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“Nothing to be sorry about.Of course you were curious.Who wouldn’t be?And it’s not your fault about the rest.That’s the nature of the social media beast.It’ll be fine.”
“I wanted to tell you first.”
Laying her hand on mine she gives it a small squeeze.We’ll get through.”
“Get through what?”My father asks from the doorway.
I jump up and pour him some coffee as my mother gestures for him to join her at the table.
“Mick Russell was playing drums for the band I went to see the last two nights.”My dad’s face turns stony.And I’m about to give him another reason to be angry at Mick.“Someone took video and it’s gone viral.I’ll show it to you once I’ve explained things to Chloe.It’s not bad, Dad.It’s just…” I trail off, at a loss of what more I can say that won’t just rile him more.
“John,” my mother warns, “she was curious?—”
My father interrupts.“You’re an adult Erin.A parent.Your choices are your own, and I know you will do what’s best for you and Chloe.I can’t say I’m not concerned, but even when we make the best choices, there can be unforeseen problems.As far as privacy issues, I’m not concerned at all about your mum and me.We’ll do what we can to help ensure Chloe is affected as little as possible by this.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
I pull out my phone wondering whether it’s better to contact Mick or leave it alone.
THIRTEEN
Mick
“Dude,you’ve sent us fucking viral.”
“What the fuck, man.It’s not even seven?—“
“I’ve been up all night watching that vid ofLast Smileexplode all over the internet.”
“What?”I can’t have heard him right.
“Someone took video last night and it’s gone apeshit viral.We need to get into the studio and record it while?—”
“Let me call you back.I need coffee.”
Turns out I need something a lot stronger than coffee by the time I pull up my social media.The notifications are out of control.
I click on the video and my heart completely stalls.
Dylan picks up on the first ring.“Are you ready to talk?”
“We need to shut this shit down.”
“What are you talking about?This is the best thing that could happen.We’re viral.It’s the perfect time to do a quick and dirty recording ofLast Smileand ride this social media train for as long as we can.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because that social media shitstorm is going to blow back on someone I loved.And worse, it’s going to blow back on her innocent kid.”
“It’s a hit, Mick.It’s a hit, with ready-made buzz.Be at the studio by three this afternoon.”
“You fucking owe me, D.That ambush you pulled last night was bad enough, but what it’s brought on is just too fucking much.”
“In all seriousness, Mick.This is our big chance.If you’re really concerned about the kid, we can get the label to do some damage control and protection.”
“I don’t like it.This is a shitty way to do this.”
