweare first before he dives into business. He’s doing a really good job, especially since we just threw him into this position.
Nothing quite like on-the-job training.
“How are you all doing? How’s Melody?” he asks as soon as FaceTime connects and we can see and hear each other.
“She, uh…” I say softly, eyeing the bedroom door where she’s locked herself in for the second time today. “She’s having a rough go of it. It’s been hard. But we’re not giving up.”
“Good. Don’t. That girl loves you guys and all this, it’s just bullshit. Talk through it, stay through it, and love her through it. She’ll come around.” Paul nods in the picture and then clears his throat. “Okay, on to the business. There are a few different news outlets that want to do an interview with you guys. I know you’ve put ‘Out of Office’ on everything, but this was approved by the big bosses. Bryn said he discussed it with you already, Reis.”
I nod. “He did. Back when I was trying to get time off to come get Melody.” I run my hand through my hair. I need a haircut, it’s too long.
“There’s no getting out of this, guys. When can you come to New York?” Paul asks understandingly, nodding his head.
“That won’t be happening,” Kai says quickly and the confusion on Paul’s face is almost enough to make me laugh.
“But—” Paul starts and Markus jumps in.
“No, Paul. We’ll do the interview, but we’ve already discussed we aren’t physically leaving her. So figure it out.”
“XYZ News is stationed in NYC, guys. That’s the one that Boss Man wants.”
“Tell them,” I say quickly, a plan forming in my head and I look at the guys. “Tell them we’ll pay for their reporter and cameraman to be flown, their hotel and we’ll give them an exclusive.”
Paul sits back in the camera, a look of worry and intrigue passing on his face.
Adam smacks my leg out of frame and when I look at him, he’s got a ‘what the fuck are you offering’ look on his face and his hands open in question.
“What are you going to give them?” Paul asks.
My eyes drift to the door blocking us from our beating heart.
“Answers. Truth. And while we’re at it, we’ll explain to Melody how she’s the most important thing to us. More than fame, more than money, more than the people trying to keep us apart.”
Adam’s eyes widen and a small grin grows on his face as he nods at me with respect.
“Hell yes.” Kai sits forward, smacking me on the shoulder.
“Okay,” Paul says, catching on to what we’re planning. “I’ll handle Bryn and management, then I’ll coordinate it with XYZ News to get a reporter out there. You have a space to hold it?”
“We’ll find one.” Markus nods, looking around at the unpacked apartment. “I don’t want anyone figuring out where she is.”
“She won’t be here for long,” I say absolutely because I know,I know, Melody will be coming home with us. But this time, I want it to be completely on her terms. I want her to choose it. Choose us.
“Alright, I’ll call you this afternoon with details. Please send me all the contact information for the place of the interview, I’ll pass it along.”
“Got it,” Adam says quickly, pulling out his phone to get started.
“Okay, guys, I’ll talk to you later. Tell Melody I’m thinking of her,” Paul says kindly but the sudden chill must be palpable because we all glare at the screen.
“I won’t be doing that, but I’ll tell her you said hi,” I half-growl as Paul swallows uncomfortably. “And Paul?”
