Before I can say another word, he hangs up the phone.
“That went better than expected.”
Mrs. Palmer looks at her watch and blanches. “Except for the time difference.” She winces. “You need to be in California by eight…which means you should have left two hours ago.”
Shit.
“Don’t panic,” she says, despite looking like she is. “I’ll go on the computer and book you a plane ticket. While I do that, you throw some things in a suitcase. Richard gets off work in five minutes so he can drive you to the airport. You’ll be late, but I’m sure he’ll understand.”
I want to throw my arms around her, but she waves me on. “Go pack.”
“You’re late,” Chandler snaps when I meet him outside the airport.
Is he for real right now?
“I’m not sure if you’re aware,” I tell him as I walk over to the black SUV he’s leaning against. “But there’s this crazy thing called living in a different time zone.”
Dicky grumbles something under his breath as we climb into the back seat.
I take a moment to study him. He has beady dark eyes and styled dark hair that’s graying at the temples and sideburns. I’m guessing he’s in his early forties. Although he wears a perpetual scowl on his face, so it might just be premature wrinkles.
Once again, he’s wearing cargo pants and another button-down, only this time, the sleeves are rolled up and I see a tattoo on his forearm. Upon closer inspection, I realize it’s a lyric to the song, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day.
Okay, so despite his geeky appearance, he’s definitely a fan of rock.
“Good song.”
“I know,” he says snidely as the driver hits the gas.
Since he isn’t one for conversation, I look out the window, however he snaps his fingers, drawing my attention back to him.
I’m about to tell him finger snapping isn’t necessary, but he shoves a stack of papers at me.
“What’s all this?”
He points to the first paper. “That one is an NDA. Which is an agreeme—”
“I know what an NDA is,” I interject.
I just don’t like that I’m being made to sign one.
Kind of messes up my goal of getting vengeance and all.
Although, I’m sure I’ll figure out a way around it.
“Bravo. You’re smarter than the last three girls before you,” he murmurs while handing me a pen.
After reading it over and deciding there are no red flags, I sign it and hand it back to him.
He points to the next paper in the stack. “Given the money you requested was substantial, I needed to speak to the record company. They’re willing to pay half your salary, provided you abide by their contract in addition to mine.”
A weird twist of nerves churns in my stomach. I’m not sure why I expected this to be a little more laid back, but all these contracts and rules make it evident that’s not the case.
“Okay.”
I scan the document from Phantom Records but freeze when I get to the part that states I’ll only get paid after I complete the full eight weeks.
“I don’t get paid until after the tour’s over?”
He nods. “That’s right. We’ve wasted enough money paying people who can’t fulfill the job requirements over the past two months. We need to ensure you’ll stay until completion.”
“My dad is sick,” I whisper, but he holds up a hand.
“I’m not your therapist, so save your sob story for someone who cares.” He shifts in his seat. “You’re going to receive six figures at the end of this, remember? So, I suggest you decide right here and now whether you intend to take this job seriously. If not, I’ll have the driver turn around so you can go back home. However, let it be known that I will not extend this offer again.”
I give him a sugary sweet smile. “I read you loud and clear, Dicky.”
He narrows his eyes. “Glad to hear it. If you’re worried about funds, you needn’t be. You’ll receive three square meals a day and your room and board will be provided for.”
But that doesn’t help me pay bills back home. Shame snakes up my spine when I realize I’ll have to ask Mrs. Palma for yet another favor.
One that will require me to stay on this damn tour no matter what, so I can pay her back in full.
Grimacing, I scribble my name on the bottom of the company’s contract and give it to him.
Dicky’s contract is not only the last…it’s the longest. Go figure.