Page 8 of Animal Beats

Shit. He’s pissed. “I’m sure you don’t have the whole story, Luke.”

“Really? Why don’t you fill me in. As much as Hayden and I have been able to piece together, you went to the world-famous landmark, drew a crowd into a call-and-repeat, stripped naked, and jumped into the fountain. Then the police came and arrested you plus several other idiots who, like lemmings, followed your stupidity.” I open my mouth to reply, with what, I have no idea, when Luke adds, “I almost forgot the part where you agreed to pay everyone’s fines. So, tell me, Mr. Drummer, what have I missed?”

When he says it like that, it does sound bad. The need to get him to see it my way bubbles to the surface like the beer I had before I took my admittedly—although I won’t say this out loud—ill-advised dip. I clear my throat. “The crowd around the Trevi Fountain was cool, man. You should’ve heard the call-and-repeat. I swear, it was better than when Bennett does it during our gigs.”

Luke doesn’t seem impressed. “Noted.”

“I got swept up in the audience’s enthusiasm. I wanted to make a splash.”

For the first time, Hayden interjects, “So you took off all your clothes and jumped in?”

“I didn’t plan it or anything. I was caught up in the excitement.”

“You don’t get to be misunderstood if you never take responsibility.”

Hayden’s comment zings right through my heart.

I scowl.

“Hey, lady. You don’t know me. You’ve only been with UC for what—a hot minute? You don’t have any right to say shit like this to me.”

“I’ve been on UC’s PR team for almost a year now. I helped with the movie premiere and for your last single to reach number one. Not to mention the Grammys and upcoming Oscars. I’ve earned my right to call it like I see it.”

I cross my arms across my torso. This woman’s been with UC for merely one out of our decade-plus existence. I just met her in Europe, meaning she’s been working remotely all this time. Give me a break. “Due to all your vaunted experience with the band, have you ever had to help me out?”

“She’s had her hands full with Bennett and Jenna,” Luke breaks the building tension. “Which she, might I remind you, got resolved all to our lead singer’s benefit.”

No arguing with him about this. I shrug.

“Now that you two are well-acquainted, I want to thank you, Río for lightening the band’s bank account to the tune of one million dollars.”

Fuck. That’s a shit ton of money. “For what?”

“Let’s see,” our manager begins. “Your fines. Plus the fines of the other people who jumped into the Trevi Fountain with you. Violating the restriction barrier. Other assorted fees.” His gaze snags mine. “The ‘voluntary offering’ we had to give to the police department so your sorry ass didn’t get charged and put into jail.”

“I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong, Luke. I was having some fun with a bunch of people who needed to let off steam. So I got caught up a little bit and took a quick swim? I didn’t realize things would go this far south.” How can I make this right to the band? “I can play at a charity concert somewhere in Italy. How’s that sound?”

“Like a non-starter. The cops were thrilled to hear we’re leaving for Barcelona tomorrow. Even asked if we could push up our departure.”

Guess I should add Italy to my list of places I need to avoid for the next year or so. At least South Africa timed itself out last month. I clamp my mouth shut.

“I also had to promise the cops I’ll keep you under control.” Luke shakes his head. “How the hell do you propose I do that?”

I adjust my toga. “How about giving me to Coop’s tender care? He’ll keep me on the straight and narrow, like him.”

“Right. Like I’d turn your fucking sorry ass over to the guitarist? I don’t think so, Río. And another thing, how will this look for Darren’s scholarship? All your hard work sunk to the bottom of the Trevi Fountain. Did you think of that?”

“No way! We’ve worked too hard on the scholarship for it to all disappear. I’m sure a tiny bit of unfavorable publicity won’t affect it.” It can’t. Darren’s memory deserves to be preserved, and his legacy of helping other kids in their musical careers is worthy.

Hayden helpfully adds, “It looks bad coming so soon on the heels of Bennett’s baby allegation and his wife’s prostitution ring.”

Ignoring Hayden’s contribution to this part of our conversation, I direct my response to Luke. “I had nothing to do with Bennett’s shit, which is all cleared up now. What I did isn’t being charged by the cops, so it’s no big deal.”

“It was stupid,” Luke clarifies. “I told you the label threatened to reconsider the tour—or your place on it—if I didn’t get you under control, and look where you landed. Wearing a toga in the police station is the definition of stupid, don’t you think?”

Now Luke’s sounding like Pop. Telling me I’m stupid. That what I did was reckless. “Well, fuck you. Tell me the last time you did something because it was fun? You and your prim-ass PR hack standing wouldn’t know fun if it slapped you upside the head.” I motion with both of my hands, leaning into the Italian culture.

Hayden leans forward, her lips pursed in clear disapproval.