“Sit down, Charlie. You can’t get angry with me because of something that’s resulted from your behavior. And while I know Neo wasn’t going to lay blame, I’m not as considerate. This is on you, Charlie. Your drinking, the drugs, your attitude, your ego.”
“Hear, hear,” Dawson added, making me want to stand up and punch him in the face.
“Youagreed to do all those appearances and thenyoufucked up. None of that is on us, and we’re well within our rights to terminate your contract.”
I flopped back onto my seat, staring up at the ceiling, and Fox pressed his hand to my shoulder, probably to stop any more of my outbursts.
“Tell us what you need us to do, Fern,” Archer begged, batting his dark gray eyes at her, making her smile for a second before the stern look returned.
“The last document is all the appearances and promo you’ve already agreed to for the next few months, plus a few more we think would help repair some of the damage you’ve done to your image.”
“And if we don’t turn up for these, you’ll fine our asses some more?” I spat out angrily.
Fern let out a short, hollow laugh. “No, if you don’t turn up, I will tell Neo and it will be the end of your contract with this label.”
“Bitch,” I coughed under my breath. Fox’s hand smacking the back of my head showed me I hadn’t been as discreet as I’d hoped. Neo stepped forward, obviously to defend Fern, but she glanced up at him, offering him a small shake of his head.
“Charlie, I get that you’re not happy, but would you speak to Neo or Addi like that?”
I didn’t reply.
“I’m guessing not. I might be new in this role, but I have been with the label as long as you guys. I’ve earned my position and I will not be called names by someone who can’t even show up to his own gigs on time. You have a choice. If you don’t like the new terms we’re setting out, then you’re free to leave the label. If you’re happy with the new arrangement, you can sign the paperwork by 5 pm and we can all get back to work.”
“We’ll sign them. Whatever you want us to do, we’ll do it. We love being signed to you and we don’t want to leave,” Archer reassured her.
“Just so you know, you’re not the bad asses you think you are. Don’t forget who owns the label. The Cosmic Gods wrote the misbehavior playbook. If you stay, you stay and play by our rules. There are no more free passes.” Determination flared in Fern’s face and I couldn’t pretend it didn’t make me hard.
Must be the hangover making my dick misbehave.
I opened my mouth to speak again, but a hand clamped over it, silencing me.Fucking Fox.
“Right, if all that’s agreed, we will see you all at the party tonight. Remember, you’re playing after the Gods, so don’t get drunk before you go on stage. And I want those signed contract amendments on my desk by the end of the day or you don’t go on.”
“You heard the lady, boys. Thanks for coming in.” Neo nodded toward the door.
And just like that, we’d had our balls handed to us on a plate and this conversation was over.
Chapter 2
Fern
“Here, you look like you need this.” Addi handed me a glass of champagne, clinking her glass off mine. “You can relax. The place looks amazing. Everything has gone to plan and you’ve done an amazing job, as always. I’m going to miss you like crazy while I’m off.”
“Lea did an amazing job at sorting everything,” I smiled. “And you go away every year. This won’t be any different,” I reminded her.
“That’s three months, while I lay on a beach with my husband. This is us bringing two children into our lives.” Addi’s face fell. “What if I’m a shit mum?” she asked quietly. “I didn’t exactly have the best example.”
Addi was the strongest person I knew and there wasn’t anything she couldn’t do; I knew motherhood wouldn’t be any different.
“Those kids are lucky to have you both.”
“We’re the lucky ones,” she beamed. “I still can’t believe the adoption goes through in the New Year and then they’ll be ours.” And just like that, Mav appeared next to her, pressing his hand to the small of his back.
“Stone, Fern. You ready to watch some rock gods and whatever other mediocre acts you’ve got on after us?” he asked with a wink and his famous smile.
“How big is your ego?” I mocked.
“My wife will tell you, it’s as big as my monster cock.” Mav laughed and Addi rolled her eyes.