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My panic grew muscles and sniffed protein powder at that point. It was bigger than ever. I thought of the reasons Mr. Bingham could call me to his office and the first thing that came to mind was my recent vacation activities with the guys. I’d known sleeping with a band under the record label was unprofessional, but under the shadow of Mr. Bingham, it felt dark and wrong. I’d already been fired, so he couldn’t fire me, but would he be able to do worse than fire me? Would he blacklist me in the industry for my behavior? How would he have found out, though?
My mind was racing and I didn’t notice when the elevator stopped moving. The guard touched my shoulder and motioned me forward. I rushed to follow him down the hallway to Mr. Bingham’s large office. I’d only been inside once, during the welcome tour, but I remembered the windows that looked out over LA. I’d thought the view was stifling. Back home, the views of mountains and trees stretched on, into the blue sky for forever. It was magical. The view of LA was busy with people and buildings. I felt like I could smell the smog from inside the office. His office didn’t even take in the water.
The door to the office was open and I could hear Mr. Bingham. “I don’t know what the fuck is going on, but if they walk, I’ll fire each and every one of you.”
The guard all but pushed me into the office before hurrying away. He clearly understood the wrath of Mr. Bingham and didn’t want to feel it. It left me standing in the open doorway, feeling like throwing up.
“Are you Layla Morgan?” Mr. Bingham stormed over and looked me over when I nodded. “You’re the new tour manager for JAX. Congratulations.”
17
Layla
Mybraincouldn’tmakesense of what he was saying. Lucky for me, I didn’t have to look like a fool because Matthew was there to do that. He snorted loudly and shook his head. I wasn’t sure what was happening or how he’d gotten to Mr. Bingham’s office so fast, but I just knew I was glad I wasn’t him when Mr. Bingham swung a hard glare around on him.
“Is there something funny, Mr. O’Brian?” Mr. Bingham walked closer to him. “Do you have something to add to the conversation?”
“No, sir. Well… It’s just that Layla has been working under me for three years. I don’t understand why they would ask for someone who has no experience.” Matthew shot me a dirty look and folded his arms over his chest. “I’d be happy to take the job if they want someone with some experience.”
I straightened my spine and met Mr. Bingham’s hard stare. “Actually, I have experience. I’ve done several important projects for Matthew over the last three years that I’d be happy to talk about. I also toured the country with my parents when I was growing up, watching them set up and break down stages nightly. Most importantly, however, is the fact that I set up a stage for JAX a few nights ago. I happened to be in the area and saw that it was a wreck. I stepped in and I guess they were impressed.”
Matthew’s face went even redder than it had in his office. “You set up a stage for JAX?”
Mr. Bingham studied me. “They didn’t ask for you.”
I deflated, despite not having had enough time to fully inflate yet. I was even more confused than ever, though.
“They demanded you.” He nodded when he saw my surprise. “We’re coming up on the end of their current contract and they threatened to walk if they don’t get you as their tour manager. They said you were an expert and handled setting up the stage better than anyone they’d ever seen. You impressed them, Layla. I don’t appreciate being threatened, however.”
I held my hands out in front of me like I could block his ire. “I had no idea this was going to happen, sir. I apologize if something I did was out of line and-”
“Relax. You’re not the one making threats.”
I let out a quick breath and nodded. Then I thought about the repercussions of taking the job. Did they think they could hire me and just have me around to fuck me when they didn’t have time to find another woman? They would expect vacation Layla. That couldn’t happen. If I got the chance to do my dream job and impress Mr. Bingham, I wasn’t going to waste it on partying and sex.
“I don’t like what your face is doing.” He narrowed his gaze at me and waited for me to speak.
“I’d like to speak to the band first. I want to make sure our expectations align.”
Mr. Bingham let out a harsh laugh and pointed at me. “You can speak to them all you’d like, Layla, but you’re taking the job. I’m not losing one of our biggest bands because you’re not sure your expectations align. Do you understand me? Get on a plane and get out there right away.”
I nodded, properly chastised by his dark tone. “Yes, sir. I understand.”
He looked at Matthew and grunted. “If she’s as talented as JAX says she is, why haven’t you recommended her for a promotion in the three years she’s worked under you?”
While Matthew stuttered and seemed to collapse in on himself, I smiled sweetly. “Actually, Mr. Bingham, I was just let go-”
“Layla was hiding all that talent, I guess. I’m glad someone from my team can take this job. I tried to train her well.” The snake stood up and moved towards me. “I’ll ride down with you to clean out your desk, Layla.”
Mr. Bingham gestured at me. “Jax signs their new contract or you’ll never work in this business again, Layla Morgan.”
I swallowed down a ball of pure fear and nodded before hurrying out of his office. I never wanted to go back there again, I decided. I rushed to the elevator and nearly tripped when Matthew gripped my arm and pulled me past the private elevator and down to the normal ones we took. Pulling my arm away from him, I straightened my shirt and forced a smug smile to my lips. No way was I going to show him I was terrified.
He stood too close to me and whispered harshly down at me. “What the fuck did you do?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
The door slid open and he pushed me in. “I’m just supposed to believe that a band as big as JAX saw you set up a stage and decided you’d be a great tour manager? Bullshit.”
