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Fiona tells me a story I’d not heard before about when she and Zane were six and they found Carter OD’d in the park. “I just don’t know if I have the stamina to start from scratch. My menu is seasonal. God.”
“Just take some time. You might want a project to distract you from the LTZ stuff.” I can’t help but think the idea sounds kind of nice. I’d give anything to get out from under the shitstorm of my own life.
Like a bolt, she reaches over and grips my hand. “Shit. Ronni. I’m thebadfriend. I haven’t even asked you about all of what you’re going through.”
“Oh, it’s all legal bullshit.” I wave my hand across my face like it’s nothing.
Her eyes narrow. “Uh. No. Try again.”
“I’ve been asked to step down from the movie I was producing for Finnegan O’Rourke.” I try to keep my voice from quivering, but it’s hard. The news is raw. “I’m beginning to wonder if all the work I did to bring these bastards down was worth it.”
“I never thought about how the allegations would affect your work.” Fee rests her head on her hand. “Are people truly believing it?”
I can’t help but laugh. “Youhavebeen in the dark. Yeah. The tide of public opinion is most definitely moving against me currently. Kircher has social media bots trolling me. Spewing out trending hashtags. It’s a lot.”
“You seem so poised. How are you getting through this?” She looks at me with awe. Not pity. I love her for it.
“Connor.”
It’s a simple, but true statement. There’s no way I’d be able to handle the wave of negative press that’s crashed me to the beach without my husband. He’s the stability in life.
“Zane’s always been my person, you know?” Fee nods. “Do you mind if I go call him? I should check how Carter’s doing.”
“Don’t ask a second time. Go.” I point toward the kitchen.
When she leaves, I lie down on the couch like it’s a bed. Stare at the ornate gold carvings on the ceiling. My God. We’re all going through it. Every single one of us. It’s hard not to be scared. Hard not to be pessimistic. Or negative. Or downtrodden.
The people that preach positivity and manifestation? I call bullshit. If you never have any expectations in life—or, no. If you always believe the worst will happen but hope for the best—or, no. If you just keep to yourself and never take any stupid risks…
No.
No. No. No.
I hold up my arm. Read my tattoo.
Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.
I’m not going to let anything bring me down. Or Fee. Or the band. Or anyone I love. We’re a family. Family sticks together, and family helps each other through hard times.
I’m under no illusion. Hard times are ahead.
Connor and I will stay strong to overcome our own obstacles.
So will the rest of LTZ.
I’ll do anything to make it happen.
Leaveit to my wife to prioritize Fiona. I watch her fine ass walk out the door and feel proud. My woman’s going through a crisis much bigger than this one could ever be, yet she’s thinking about everyone but herself.
Jace mumbles something about how mad he is about Alex chasing after Zoey, which strikes a chord. I can’t help but admonish him. “Ack. No, Jace. Alex and Zoey have been friends since they were wee lasses. She should be by her side. Don’t make this situation worse by taking out your frustrations on your missus.”
“Aren’tyoufurious?” He paces back and forth. Throws his hands up in exasperation.
“Aye, I’m furious at what happened to the band and the night in general. But we don’t have any further insight, do we? There’s no way for me to know what set Ty off tonight. But I know the man. I’ve traveled with him. Spent time in the studio with him. I’ve had my own issues with him, but never, in the history of our friendship, have I ever seen him react this way. And neither have you.”
Jace is completely fed up. “I have anidea,” he says in a high-pitched mocking tone. “More of the same.” He plops down on a chair. “Maybe this is all for the best. I don’t want to do this anymore.”
I pick up another chair and place it across from his. “Jace, my brother. You’ve lived a privileged life. As have I. There’s a lot about Tyson’s past that I relate to, though. We both had to grow up too soon and support our families because of addiction. It fucks with you. I’m not excusing him, but Ty’s a gentle soul. Let’s at least try to remain neutral until we know what’s what. All of us need to stick together.”
