I have a fair idea—that Matt being the oldest, he feels obligated to provide where their parents can’t—but I understand the subject is touchy, and now’s not the time to dwell on it. Jet has some groveling to do with the label execs.
When it’s time for us to go in, the receptionist asks me to stay in the waiting area. I’m not allowed in the big boys’ room.
I sit on the uncomfortable futuristic couch and flip through magazines that are months old. People come and go, some staring around the offices like it’s their first time here, others seemingly upset as they leave.
So … this is the music biz.
I take out my phone and call my sister to let her know I’m back in the States and email my parents who are on their own vacation in the Mediterranean right now.
And my list of responsibilities for the next few weeks is done.
If this is what retirement will look like, I can’t say that I hate it.
Jet and Luce finally come back out with two suit-wearing old guys, and I stand, wiping my hands on my jeans, because with one look from them, I feel unwashed and dirty somehow.
It’s not until Jet opens his mouth, I know why.
“See. He’s real. Rumors of Harley and I stop. Harley goes back on stage, and everyone makes money. We good?”
“We’re good,” one of them mumbles, and they both turn and walk away.
“You two take the car home,” Luce says. “I’m gonna stay and sort some shit. Eleven is finishing up a show in San Francisco tonight and the next stop is Seattle in two days. We’ll meet them there, so be ready to leave by lunch.”
“You’re not coming by the house later?” Jet asks.
“Nah. Tell Marty I’ll meet him at home. This could take a while.”
In the elevator, I turn to Jet. “Sooo, how did it go?”
“It went. The label was happy for Radioactive to disappear for the rest of the tour, but Luce reassured them I’ve moved on and Harley and I will only interact in a professional manner lest I be dropped from the label.”
“Just like that?”
Jet nods. “Just like that.”
“Can I ask why Harley can pull diva tantrums to have you back on tour but you’re getting the blame and being threatened?”
“Eleven is the label’s highest-earning act. It gives them a certain level of power. They can pretty much demand anything they want so long as they keep bringing in the big money.”
“Except come out.”
“Exactly. Demanding an opening act is nothing to the label. As long as Harley’s still toeing their line, he gets what he wants. End of story.”
“Well, you don’t have to worry about me being here or having to do whatever they want us to. Being forced to be your boyfriend isn’t a hardship.”
Jet’s smile is tight.
“Though I get the feeling it might be putting too much pressure on you.”
Jet pulls me close. “It’s not you or us or even Harley. It’s the politics of it all. Considering how open this industry supposedly is, it’s ridiculous how many stars have beards, people are set up by their PR reps, and how certain relationships are good or bad for press. I understand the celebrity aspect of it—people thrive on thinking they know the real you and want to know everything about your life, but …” He lays his head on my chest. “It’s exhausting.”
“I know, baby. I’m here to make it better.” I don’t know how I’ll do that for him, but whatever he needs, I’ll give it.
I’m expecting to be hounded by paparazzi again, but when we get outside, the horde is gone.
“Guess someone more famous is around,” Jet says.
“Thankfully.” I pull open the door.
Jet climbs in first and goes to the bench seat in the back of the Escalade. “It’s been a crazy week.”
I can’t help laughing. “No shit. I started my vacation worrying about contract negotiations and thinking I’d have to spend the entire two weeks trying to forget about being on a couples retreat alone. It’s somehow turned into spending the rest of my off-season on a music tour with a guy I met a hundred moons ago. It’s a mind fuck. I don’t think I’ve wrapped my head around what the next two months are going to be like.”
“Chaotic. Organized but chaotic. Good thing is, I basically get told where to be and when, and there’s always someone there to make sure I get to where I have to be.”
“And where you’ll be, I’ll be? Or will I be waiting on the outside a lot like back there?”
“Stuck like glue, my friend. Especially now the label wants to play up our relationship.” Jet turns to me. “You’re okay with that, right? Sorry, I didn’t even ask. I just assum—”
“It’s exactly what I want.” I want to put everything into this and give it an honest shot.