by Unknown
Liam slowed as he stepped onto the dock. The wood was wet and slippery.
“Don’t leave already, Liam,” a female voice shouted behind him. The gangplank shook as she ran down.
Liam turned and saw one of the women coming toward him. Rachel? Rochelle? He didn’t remember. She wore nothing but a bikini and her chest bounced along with her.
“Don’t let me stop the party, but I’ve got to be going.” Liam turned away.
“No way. Rob’s taking for us out for seafood, and we can go dancing later.” She did a little shimmy for his benefit.
Liam shook his head and transferred his guitar case to his other hand. “Yeah. No. I can’t.”
Before he could stop her, the woman wrapped her arms around him, plastering her body against his.
Liam almost dropped his guitar. “Hey, hey. I don’t mean to be rude, but can you let me go?”
She smacked a big kiss right on his lips. “Of course, sweetie, but you don’t know what you’re missing.” She turned and flounced away.
Liam hated it when people invaded his space. He enjoyed his fans but sometimes they got a little too enthusiastic. He hurried to his car and stowed his guitar in the passenger seat.
He couldn’t wait to see Shelley.
~ * ~ * ~
Shelley turned her phone over after it rang. She didn’t recognize the number. “Hello?”
“Hi, Shelley Taylor?” The female voice was brisk and clipped.
“Yes?” Apparently, it wasn’t a wrong number.
“Pinky Hopper from Glitz and Gossip. We’re running Liam on the cover and looking for a quote from you on the status of your relationship.”
“I beg your pardon?” Status of their relationship? What did that mean?
“You and Liam. Where do you stand?” The reporter paused, waiting for an answer.
“I don’t have any comment,” Shelley said firmly.
“You can stick with that, but I doubt you want to look pathetic when the photos break.”
Shelley jerked in her seat. “Pathetic?”
“I guess Liam hasn’t told you.” The journalist sounded almost gleeful.
“Told me what?”
“Uh huh. I see. How do you feel about Liam going on tour soon? Will you miss him?”
“I’m not talking to you. I have nothing to say.” Shelley ended the call. Her hands shook and she dropped her phone. How had that woman gotten her number? How did Liam put up with the constant hounding from fans and photographers? The invasion of privacy was unreal. Many of the fans were great, polite and respectful, but she knew some stepped over the line. Being photographed all the time was uncomfortable. Shelley wasn’t fond of photographs at the best of times. Being splashed across supermarket magazines would be intolerable.
Chapter 6
Liam crossed the restaurant, oblivious to the interested stares he attracted. Sean was already seated at the table with David, their agent.
“Hey, David. What’s this about?” David’s call that morning woke him out of a sound sleep.
Sean shook his head. “It’s obvious, isn’t it? It’s Rob. I’m guessing he wasn’t invited.”
David gestured toward the empty seat. “Liam.”
“You didn’t invite Rob?” Liam asked.
David signaled the waiter for another drink. “No, I didn’t. First because I wanted to talk to you guys without him, and second because I don’t want him having a meltdown.”
“Rob doesn’t have meltdowns.” Liam knew that wasn’t completely true, but he was hoping it would be in the future.
David waved off Liam’s protest. “He does, but let’s get right to the point. The label is concerned. They’re concerned about Rob and his ability to handle the promotion and touring necessary for the album.”
“He’s fine,” Sean insisted, breaking his silence.
“He’s not. Don’t blow smoke up my ass. You know he’s not fine. He’s one party away from a front page tabloid spread.”
“We’re keeping an eye on him.” Liam nodded to Sean for confirmation.
“That’s right,” Sean agreed.
“I hope so and … the record company is concerned. They only thought one track sounded commercial enough to be released as a single. That doesn’t make them happy.”
Liam’s eyes narrowed. “Let me get this straight. They don’t think our album is commercial enough?”
David coughed. “Not my words. Theirs. I’m just the messenger.”
A muscle in Liam’s jaw twitched. “Do they get that our whole career is built on not being obviously commercial?”
“You’re right. I get it, but they want something that is radio friendly.”
“F—”
“Wait,” David broke in. “Before you get all up in arms, I think they’d be satisfied with a little remixing. Seriously, a few production changes and I think you guys would be set.”
“Should we add a dance beat? Would that make it more palatable?” Liam was steaming. Who did they think they were? They’d been more than happy to distribute their last album, which went multi-platinum with three top-ten singles. They didn’t think the band wasn’t commercial enough then.
Sean flicked his water glass with his finger. The ping, ping silenced Liam. “I don’t like what I’m hearing. Liam’s right. Our fans won’t like that bullshit. If we release some overproduced pablum, the critics will savage us and the fans won’t buy it. It’s not us.”
