Page 74 of Voice to Raise
Creed rolled his eyes.
“Well, he’s not my entertainment lawyer.”
“Just your boyfriend?”
I nearly dropped the phone.
Pauletta chuckled for the third time. “I caught sight of you and Spencer Wainright getting…close. I do my research, Malik. I want to know who I’m offering to rep. If any of you have skeletons in the closet, you’re better off telling me now.”
The documentary about Grindstone flashed in my mind. How ten years ago, Axel’s girlfriend had overdosed when he’d been in rehab. How they’d kept the secret to themselves until a documentary filmmaker—the woman’s brother—had forced thetruth to surface. How Ed and Axel had lived clean lives and stayed away from drugs and booze. How they encouraged their fans to do the same thing.
“I don’t have any, Pauletta.” I held Creed’s gaze.
He shook his head.
“I don’t have any reason to believe any of my bandmates do either.”
“Great. I can be there in an hour. I have contracts which, of course, you’ll want your lawyer to read.”
Spencer could look them over tonight, and Gemma could tear them apart tomorrow before we signed.Better call her and give her the heads-up. I rattled off my address.
“Nice neighborhood. I don’t live too far away.”
“It’s a long story.”
“No doubt.” She paused. “May I bring Mickey? They’re my partner. And a documentary film producer. I don’t have any plans to film you, but they’ve always got a good sense for people and often bring great ideas to the table.”
A nonbinary partner? Interesting.“Of course they’re welcome here. See you in an hour. You can park on the street and ring the bell.”
“See you then.” She cut the connection.
I stared at Creed. “Uh…did you understand that?”
“Nope.” He puffed out his chest. “ThePauletta Magnum, manager of the Grindstone, wants to rep us.”
“Did you catch the bit about a producer?”
“Anaward-winningproducer.” Spencer finally released my hand and put his on his hips. “This sounds fishy.”
Creed whacked him on the upper arm. Gently, but with meaning. “Let’s hear what she has to say before we pass judgement. This might be a really good opportunity.”
“Or she might demand you agree to work with this producer or she won’t rep you.” He scowled.
I held up my hand. “Let’s not jump to any conclusions. Creed, you touch base with Freddie and make sure he’s on the way. I’ll do the same with Reese. I suggest we wait until they get here before we spring the Pauletta news on them.”
“And Mickey.” Spencer’s brow creased. “That’s not usual, is it? To bring a documentary producer to a contract meeting?”
“Are you staying?” I arched an eyebrow.
“Of course.” Then he squinted. “If you want me to…?”
“Duh.” Creed whacked him again. “You’re a lawyer. She’s bringing a contract.”
“Yes, but as Malik pointed out, I’m neither a contract nor an entertainment lawyer. And he’s also my boyfriend.” He eyed me to be certain.
I nodded.
“So, conflicts of interest galore. I can sit in as his boyfriend, but I can’t be his legal representation.”
