The Gypsy Ribbon. Shannon MacLeod

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СКАЧАТЬ Kelly had so much raw charisma Aaron felt the presence before he actually laid eyes on the man. Rock music’s favorite wild child strode into the room like he was on a mission, shadowed by a slightly taller, longer-haired version of the young Irishman. Fuck me, he’s brought reinforcements, he thought. Death by desktop was starting to look good.

      “James! What a pleasant surprise. What brings you to my humble office this morning?” Aaron forced out a hearty laugh coupled with what he desperately hoped was a sincere smile. “And this is… he said slowly, knowing the family resemblance was so strong it could be none other than one of his brothers. On closer inspection, he realized which brother and one of his older ulcers flared up in recognition.

      “You remember Ian,” James said curtly and without waiting to be invited took a seat on the sofa. Aaron and Ian exchanged a curt nod in greeting and Ian walked over to stand by the window, arms folded across his chest as he watched the traffic. Aaron sagged inwardly. Not good. Not good at all.

      “I’m here to talk about my contract,” James began, stretching his long, jean-clad legs out before him.

      Aaron stifled the look of panic he was certain swept across his face and swiveled around to look at Ian. “I’ll be delighted to discuss that with you, but wouldn’t you prefer that we talk privat–” James cut him off with an irritated wave of his hand.

      “He stays. I’ll cut straight to the chase. My contract is up in July and I want some time off. I’ve spent the last three years dragging my ass around the world for you and I’m tired, Aaron. I need a break.”

      Aaron forced another smile. “There’s nothing scheduled yet after the end of the tour in June, so I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t take a couple of weeks off…”

      James cocked an eyebrow and snorted. “That’d be like throwing a deck chair off the Queen Mary to lighten the load. A week or two isn’t going to make a dent in the amount of tired I’ve got, Aaron. I want a year. Minimum.”

      The older man pushed the call button on the intercom. “Marie, bring in some coffee. Right now,” he said through clenched teeth before adding mentally before I choke this arrogant sonofabitch.

      James crossed his arms and waited. The assistant came bearing coffee and warm southern pecan rolls within a minute or two of the request. She poured three steaming cups, then after giving both visitors a long, appreciative look disappeared efficiently. Aaron busied himself looking through binders at the upcoming tour schedule and appearance calendar. The fine hair prickled on the back of his neck when he realized he was under very close scrutiny by James’s brother, who still had not spoken or moved from his position at the window.

      Studiously ignoring Ian, Aaron brushed a piece of imaginary lint from his pants leg. “What has the rest of the band said about that?” he wondered aloud.

      * * * *

      James caught himself before his temper ignited at the obvious innuendo. “They’re tired too. We’re all tired. How are we supposed to write anything new at this pace? I’m waking up every morning with no fucking clue where I am, Aaron.” He paused and glanced over at Ian, who gave him a small, encouraging smile. “Let me rephrase this in terms you’ll understand. Either I get a whole year or I get a new manager.” James drained his cup, slammed it down with a sharp bang and stood. “My contract is up in July, you have until then to figure something out.”

      Aaron jumped up and held out his hands in supplication. “James, there’s no need to work yourself up like this. Let me take a look at what’s coming up and see what I can work out for you. Please, sit down and have some more coffee.” He stepped around the desk to pour it himself and, James sat back down much to Aaron’s undisguised relief. The manager fled back behind his desk and began flipping rapidly through his calendar, mumbling to himself. “You know that your health and well-being come first. I had no idea you were this stressed out. You should have come to me sooner and not waited so long to speak up.”

      James snuck another glance at Ian, who suppressed a smile and scratched his neck below his right ear. He’s lying, that scratch said.

      James marveled at that little parlor trick, making a mental note to ask how it was done later. Thusly armed, he turned his attention once more to Aaron and pressed the issue. “So you had no idea that playing five or six shows a week for months on end would eventually become a strain?” he snapped, his tone biting and sarcastic. “Def Leppard once played three shows on three continents in a twenty-four-hour period, but that is a record I do…not…want. I am tired, Aaron, are you hearing me?”

      The agent flinched and tried again. “Let me see what I can move around for you.”

      Scratch. Still lying.

      James gave his head a vigorous shake, sending his auburn hair flying. “I need to complete my degree before I turn twenty-five and the online courses I take on the road aren’t doing it quickly enough. One or two full-time semesters would go a long way.”

      Aaron’s look was eloquent. Oh Christ, just kill me now. “Why do you have to get your degree? If it’s that important to you, I’m sure we can get you set up with tutors or something to travel with you…” he offered lamely.

      With a noncommittal shrug James replied, “It’s a personal family thing, and that’s not the point. I’m not getting the credits fast enough, plus if it comes down to working calculus or heading to the after party, which one do you think wins? I’m only human, you know.” He flashed his most brilliant smile at the now-sweating man behind the desk. “I’m certain you’ll do the best you can. Just let me know what you work out.” He took a long sip of the coffee and helped himself to a pecan roll, ate it in two bites then licked his fingers. “You do understand, though, that I am serious about this.”

      Aaron nodded. “I understand. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. I’m certain we can work all this out to our mutual satisfaction.”

      Scratch.

      James stood and nodded once to Ian, who moved toward the door. Aaron cleared his throat uncomfortably as he thrust his hand forward and said, “Good seeing you, James.” James gripped it and shook, then turned and left the office with Ian close on his heels.

      In the elevator, James and Ian were shaking their heads over the encounter with the music executive. “Bloody hell, some things never change. Doesn’t he ever tell the truth?” Ian snickered.

      “When it suits him,” James smiled. “Thanks for going with me. It kinda…gave me strength, you know?”

      It was Ian’s turn to smile as he regarded his little brother. “Anytime,” he said softly.

      “And now,” James laughed, his light brogue thickening comically, “‘tis high time I’m rewardin’ ye for going to all this trouble on me behalf.” With a soft ding, the elevator arrived at the lobby where the limousine waited. “I’ve arranged us a wee bit of entertainment for the afternoon since I have the whole glorious day off.”

      Ian visibly cringed at his words. “No women,” he said firmly. “I’m not getting myself in trouble with my girl just because you’re footloose for the–”

      “No women, what with you being nearly married and all.”

      “Well, that’s all right then…what did you have in mind?” His elder brother’s eyes positively danced with СКАЧАТЬ