“Yeah, no shit.”
He goes silent for several beats…and then.
“I don’t give a fuck,” he barks, which means he definitely does. “I have a baby on the way, and I’m engaged. Let her be someone else’s problem for a change.”
“Right.”
“Vic called me the other day,” he states, changing the subject.
The hairs on the back of my neck rise. “What did he say?”
“Not much. Aside from reminding me that we have a contract for a five-album minimum and if we don’t adhere to it…he’ll sue.”
Shit. I knew he’d force his hand sooner or later.
Although I expected it to be later since it’s only the middle of September.
We’d still be in Europe if I didn’t cancel the tour so I’m not sure why the asshole is trying to steamroll us already.
I take a long drag of my cigarette. “The next album isn’t scheduled to come out until January.”
The songs have already been chosen so it would only take us a couple weeks to record.
“I know.” He blows out a breath. “Look, Storm didn’t want to tell you this on account of everything you’re dealing with, but I think you should know…”
“Know what?” I urge when his voice trails off.
“Vic said he’ll find a guy to replace you if necessary.”
Replace me? What the fuck?
“I’d like to see him try.”
“That’s what I told him, but apparently he’s got someone in mind. Some new kid he saw perform a few weeks back. Said he’s got a phenomenal voice.”
It’s what he said about me four years ago.
Chandler warned me this would happen if I didn’t play my cards right.
I might be rare…but not insurmountable.
Somewhere in the world, there’s another guy out there with a nice face and a great voice.
One who’d give up anything to take my place.
But my place is with Lennon.
I chose music over her—over everything—for years. There’s no way I could go back to living my dreams when I can’t even get her out of bed.
Music sets my soul on fire, but she makes my heart beat.
I can’t have both, though.
And this time I’m making the right choice. Her.
“You should have Vic set up a meeting. See if it’s a good fit.”
Memphis says something, but I don’t register what because I disconnect the call.
I find Skylar standing in the kitchen when I walk back inside. “That was quick. How’d it go?”
Averting her gaze, she worries her bottom lip between her teeth. “She wants an annulment.”
The words hit me like a freight train and my chest pulls so tight it physically hurts. “What?”
“I’m sorry, Phoenix. But she seemed really adamant. She asked if I could contact a lawyer and have the paperwork drawn up by the end of the week.”
Fuck that. “No.”
Skylar opens her mouth, but then her phone rings.
“Sorry, I have to take this,” she says before answering it. “Calm down, Chandler. What’s wrong?” She pinches the bridge of her nose. “I don’t know why they keep trying to force him. He made it perfectly clear that he doesn’t want to be on camera. Yes, I know.” Glancing up at the ceiling, she sighs. “I’m leaving Phoenix’s house now. I’ll go over to the Barclay’s as soon as I get back to LA and see if I can work something out.”
After hanging up, she looks at me. “I have to go.”
“We’re not getting an annulment.”
Nodding, she squeezes my shoulder.
The moment she walks out the door, I sprint up the staircase.
I expected Lennon to still be in bed, but I find her waltzing out of the bathroom. Her hair is wet and there’s a towel wrapped around her body, so she must be feeling better.
Which makes this annulment bullshit even more perplexing.
“We’re not getting an annulment.”
Sidestepping me, she heads for the bedroom. “Skylar told me you’d give me anything I want. That’s what I want.”
Her tone is cold, detached…indifferent.
I follow her into the bedroom. “I thought you loved me.”
Only then do I see the evidence of it on her face. “I do.”
I don’t get it. “Then what’s the problem?”
Making a noise of disgust, she walks over to her dresser and takes out some clothes.
“Answer the question, Groupie,” I growl after a minute goes by. “If you love me, then why the fuck—”