Page 56 of Double or Nothing

“Say hi, Mac,” Xavier says.

Mac throws me a look that could kill before greeting the listeners.

“Seriously, man. You write some great songs. There has to be someone behind them.”

“There is.”

“Someone special?”

“Very special.”

“Does she have a name? Or don’t you remember it?”

“Oh, she has a name, just not one I’m willing to tell you.”

Xavier jokes he’ll get it out of me. No way in hell would I give Kat up like that.

“So, this woman without a name, is she the reason you finally made an appearance in Vegas after all these years?”

I glance over at Mac, then back to Xavier.

“Nope. That one I can blame on Mac.” I hang my head, embarrassed by my stupidity. “Had me sign some autographs and slipped in a contract. Totally blindsided me.”

“Well, thank you, Mac.” Xavier does a clapping sound effect that has even Mac laughing. “So, if she isn’t the reason you came back, is she the reason you left?”

I shake my head. “You’re just not going to give up, are you?”

“Never do. Give it up, Sutton.”

“Fine. You want the truth? Rocked Records made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Taking that deal meant I had to leave Vegas. Leaving Vegas meant I had to leave someone very important to me behind. Hardest decision I ever had to make. Biggest mistake of my life.”

Mac’s jaw drops.

“The music or leaving the girl?”

“The girl. A great girl. A once-in-a-lifetime girl.”

“The girl your songs are about?”

“Every single one of them.”

We wrap up the interview and head on to my next agenda item, an autograph signing back at the Sapphire. The entire way back to the hotel, Mac stares at me, laughs, then repeats the process.

“What is so fucking funny?” I yell.

“You. You just admitted to the entire city that you’re still hung up on your ex.”

“What can I say?” I shrug. “I took one for the team.”

“You took one for Kat.”

Another shrug. “She probably doesn’t even listen to that station.”

“Probably not,” Mac agrees. “But I sure as hell just sent the recording to Liz.”

“Jesus, man, are you a manager or a matchmaker?”

“Why can’t I be both?” Mac’s laughter fills the car.

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