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The band had gathered in Brodie’s suite for a meeting with Harlow. Before their manager arrived, the four guys had their own private conversation while Van and I chatted on the sideline.
And now that Harlow was here, things were not going well. To say the least.
“What’shedoing here?” Harlow asked, motioning at me.
“Hehas a name. And I asked Dawson to be here. Not that I owe you any explanation since he’s my bodyguard.”
“He doesn’t need to protect you here.”
“I don’t know about that,” Iain mumbled.
“What happened last night, Harlow?” Brodie snapped. “I want an explanation before I contact Greg directly.”
“Go ahead.” Harlow shook his head and adjusted his suit jacket. “Look, I admit that I should have done a better job at preparing you for those questions?—”
“Are you kidding me?” Faise bit out.
“But, in all fairness,” Harlow continued, “the questions they asked are all based on public knowledge. There’s nothing threatening or nefarious going on. Faise’s brotherisin rehab; it’s not a secret. And Holloway’s mother?—”
“Don’t!” Iain yelled and stood up to pace. “Do not go there.”
I looked at Van, and his concern mirrored mine. Both of us moved closer to Iain.
“Everything is fair game when it comes to the media,” Harlow countered. “That’s celebrity life. Or did you all forget?”
“Whose side are you on?” Ronin asked.
“The label’s, of course. You know, the one that pays for your mansions, cars, and every other luxury you have.”
“You’ve got that the wrong way around.” Brodie leaned forward. “We bring in the money. The label was damn lucky to sign us.”
I didn’t miss his use of the past tense.
“So, the more attention you guys get, the more money you’ll make. Fans want to know all about your life, including your family and anything to do with you. You might as well give them what they want to know instead of refusing to answer thesequestions. Now, you can dislike me all you want, but this comes from the top. No more evasive answers.”
“This isn’t about money. And what does Zoe have to say about all this?” Brodie asked.
Harlow scoffed. “She’s not in charge on this trip; I am.”
“I looked at the press clippings today,” Van interjected. “There are reporters camped outside Rae’s rehab facility, and there are now several articles about Iain’s mom.”
“You know what? I’m done. I’m not doing promos or interviews while we’re here.” Iain pointed at Harlow and sat back down.
“I’m with Holls.” Brodie nodded. “We do the concerts, and we’re done.”
“I agree,” Faise replied.
Ronin nodded. “I’m with you guys.”
“That’s a violation of the terms of your contract,” Harlow reminded them.
“What’s Greg gonna do? Cancel the sold-out concerts?” Brodie sneered. “No fucking way. And we may be public figures, but that doesn’t mean everything is fair game. Get Greg on the phone. Now.”
Harlow pulled out his phone and tapped it. Then he placed it on the table in front of him. After a few rings, the voice of Greg Haddley answered.
“What is it now, Hines?”
