Page 38 of The Bitter Words

“Relax, Cash. I’m just going by what I read in the magazines.”

“Well, don’t.” I take a long pull off my beer and glare his way.

I don’t know what he’s up to, but something about this interaction is wrong.

“We don’t seem to be getting off on the right foot.” He points to the stool again. “Take a seat and let’s start over.”

I hesitate but give in and sit. If I’m being honest, I need his help.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to leave my girlfriend out of the conversation. We’re trying to keep our relationship more private.”

“Since I’m signing Mayhem, you’re going to trust me. That means nothing’s off the table. If I’m taking you to the top, I need to know we’re close enough that you’ll tell me everything I want to know.”

“Why? What’s my personal life got to do with my career?”

“Once you become the best-known rock band of this time, you won’t have a personal life.” A knowing smile slowly grows over his face. “That’s why it’s in your best interest to tell me everything.”

“I still don’t see why I would do that.”

“Cash, I have ways to make things disappear. I have friends everywhere. My reach and influence are deep. My fingers scratch the backs of highly powerful people and vice versa. The more I know, the better off you’ll be. That includes your woman.”

I shift as I consider what he’s saying. If he can keep themedia away from Livianna, this could work out in my favor. They follow her around like it’s their job to twist everything about her and make her out as an evil person, bound to ruin her life.

I dip my chin, showing my willingness to agree. “Okay, Leon. I’ll share.”

“Good. Now tell me about your girlfriend.”

“She’s been doing well. She’s working hard with a therapist to heal some bad things that happened to her. I don’t want her to get hurt while Mayhem takes the world by storm. If you promise to keep her safe, I’ll tell you whatever you want.”

“Consider it part of the contractual agreement.” He rounds the bar, sits beside me, and holds out his bottle. “We’ll tap our glasses in a toast to cement it in stone.”

I take my beer and clink it against his. “Thanks, Leon. She’s important to me, so I appreciate you protecting her.”

We take a solidifying sip for the new term in our partnership.

He gives me a piercing stare. “You’ll find I can be a great ally.”

“That’s rare in this business. Even our old label had their own agenda.”

“Everyone has their own agenda, Cash. It’s a matter of finding acceptance and common ground so everyone wins.”

“How so?”

“Take what you just said. You exposed your biggest weakness and I told you I’d help keep things intact for her. There’s your win.”

“She’s not my weakness.” My blood pressure elevates. “If anything, she’s my strength.”

“You’re still young.” He takes a drink, then eyes me up and down. “Strengths and weaknesses are a lot like love and hate. There’s a fine line that runs between them. Just remember that.”

“I won’t need to.” The muscles in my arms and chest flex. “She’s good for me. I wanna be a better man because of her. I even quit using drugs because of her.”

“Don’t get testy. I’m only speaking from my experience.” He shrugs. “You could be the exception to the rule, but I wouldn’t bet on it. You’re eighteen, Cash. You’ve got a lot of living to do before some girl should tie?—”

“I’m done talking about her.” I rise to my feet. “In fact, I’m done here.”

Maybe signing with Leon is a bad idea.

“Hey, now. Sit down. We’re not finished here.” He places his strong grip on my shoulder. “Unless you’re ready to leave all your rockstar dreams at the door when you stomp out.”