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“I’ll head home to unlock the door. Can you get him in the car?”
As soon as I mention anything, it’s like Corrin’s bones melt. He nearly hits the ground, but I’m there and catching him before he can.
Tucked under his other arm, I move with my brother to help the groggy rockstar to Tenn’s car. We manage to get him situated, then my brother gives me a nervous look.
“Are you sure about the whole fake dating thing, Austen?” He asks carefully.
I knew he’d have something to say. I just didn’t think it would be while his friend is passed out in the backseat while we wait in the cold.
Is fake dating Corrin ideal? Not really.
I’m sure he could find someone more fitting for his lifestyle. Maybe even someone he actually likes being around.
Though… tonight he didn’t come off as standoffish as usual. It helped me loosen up as well.
“It'll be fine. Why are you so worried? We both agreed.”
Tenn looks from me to the backseat and sighs.
“Remember how I said there was something more going on?” I nod. “Well, I worry adding this will only make that hidden thing worse. He’s putting too much pressure on himself. The label is putting heat on him too. I check his freaking emails for him. I see what they’re saying. It’s not pretty.”
Frustration makes me frown.
“What are they saying?”
My brother gives me a confused look, as if he doesn’t understand the gravel in my tone or the tautness of my shoulders. I’m a coil ready to spring forward and attack.
It’s nothing like who I normally am.
Quiet. Loner. Studious.
I’m not the one to fight. Not the one to act out of turn. It’s not my nature.
I’d rather sit alone in a room with a good book or work on a project of my choosing than to face confrontation.
Except now I seem to be someone else entirely. I don’t understand the urge, though I don’t question it either.
My brother is oblivious to my ire. Whether it’s because he’s choosing to or his worry is so powerful he can’t tell, I’m unsure.
“They’re hounding him like he’s their toy or something. Dangling a new contract, then threatening to cancel his if he doesn’t deliver. I had no idea they were so fucking wishy-washy with him.”
“And this is coming from the label directly?” I fold my arms as I lean casually on the side of the car. It’s cold as fuck, but I can’t let this conversation just die out. Not yet.
Corrin is snoring away in the backseat. He’s no problem.
Tenn seems to be just tired enough to have a loose tongue about this. Usually, business related stuff is top secret.
He nods as he matches my pose. “It’s being sent from several people. Mostly it’s the legal team that’s talking contract stuff, but the owner of the label is also being an ass. He’s only reached out twice, both times with enough of an attitude that I sent the reply instead of telling Corrin about it.”
“So, he has no idea?”
“Oh, he knows. He’s gotten texts and stuff too. When he does, he shuts his phone off and ignores it. I think that’s when the emails come.”
“That’s a reasonable response to harassment. My assessment of the situation tells me I actually need to do this now.”
Tenn sputters a laugh. “Need to? How so?”
“Because it sounds like the only person looking out for him is you. He needs more backup than that. If we do this pretend dating thing, then at least I’ll be around to help keep the peace.”
