Page 53 of Royal Bosshole

“No, Father, I didn’t.”

“Why the hell not?”

He’d got himself worked up again, and he started wheezing.

“Please,” I said. “I don’t want you worrying about this. You’ve got to stay strong.”

“And why?” he asked when his fit was over. I looked at him, his green eyes still looking sharp. “Why should I when I am going to die, and we all know it? You are the only thing in this world that matters to me, James, so I’m going to worry about you until my last breath. Now, why did you not tell that girl you love her? Since you do. Since you’ve been miserable without her since you came back? I have never seen you care about anyone like this. I wish I could meet her.”

Despite my father’s ominous statement, my lips quirked into a smile. “Me too.”

“Then call her up, damn you, and tell her how you feel. You are a prince, and you’re a warrior. I’ve never seen you be afraid of anything.”

“I don’t know, but something is holding me back,” I lied.

I didn’t want to rehash the past. I’d already done that, and along with Peter’s encouragement, I was beginning to heal.

“Well, you figure it out, James. Don’t waste this chance. Lenovia or no Lenovia, love is what’s going to make you happy.”

I stood; I could tell my father was losing energy.

“Thanks, Father. I will think about it.”

“You’d better.” My father’s eyes closed, and I looked at him for another second before I stepped out of the room.

I went straight to my room, not wanting to meet with anyone right then. I needed air, space, the room to think my own thoughts. Once I slipped inside, I took out my phone and went straight to Instagram. I’d only gotten it to look at Lily, and on the coffeeshop Instagram there were so many pictures of her.

Singing, serving, waving to the camera. The events looked incredible and packed. I was so goddamn happy for her.

She looks beautiful.

When I’d first met her, she looked tired and almost too thin, as if she hadn’t eaten enough. Now, she was bright-faced and happy looking.

Fucking gorgeous.

And thousands of miles away, my body ached for her. I hadn’t been with anyone since her, even though some of my old lovers from Lenovia had gotten in touch. I only wanted Lily.

“Shit. I need a drink.”

CHAPTER22

LILY

A couple of days later,I was walking down the street from Sadie's yoga class in the park when I got a call. It was from an unknown number, but now that business was picking up, especially with Spotify, I wasn't afraid of picking it up.

“Hello, this is Lily.”

“Hi, Lily, my name is Hank Thompson, and I'm a music agent, and I would really like to talk to you about representing you. Getting you gigs and hopefully a record deal.”

I froze in the middle of the sidewalk. I didn't say anything for several seconds, my mouth just hanging open. Ever since business had picked up with the music, I'd not hidden behind the secret name anymore. I started putting feelers out there with my contact info, trying to get in touch with music agents all over the country. My Spotify spoke for itself, so I hoped I had a good chance.

“Lily, are you there?” Hank asked, and I cleared my throat.

I wore the biggest smile as I said back, “Yeah, sorry. I'm… I'm here. I just was so surprised to hear from you.”

He chuckled in a kind, grandfatherly way, and I felt comfortable instantly. “The young musicians always say things like that, always surprised at their success. But your success as Langton speaks for itself. I think your soulful, yet pop-like music really could fit in the market right now, and I think you have a really good chance of being very, very successful.”

Very successful sounds good.