AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Exactly.”
“Why don’t you tell me who you see yourself being like?”
“Riley Shaughnessy,” Simon told him confidently. “And I’m not just saying that because he’s your client or to sway you. I’ve been a huge fan of Shaughnessy since I was a kid and if you go back and watch my audition tapes from America’s Next Singing Sensation, you’ll see that I sang “Suddenly Mine”. One of the judges even said I sounded like a young Riley, but then once the competition got going, we were told what to sing and it was all like bubble gum pop.” He muttered something under his breath before adding, “I hate that shit.”
For a minute, Mick didn’t say anything. And then, without warning, he stood. Sienna saw the nervous look on Simon’s face and no doubt he was thinking he blew it. Hell, she actually felt nervous for him.
Reaching into his pocket, Mick pulled out a business card and handed it to Simon. “I’m going to be away for the next week, but I want you to call my office and speak to Lynn. She’s my assistant. I’ll let her know to be expecting your call. I don’t know what the rest of your tour looks like, but I want to see you in my office by the end of the month. I’m going to work on some strategy and see what you think of it.” He held out a hand to him. “I look forward to talking more with you, Simon.”
“Wow, um...thanks, Mr. Tyler!” he replied as he got to his feet. “I’ll give your assistant a call tomorrow.”
“Sienna? You ready?” Mick asked as he walked to the door and opened it.
“Uh...yeah. Sure.” Smiling at Simon, she shook his hand. “It was very nice meeting you and I wish you luck with your career.”
“Thanks!”
It was still crowded out in the main area, and Sienna was happy to simply let Mick lead the way out. As soon as they stepped outside, he pulled out his phone to call for a car and once he had it confirmed, he turned to her.
“So? What did you think?”
“Oh, my goodness! I have so many questions!” she said with a laugh.
“Really? Questions about what?” He was clearly amused.
“All of it! You looked so stoic while Simon was on stage and then it seemed like as soon as the kid started opening up to you, you kind of cut him off and prepared to leave!” Laughing again, she shook her head. “I’m completely confused!”
“It’s hard to explain,” he began. “While I’m watching someone perform—especially when it’s for a situation like this—I have to tune everything else out and give it my full attention.”
“That’s completely understandable.” Honestly, did he really think she wouldn’t get it?
“As for backstage, I listened to what he had to say and I watched his expression when he was talking. He’s miserable. I’ve worked with enough musicians that I know when they’re blowing smoke up my ass and when they’re sincere.” He shrugged. “The kid was sincere. I didn’t need to know anything else. I’ve watched the videos, read his bio, and I think he’s someone I can work with. He just finished performing and I knew he was eager to get the hell out of there. Why would I hold him back?”
“Oh, well...”
“Which reminds me...” He held up his hand before reaching for his phone and tapping out a quick text. Once his phone was away again, he said, “Now Lynn knows to expect his call and I don’t have to think about this again for the rest of our trip.” Leaning in, he kissed her thoroughly. “Thank you.”
She wanted to melt into him and kiss him some more, but their car arrived. Once they pulled away, she looked over at him. “Thank you for sharing this with me tonight.”
All Mick did was frown.
“We’ve talked about what you do for a living and we hung out with Shaughnessy, but this was actually very interesting to witness. I was standing there for part of the show, just fascinated watching you and wondering what you were thinking. You’re amazing at what you do, and I really love the way you chased after your dream and made it come true.”
The lopsided grin was his initial reaction. “Well...you didn’t feel that way when I told you I was leaving all those years ago.”
“To be fair, I was sixteen and a little selfish. This was your destiny, Michael. Think of all the people you’ve helped—all the careers you launched. If it weren’t for you, the entire landscape of music could be very different right now.”
Even in the dim light of the car, she could tell he was blushing. “I don’t know about that.”
Reaching up, Sienna cupped his jaw and forced him to look at her. “I do. And I’m very proud of you.” Leaning in, she gave him a gentle kiss. “And when we get back to the room, I have a little surprise for you.”
His eyes lit up. “More sexy underwear?”
Laughing, she shook her head. “You saw what I was wearing under this outfit earlier, of course it’s more sexy underwear,” she said with a wink. “But that’s not all.”
“Really? So what is it?”
“A surprise, that’s what. And you’ll just have to wait and see.” The look of pure delight on his face did her heart good. She’d never done anything like this before, and she never knew how much fun it could be.
