Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 69333 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 231(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69333 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 231(@300wpm)
Nash is too busy living his best life to perform. He was getting down on the dance floor with Grandma to some Willie Nelson. But now he’s behind the bar helping Rose keep up with demand. Opening bottles of beer and loading dirty glasses into the washing machine and fetching ice and so on. The man seems to be genuinely having the time of his life, if his broad smile is anything to go by. It wouldn’t surprise me if this isn’t the only occasion on which he takes over the bar and throws an all-expenses-paid party for locals. He’s in his element.
The food truck is located near the front door in the crowded parking lot. Before I can offer my help with handing out food, however, a man around my age wearing a suit appears at my side. He really doesn’t fit in with the general dress code.
He gives me a serious nod and says, “Ma’am?”
“Yes?”
“Mr. Farmer would like a word with you.”
And huh, yeah, I know the name. “Farmer’s here?”
The man nods toward a shiny black Cadillac SUV parked in the back corner. It was probably the one space they could find. And thank goodness the jerk didn’t invite himself inside. Nash is enjoying himself and doesn’t need his night trashed by corporate bloodsuckers. Keeping Farmer out here and away from Nash and the party is my number one priority.
I follow the driver over to the vehicle and wait as he opens one of the back doors. Then he waves his hand, inviting me inside where an older man sits waiting. And it’s a nope from me. “Call me overly cautious, but we can have this conversation out here in the open.”
Such a disconcerted sigh from Farmer. Like how dare I inconvenience him. However, he opens the door and steps out of the vehicle and walks around to me. He’s normal height and weight with a head of gray hair and a knowing grin. And he’s wearing designer chinos and a polo shirt.
“June Calloway, I presume? It’s nice to finally meet you. You know, Carrie described you differently.”
“Smart of you not to bring her.”
He clicks his tongue. “Your tone of voice. There’s no need for animosity, June. May I call you June?”
“Sure,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest. It’s an obvious defensive manner but such is life. “What do you want?”
“To help Aaron.”
I snort. “Try again.”
“June…”
“He neither wants nor needs your help. And I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”
He spreads his hands and asks, “How are you enjoying your new car? Is it comfortable?”
“Do you want it back?”
“Absolutely not.” His smile is so smarmy. I don’t even know how to make a facial expression look so fraudulent. This man is stellar at it. Just next level. Like give him an award already. “I understand you’re loyal to Aaron and I appreciate that. It’s great to see him with someone as steady as yourself at his side.”
“Mm.”
“This is an industry of ups and downs. The only sure thing in music, and any of the creative arts, is that things are going to change. It would be a great shame if by stepping back and taking a breather from his relationship with the company, Aaron lost a large part of his listening base,” says Farmer. “Many artists have difficulty coming back from hiatus and find it nearly impossible to reach their former levels of success. His lifestyle might not seem as extravagant as some…but I assure you it needs a dependable income to support it.”
“How long did you practice this speech? Just out of curiosity.”
His laughter is empty. There’s no other word to describe it. “I’m sorry to say, you’re not the first person I’ve had this conversation with. Artists are temperamental and flighty and prone to extremes. But regular people like you and me…we can see things for how they really are. That a successful, ongoing career like his needs stability and regular releases to keep his audience engaged.”
“I’m sure you’re right,” I say. “What a shame there’s no one to talk him into signing again with you…”
“They’d be a very wealthy person if they did. That’s the other thing about people like Aaron. Their focus tends to stray so easily. I’m sure your grandma warned you about his dating history. It honestly makes me blush. I wish I had half his stamina.” This guy couldn’t get more gross if he tried. “There are pages and pages of photos online of him with various partners over the years. It must be daunting to know he’s dated such beautiful, successful, and famous women. And I’m sure they all thought it was true love and his interest in them would last forever.”
And I say nothing. Just a whole heaping lot of it.
“Becoming accustomed to the lifestyle being with him affords you would be foolish,” he says. “Think about it, June. You could just about write your own check if you help me. Buy your own piece of property in town and settle down. Be a homeowner. You wouldn’t have to answer to anybody.”