David leaned in closer. “I agree. You guys are right, but you could make a couple minor changes. Seem like you’re taking what they say seriously without compromising your sound. Know what I mean?”
Liam drummed his fingers on the table. “No, David. We don’t know what you mean.”
David pointed, first at Liam and then Sean. “Go back in the studio. Change up a few of the songs, just a little. We’ll send the stuff back to them. Honestly, I think they want to feel in control. That’s it. If you guys appear to be making an effort to meet them part way, I think they’ll go for it. After they get the updates, I’ll give them a gentle reminder about what your fans are expecting. It’ll all be golden.”
“This sounds like wasted effort.” Liam swore under his breath.
David shook his finger. “Not wasted effort. Like it or not, it’s good business. They distribute. They promote. Make them feel like they have a hand in the production. If they green light everything right off, it makes them feel like they’re not doing their job. Yes, it’s bullshit, but it’s compromise, too. Not a lot. A tiny amount.”
“We don’t need them,” Sean said.
“Maybe. Maybe not. But you have a contract. A good one. A favorable one. I say diddle with a few of the tracks and send them back. It’ll be a done deal and we can all gear up for the tour.”
“It’s stupid,” Liam said.
“It’s business,” David countered. “Now let’s order some lunch.”
~ * ~ * ~
“Stupid suits. It’s all ridiculous.” Liam rubbed the back of his neck.
“If you really don’t want to …” Shelley wasn’t sure how to comfort Liam. Lunch with his agent had clearly put him in a bad mood.
Liam sighed. “I don’t, but it’s probably not the time to draw more attention to the band. The label is already on edge about Rob.”
“I’m sorry, Liam.” Now didn’t seem like the time to bring up the phone call from Pinky whatever her name was the other day.
Liam paced back and forth. “David’s right. A few little changes will probably be enough.”
“It’s going to be great. The fans will love it.” Shelley had heard the recordings and thought they were terrific.
“I hope so.” Liam turned toward the counter. “What the hell?” He picked up the magazine and swatted it back down. A large portion of the cover was taken up with a photograph of him with the girl from the boat. “Where did this come from?”
“It was in my mailbox.” Shelley intended to toss it in the trash, but hadn’t yet.
> “Shelley, I can explain this. We went for a sail. I told you about that. That girl. I don’t even know her name. She grabbed me.”
“Liam, I’m not upset about the picture. I mean I am, but probably not for the reasons you think.” When she first saw the picture, her breath froze for a moment, but then the details of the picture came into focus.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s obvious you’re irritated. Look at the expression on your face. Her arms are around you, not the other way around. Your hand is on her shoulder and it looks almost like you are pushing her away.”
“I was. I never even saw who took the picture.”
“Yeah, I don’t think you did anything wrong. I mean, we don’t have any understanding, but I don’t think you’re with that woman.”
Liam flipped the magazine over, hiding the picture. “We absolutely have an understanding. We’re dating. I’m not seeing anyone else. I don’t want you to see anyone else, either.”
“Oh, wow.” Shelley’s lips parted in surprise.
“So, if it isn’t that woman, then what?”
“You know a reporter called me about that? She wasn’t nice.”
“Who was it?”
“It doesn’t matter. If it hadn’t been her, it would be someone else. You deal with this every day. Paparazzi, fawning women, crazy fans, gossip rags. I don’t know if I have it in me.”
“I try not to let it get to me.”
Shelley threw up her hands. “It isn’t that easy, Liam.”
Liam rubbed his forehead with his fingers. “I don’t have that much control over what others do, Shelley.”
“I’m not blaming you. It’s not a question of blame.”
“We can try to minimize it, but with a new album and the tour, people are going to be looking at me—at the band. In fact, the label, publicists, everyone is going to be promoting. There are going to be interviews, some of which I can control, but—”
“Liam, stop. It’s okay. We’ll see how it goes, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I have misgivings. My life is pretty quiet. I don’t really have groupies.”
“I beg to differ. I’m totally your groupie.” Liam smiled and pulled her into his embrace. The conflict evaporated as quickly as it had come.
Shelley laughed. “Okay. You can be my groupie.”
~ * ~ * ~
Liam handed Rob a beer. “Rob, listen. Sean and I wanted to talk to you.”
“About what?” Rob took a long drink from his beer bottle.
“No biggie. We got word that the label would like a few changes in the album.” Liam hid his irritation, hoping to minimize Rob’s reaction.
Rob slammed his bottle down on the table. “What? No freaking way. What’s going on? Who told you that?”
“David. David told us,” Sean said.
“You two talked to David. Without me. What the hell?”
