Page 235 of Toxic Kiss

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“You can’t heal what you refuse to face. So, I looked—and dragged the truth into the light no longer caring who it burned.” - Haven

HAVEN

Walking into LG Records, I take a moment to appreciate the grand foyer of the company I’ve dreamed of running one day. Now, I’m not sure what will happen. First things first. My father and I need to have a candid conversation.

“Ms. Gaillard, it is so good to see you.”

Steve, the security guard at the front desk, has been working here since I was in high school. Same uniform, same smile, same warmth in his voice.

“Good to see you too, Steve. It’s been a long time. How are you?”

“You know me, every day is a blessing.” He hooks a thumb toward the elevators. “You can head on up, no badge required for you,” he teases with a wide grin.

“At least not now that Anita is gone.”

He rolls his eyes.

“Don’t get me started on that woman. Good riddance is all I’ll say.”

I smile.

“Is my father in yet?” He nods. “Thank you,” I say, making my way to the elevators.

Despite the anger simmering under the surface since I learned about my father’s affair with Anita, I’m nervous to have this conversation.

Ding.

I step inside and try to settle my thoughts for the thousandth time.

Thankfully, Cyrus won’t be home tonight. As close as we’ve become, ugly crying over losing any kind of relationship with my father is not something I want him to see. He wouldn’t tell me what he’s up to, only that it’s a secret. Not suspicious at all.

The elevator slows and the heavy doors open. I pass some familiar faces in the hallway, but no one stops me.

When I get closer to his office, I can hear him on the phone, and I’m hit with a sense of nostalgia. There is so much excitement in his voice when he talks to prospective clients. The promises he makes to new artists that will change their lives forever. The work means something. Choosing the next big artist is important for the company's future, but it does more than that. It shapes the industry. It’s intimate and groundbreaking at the same time.

My father raises his hand in greeting when he sees me at the door. I busy myself, admiring the platinum records on the wall. He has a whole section dedicated to Venomous, and the corner of my mouth turns up at the sight of their first poster. God, they look so young. Not that we’re old, but it feels like another lifetime.

“Alright, I’ll get the paperwork sent later today, and we’ll get you in the recording booth with Jax as your producer, as soon as next week. Yes, it’s really happening, welcome to LG Records,” Dad says, using his signature goodbye for new clients, and then hangs up the phone.

“Rock Star, it’s so good to see you.”

He stands and comes around the desk with his arms open for a hug. Some habits die hard, and I can’t resist hugging my father despite my anger.

“Who are you bringing into the fold?”

His smile widens.

“Indigo Eclipse. They have a similar sound to Venomous, but with more soul and emotional ballads.” He rubs his chin. “Imagine…Cyrus and Lewis Capaldi had a baby.”

“Cy will love that marketing slogan.”

Dad laughs. The sound is infectious, and I remind myself why I’m here. This isn’t a fun social visit.

“Come sit over here,” he says, indicating the large leather chairs. I follow him over and get comfortable. “Thank you for agreeing to talk. I really want to explain everything.”

“I have to be honest, Dad. I’m not sure there is anything you can say to make what you did okay.”