“Oh my,” Tess says, covering her mouth. “I swear, that girl. I’m waiting for her to tell me its okay to let people know she’s engaged.”
“WHAT?” the three of us say at the same time, shock and surprise evident all over our faces. Clearly Yvie has been hiding this little bit of information from all of us.
Tess turns red and covers her mouth. Harrison pulls on her hand, but she shakes her head.
“Please tell me it isn’t that scumbag director?” I ask.
Another head shake.
“Xander?” Harrison asks.
Tess’s eyes go wide as she stuns us into silence.
“Spill now, Mom.” Harrison demands.
Her hand drops from her mouth and she starts filling us in on the details. “Xander proposed about a month ago, but Yvie has asked me to keep it quiet until she could give notice at the ballet and get moved.”
“She’s moving to Beaumont?” JD asks.
“Yes, by the end of the summer. She’s going to teach ballet above the gym.”
“So that’s why Xander has been remodeling,” I add, causing Tess to nod. She looks so upset that she gave away Yvie’s secret, but we’re all family, we won’t tell anyone. “You okay, Harrison?” I kick his shin to get his attention.
“Yeah, it’s just weird thinking she’s old enough to get married.”
“Um, you do realize that she and I are about the same age.”
He looks at me with squinted eyes. “Yeah, but you’re a dude and shit.”
Confusing explanations brought to you by Harrison James... and that is one of the many reasons why I love him.
After lunch, we have to say our goodbyes. Tess tells us she’ll be up for one of the five shows we’re going to play at Metro and asks us to come back and see her. Harrison promises, of course.
As soon as we pull into the hotel to shower and change, I spot Moreno waiting in the lobby. We bypass him on purpose, and he knows it judging by the smirk that’s on his face. We ride the elevator in silence, the only noise coming from our beating hearts. We know why he’s here, but the thing is, JD and Harrison get to escape him. I don’t. He’ll be knocking on my door any minute now.
“I think we should go to your room.” It’s JD who suggests this and if it wasn’t socially unacceptable, I’d handcuff both of them to me so they had to come in.
“I agree,” Harrison adds. “He’s been coming after you, alone, when it’s a band decision. Unless he just wants you... ”
I shake my head. “Even if that was the case, he knows I won’t go anywhere without you guys.”
The elevator dings and the door opens. Each step to my penthouse seems to take forever. And it seems like another eternity before the knock comes. Harrison answers the door, holding it open for Moreno to enter.
“Gentlemen,” he says, as if he’s welcome here. He sits in the same chair as he did last time, setting his fedora on the edge. Hospitality indicates I should offer him a drink, but after the meltdown I had the other night, I asked that all liquor be removed from my room.
“Page, can’t pay your bill I see?” he motions to the empty liquor tray.
“Nah, I just have a problem with people who show up to my room, uninvited, and help themselves to my booze.”
Moreno chuckles and pulls out a flask. Seriously, can’t this man go one day without a drink?
“Let’s talk business, boys.”
“Let’s talk restraining order,” Harrison fires back.
Moreno waves it off as if it’s nothing important. We could call the cops, but the likelihood that they’ll care is slim. They’re busy dealing with drug deals and dead prostitutes. Our gripe is a waste of time and Moreno knows it.
He brings his leg up, resting his ankle on his knee. “I’m going to cut to the chase. You need me. After the media frenzy the other day, you need strong representation.”
“You caused that frenzy,” I point out.
“Eh, it was purely to show you what you’ll be dealing with if someone like me isn’t around.”
“This sounds like a threat, Moreno,” Harrison states.
“Just stating the facts.” He shrugs and stares at JD. “You’re young. Make sure these guys make the right decision. If they don’t, you know where to find me.”
“Nah, I think I’ll pass. I’m happy with my mates, ta.”
“I don’t understand why you want us,” I say, as I sit in front of him. I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “What can we even offer you?”
Moreno mirrors my position and chuckles. “Sex appeal, fan following, original music, instruments… the list goes on and on. I’m not interested in that pop rock computer shit. I want real music. I’ve told you before; your stage presence alone makes women wet themselves. Sam was right when she signed you.”
“I’m glad you think so, but I’m not sure we’re interested.”
He looks from me, to Harrison and finally to JD. “I think you need to ask your friends what they think.” Moreno doesn’t wait for a response as he gets up and leaves.