Page 282 of End Game

Fuck.

“If something you write makes a record, publishing and royalties will get handled properly. If nothing does, you still get paid for the time.”

“You're serious.”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Austin's face does something between amusement and irritation. “Because you're good, asshole.”

Right.

That.

“You don't have to answer tonight.”

“Yes.”

He pauses.

“I literally just said—”

“Yes.”

“You should probably check your calendar.”

“I have a calendar.”

“You should check it.”

“I'll check it while saying yes.”

Austin laughs. “You really don't know how to play this cool, do you?”

“I am incredibly cool.”

“Sure.”

He pulls his phone out of his pocket and types for a second.

My phone buzzes.

Email.

I look down.

His business manager.

Dates.

Rate.

Travel.

Actual fucking paperwork.

“This feels aggressive.”