Page 25 of Big & Burly Rockstar

Most of them have worked for the label for years, but I’ve never bothered learning their names. I try to extricate myself from their ass-kissing, but they’re determined. So I smile and make small-talk while rueing the day the guys and I signed with a major label.

“How about you get yourself a drink and hang out with the guys for a bit?” I ask Elli, when one of the men stares at her chest for a full ten seconds.

“Are you sure?”

I nod. “Yeah. I’ll find you as soon as I can.”

Once she’s out of earshot, I turn toward the man. “If you ever look at my girlfriend like that again, I’m going to break every bone in your face. Understood?”

He blanches, his eyes wide. Then he lets out a nervous little laugh. “But it’s all fake, isn’t it? I didn’t think you’d mind.”

“It’s not fake. Even if it was, don’t be a fucking creep. Have I made myself clear?”

He nods. I stalk off, done with their bullshit. I scan the crowd for Elli, but she isn’t at the bar or with the guys.

“Where is she?” I ask once I’ve reached them.

“Bathroom, I think,” Finn says.

I’m about to go look for her when Pete appears. “I need you guys.”

“What for?” Michael asks, his face drawn into his usual scowl.

“It’s the CEO’s wife’s birthday. And he wants you to sing her happy birthday.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” I grunt.

Pete winces. “You understand I couldn’t say no, right?”

“Yeah, yeah, I fucking understand. Let’s get it over with then.”

Pete claps me on the back and then leads us to a stage set up at the end of the room. On our way there, I look around for Elli, but still can’t see her.

The guys and I go on stage and I grab one of the guitars someone must have set up earlier and a mic. “I’ve been told it’s someone’s birthday today,” I say, a smile plastered on my face. And then we play Happy Birthday, and all throughout the song I wish I could smash the guitar over Pete’s head.

Once we’re done, Elli is still nowhere to be seen. I pull out my phone and see a text from her.

Dad’s had a heart attack. He’s at Mercy Hospital. I’ll be in Peter Dawson’s room. Please come as fast as you can. I need you.

Panic thrums through my veins. Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

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