AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Does that mean you bet against me then?”
Her eyes twinkle. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Uh-huh. I’d better get changed before anyone else sees me.” My outfit of jeans, a T-shirt, and cowboy boots might be normal apparel in Texas, but definitely not here.
“I’ll walk with you. There’re a couple of other things we need to discuss.”
“Oh-kay…” Just like that, the knot in my stomach tightens again.
We start down the hallway, passing a couple of other employees. They both give me warm smiles and my outfit questioning looks.
“Jason Martin passed away,” Linda says softly.
Shock surges through me as I recall the up-and-coming rapper with all the bluster and cockiness of a twenty-two-year-old who was thrust into fame and the fortune that often comes with it. He was young.Soyoung.
“What? How?”
“Car accident. He was home, visiting family in Michigan. Out at a bar with friends. Jason died in emergency surgery. He had a friend in the car, too, who survived. The other driver didn’t.”
“Was Jason at fault?”
“No. He was speeding, but the other car crossed the median. They haven’t released the toxicology report yet, so no idea if she was high or drunk or texting. Doubt it’ll matter to Jason’s family or fans.”
“That’s awful.”
Linda nods. “It is. News hasn’t leaked yet since the car was in such bad shape that they couldn’t identify him at the scene. Once it does come out, it’ll be all hands on deck around here. Management is planning a tribute event. Sounds like it’ll be a fundraiser with proceeds going to the charity organization of the Martins’ choice. Several Empire artists will perform.”
“Okay.”
We stop outside my office, althoughofficeis a generous term. Most of this floor has an open layout, so it’s more like an enclosed cubicle in full view of a dozen other desks.
“Carl wants to meet with you. I put him on your calendar for three.”
An hour from now. Plenty of time to freak out about it.
“Got it.” I manage a tight smile.
Linda squeezes my arm. “You’ll be fine. Like I said, everyone is impressed by what you did accomplish.”
I want to askwhatI accomplished, but I’m distracted by the blonde who suddenly appears and gives me a huge hug.
“Piper!”
“Hi, Mia.” I hug her back, inhaling the familiar scent of her floral perfume. I’m sure I smell like fast food and recycled air.
Linda laughs. “I’d better get back to reception. Give you girls a chance to catch up.”
Mia pulls back and scans me up and down. Her nose wrinkles. “What’s with the rodeo shoes?”
“They’re called cowboy boots.”
I head into my office, and she follows behind me.
“So? You’ve barely responded to any of my texts! What was it like? Did you meet any hot cowboys? What was the hotel like? I’ve never been to Texas, but I’ve heard it’s hot. Was it hot? I hope Carl isn’t going to make visiting artists a normal thing, you know. Like, that’sa lotto ask.”
I yank off my boots while she’s talking a mile a minute, pulling the heels I packed in my carry-on out, along with the dress that managed to travel mostly wrinkle-free.
Mia keeps babbling until she realizes I’m not answering.
