AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Don’t even say it. You saw nothing,” I rush out, painting on my best intimidating scowl as I face him.
He barks a laugh and raises his hands in front of his chest, palms to me. “Saw what?”
“That’s what I thought. Now, let’s focus on Garrison for a moment.”
“An expert subject change, Tinsley,” he teases.
I ignore him and push forward. “You need to get Garrison to lay off a bit. He worked the guys so hard yesterday that Noah came back to the bus with a hoarse throat. He drank the tea I made him, Reggie.With honey! You know what that means.”
Concern settles in the lines of his face. “I didn’t know Garrison was with them last night. It figures, with it being their last night before the big show. I should have put it together when I heard Noah’s voice tonight.”
“If he keeps pushing them already, he won’t have anyone in shape to actually do the tour. I know you two don’t really talk, but it’s worth a try. For Noah.”
My best friend isn’t much of a gossip, but when poked and prodded enough, he tends to appease my curiosity. The terrible father/son relationship between Reggie and Garrison is the only one I’ve ever heard of that could rival Oakley and Noah’s. It quite possibly tops it.
If you weren’t explicitly told that Garrison was Reggie’s son, you would go your entire life without knowing. They both keep to themselves, not wanting anything to do with the other. It stems from decades of arguments and disapproving life decisions on both sides, but somehow, they’re crazy enough to continue a business relationship. I guess it makes sense, considering the success the record label has had, but if I were in their shoes, I couldn’t do it.
I’ve always had a terrible time pretending with people. When I don’t like someone, I don’t bother hiding it. If you piss me off, I let you know. Life is too short to surround yourself with people you don’t like or respect or just truly treat you like shit. Noah taught me that lesson back when we were just children.
“He won’t listen to me,” Reggie says, the words heavy with emotion.
“He kind of has to, doesn’t he?” They’re both owners of Swift Edge Records. Every action has to be approved by both halves of the company. And Reggie loves Noah. I trust that he doesn’t want his son to ruin their chance at making him the next big thing in music.
If Garrison did, I can’t see that going well for both the company and the relationship between him and his father.
“You’re right. I’ll speak with him. And once rehearsal finishes up, I’ll talk to Noah.”
“He won’t tell you, but I think he’ll appreciate that.”
“Doesn’t have to tell me. I read him well,” Reggie says.
“A skill you’ve learned with your son?”
“You could say that. Believe it or not, but Noah’s easier for me to read than Garrison.”
“I don’t envy you if that’s the case.”
He huffs out a breath. “Yeah, I wouldn’t expect you would. Nobody should.”
“I can always talk to him. Give him a bit of a shakedown, if you want,” I offer with a wink and quick flex of my biceps.
His answering laugh is so pure it warms my chest. “Honey, we both know he wouldn’t make it out of that talk alive.”
“You’re my favourite, Reg. Thank you for being so awesome. Noah is lucky to have you in his corner.”
He sobers up and stares at me with soft, understanding eyes. It reminds me of the way my dad looks at me when I tell him something sugary sweet, usually when I want something from him. But with Reggie, the only thing I’ll ever want from him is his continued support of my best friend.
“I think he’s lucky to have us both, wouldn’t you say?” he asks.
I grin and glance at the stage, finding Noah instantly. He’s already watching me, and as I wiggle my fingers at him, he begins to head in our direction, rehearsal finished.
His hair hangs in his face, the bandana he had tied around his head earlier now tucked in the pocket of his jeans. A guitar pick twirls between his fingertips. The permanent scowl on his face makes him look like a broody teen, and I can’t help but giggle at it. I want to press my thumbs to the corners of his mouth and tug it into a smile. His smile is one of my favourite things on this earth. I wish I saw it more.
“There’s my money-maker!” Reggie calls.
Noah keeps a straight face, but he glances suspiciously between me and his producer as if trying to piece together what we were talking about.
“At least you recognize it,” he mutters back.
