Page 23 of Of Heartbreak and Harmony
“We have a proposition for you, but before we begin, I do need to ask that you sign a non-disclosure?—”
My gut twists, and my mouth goes dry. Of course. The NDA. I almost want to laugh.
“—that states you won’t talk about the topic of this meeting today. Even if you decline the offer, it is still imperative that this doesn’t make it into the media. Should you take it to the media, we will take legal action?—”
I open my mouth to protest, to say thanks but no thanks and leave, but Wade Hammond holds up a palm and silences me. Like witchcraft, the words turn to dust before even making it out of my throat.
“This NDA requires nothing of you but your agreement to keepwhat we discuss confidential, but there is a caveat that states you are free to share your story with anyone you wish should we suggest or engage in anything illegal. However, once you sign this, we will also ask that you sign a release allowing us to record this meeting. As a precaution.”
My eyes widen. “I wouldn’t lie,” I protest.
“As I said. It’s a precaution.”
My nostrils flare, but the caveat has softened my resolve, and I take the tablet from Hammond’s outstretched hands to look over the PDF document on the screen. Sure as shit, it’s cut and dry. I understand every word. No sneaky legal jargon. No fine print. And no mention of the music festival four years ago.
Damn if my curiosity isn’t thoroughly piqued.
“Fine.”
Hammond offers me a stylus without my having to ask. Silently, I sign the NDA and then sign the video release form. Hammond takes it back, sets it on the couch beside him, then pushes a button on his phone, which I assume is starting a recording. I glance around the room for a camera, and Mabel laughs.
“You’re very on it,” she says with a grin, then she starts pointing. “There’s one up in that corner, one on top of the television, and one in the kitchen. There’s also one on the elevator, the emergency exit, and the front door. Nothing in the bathroom or bedrooms. And before you ask, yes, all of our places are like that.”
My eyes flare at the need for such excessive security measures.
“A precaution?” I ask, and everyone nods.
“Now that that’s done—Torren, you have the floor.”
Hammond turns his attention to Torren, so I do too. Reluctantly. When Torren makes eye contact with me, my pulse starts to race. His face stays blank, his voice even when he speaks the words that completely knock me on my ass.
“I’d like you to enter into a PR relationship with me.”
8
CALLIE
“No.”
My answer is immediate as I shake my head and stand, ready to bolt.
Torren clears his throat and throws his palms up. “Just hear me out. Let me finish. Then if you still say no, you can leave, but I think you’ll want to hear what I have to say.”
I glare at him. I search his face. It doesn’t look nefarious.
In fact, he almost looks desperate.Almost.
Mostly, though, he just looks detached. All business. That’s why I sit down. I can handle detached.
“Thank you. I’d like for you to enter into a PR relationship with me. You’ve probably seen that rumors are once again circulating about a relationship between Sav and me. This is...not ideal...for several reasons. Our hope is that a relationship of my own will be enough to kill the rumors.”
He pauses, but when I don’t speak, he moves forward.
“It would be for the next three months while we’re finishing up our American tour. We would engage in several public outings and some mild displays of affection. You would have to attend the concerts and travel on the tour bus?—”
“I’d have to go on tour with you?” I interrupt, the shock evident in my tone. “I can’t leave my job for three months. I can’t just gogallivanting around the country to be your arm candy. I have responsibilities. I have?—”
“We would compensate you, Miss James,” Hammond says, and I sigh.
