Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
“Why did you decide to mentor this particular musician, Damien?”
That gave Damien a chance to sing Opal’s praises. He hoped he’d said enough to prove that it was her talent he admired, nothing else.
Then, with an arch look, Roxy said, “I’ve heard rumors that there’s more than business between you two. Is there any romance?”
They both knew the question was coming, but Damien still felt Opal bristle beside him. He spoke first. “Absolutely not. This is purely a business relationship.” Again, his mind flickered to Crystal.
Roxy turned to Opal and said, “Women all over the world would give their front teeth to be working as closely with Damien as you are. How do you feel?”
Damien let out his breath. This phrasing gave Opal the opportunity to give a much more honest answer. Smiling, she said, “I’m such a huge Damien Davenport fan. I think he’s an incredibly talented musician, and I’m honored to be working with him, even though it means I’m missing my boyfriend, who’s back at home watching this now.”
Damien smiled, proud of how well Opal was holding up under pressure, and super grateful to Crystal and Erin for coaching her in such a short time. Now he was fairly certain two things would happen. One, the rumors of any romance would be scotched. Two, Opal’s career might take off faster than she could ever have imagined.
He persevered through the remaining questions, which were mostly about his lifestyle and when he was heading back out on tour. He remained ambiguous, unwilling to share just yet that he was about to take his new music in a totally different direction. Then, just as he was getting tired of all these people in his space, it was over. They wrapped, shook hands, said their goodbyes, and the vans rolled out again.
Opal and Damien high-fived. “That’s more than enough work for one day,” he told her, and they headed for the house.
Crystal and Erin were drinking coffee in the kitchen. He thanked them both, full of genuine gratitude for how quickly they’d pulled together and helped him sort out this PR mess. He gave Erin a hug, and then, because it would have been weird if he hadn’t, pulled Crystal into a hug, too. Her hair smelled incredible and the feel of her skin made him tingle all over. He lingered in their embrace just a fraction too long and when he pulled back, he saw that Crystal’s cheeks had colored. So, she felt it too. That undeniable animal draw between them.
Erin interrupted the moment by calling Jay to tell him how well it had gone. When she disconnected, she turned to everyone and said, “Jay’s on his way. I hope that’s okay, Damien. He wanted to hear all about it firsthand.”
Damien nodded. He could tell how much it meant to Erin that he and Jay were getting on. Then his own phone rang. It was Arch, who also wanted to know how the interview had gone. “Why don’t you drive over?” Damien suggested. “Jay’s on his way. Is Tessa free? Bring her too. I’ll make dinner for everyone.”
“Great idea,” Arch said. “It’s been forever since we hung out at your place. I’ll bring some junk food. I know you won’t have a single salty snack in the place.”
Damien laughed. He actually couldn’t remember the last time he’d bought a bag of potato chips.
He went to the bar, which he kept well stocked for his friends’ benefit, and checked that there were enough beers kept cool in the fridge. The wine fridge was likewise well stocked. Opal, Erin, and Crystal were getting on like a house on fire and he left them to chat while he set about figuring out how to make a group dinner that would please his carnivorous family. He knew deep down that was why he’d insisted on a big kitchen and family room space when he’d had the house designed. He wanted to offer the same hospitality his parents had always offered, and he needed room for all the Davenports in one noisy place—the kitchen.
The family grapevine must be in good shape, because Mila and Hersch showed up with Jay and his brother and sister-in-law. Then his mom and dad showed up. He buzzed them in and suddenly it was a family party.
He introduced Opal to those she hadn’t met, and then at Mila’s suggestion, ordered pizza. No one needed to be offered a drink; they all knew where the beer and wine fridges were and most of them helped themselves. Arch made sure to get Opal a beer and Damien was pleased to see his brother getting to know the young musician, while the girls ganged together as they often did when the family converged.
Mila popped a bottle of bubbly and said, “We have to celebrate.”