Liam moved the bottle out of Rob’s reach. “Don’t get all paranoid. We’re telling you now. He let us know what the label is thinking—their concerns about the album.”
“That’s bullshit. There’s nothing wrong with the album.”
“I know. I know. It is, but making a few changes will go a long way toward reassuring them about the tour.” As soon as the words left his mouth, Liam knew he’d said the wrong thing.
Rob’s head jerked. “What reassurances do they need about the tour?”
“There are some concerns,” Liam said.
“Who has concerns? What concerns?” Rob looked ready to explode.
Liam took a step back. “That you are ready to tour. Ready for the pressures of a tour.”
“Where the hell is this coming from?” Rob demanded.
“Don’t get upset. You just came out of rehab. It’s only natural that there would be questions.” Liam exhaled, searching for the right words that would take the sting out of the situation for Rob.
“You’ve been to rehab.” Rob stabbed his finger in Liam’s direction.
“Yeah, but I didn’t just get out. Plus, you’ve been partying pretty hard since you got out.”
“There is no way we’re pushing off this tour. I need the money, man. I could lose my house.” Rob flopped back on the sofa.
“How is that possible? No, wait. I don’t want to know.” Rob had blown eight figures on a ten bedroom house, which he’d promptly turned into a huge man cave.
“I’m depending on the money. I got guys I have to pay.”
“Guys? Rob …”
Rob held up his hand. “Don’t push me. I don’t want to talk about it. We didn’t all get to make a successful solo album.”
Liam rubbed his forehead. Rob still hadn’t let go of his resentment over Liam making an album by himself. “Rob, we’re letting you know. I know you’re good.”
“You’re letting me know. Sean hasn’t said a damn thing. Sean?”
Sean shrugged. “The stuff about the tracks is BS. We all know it. The suits are trying to exert control. As for the other, I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?” Rob snapped.
Sean took a swig of his beer. “That’s what I said. I don’t know.”
“I don’t need this shit.” Rob moved toward the door.
Liam swore. “Don’t go. That’s exactly the kind of thing that makes people nervous, man. You fly off the handle and no one knows what’s going to happen.”
Rob turned toward Liam. “You want me to go, don’t you? You guys want to replace me.”
“No. We don’t. Dude, just stop. Pull yourself together. Show everyone they’re wrong. Do that.”
Rob straightened. “Fine. I will.”
Chapter 7
His neck itched and Liam ran his finger under the collar of his shirt. His attorney insisted on suit and tie. She said it would look better and score points with the judge.
“All rise.”
Liam’s mind wandered as preliminaries about the case were hashed out. His attorney touched his arm and he looked up.
“So, Mr. Smith. Your attorney submits that you reached a settlement with the restaurant owner and it’s been paid. Is that correct?” The judge looked right down her nose at him, her disapproval was palpable.
“Yes, Your Honor.” Shit. Had David been right? Was he in bigger trouble than he thought?
The judge tapped the paper in front of her. “I see you’ve also been engaged in charitable work?”
“Yes, KC’s Kidz is a charity which brings music to kids in the hospital.”
“All right. Tests show you were free of alcohol and drugs at the time of the accident. Cause appears to be excessive speed. Is that correct?”
Liam hesitated and his attorney nodded. “Yes, Your Honor.”
“I see you also wrecked a very nice car. A Porsche. I imagine that hurt. You’re lucky, Mr. Smith, that you didn’t seriously injure yourself or anyone else. I’m happy to see you were clean but quite unhappy to see you using the streets of Los Angeles inappropriately.”
The judge cleared her throat. “Here’s what’s going to happen. Restitution has been made. That’s a plus. I’m extending your probation by a year, including the drug testing.”
Liam’s attorney lifted her hand. “Your Honor, if I may offer—”
“You may not. One year additional probation plus drug testing, continuing from the previous offense. One hundred hours of community service to be completed by the end of the probationary term. And the most important part,” the judge looked at Liam over her glasses,” I don’t want to see you in here again. You get so much as a parking ticket, we might be talking. No speeding. No moving violations. You need to keep out of trouble, period. You do that and complete your community service? We’ll be out of each other’s hair in fourteen months. Do you understand?”
“I do, ma’am.” Liam was determined to make this work. He didn’t want to be one of those guys called into court repeatedly. He wanted this over.
“Counselor, be sure to impress upon your client how lenient I’m being. The
fact that he was clean at the time of the accident weighed heavily in his favor. Let’s keep it that way.” The judge picked up the gavel and thumped it on her desk.
Liam’s attorney gathered her papers off the tabletop. “Let’s go.”
They walked out together. As they entered the hallway, Liam saw a few people lifting their phones to snap pictures, and he turned his face to the wall.
“Ignore them. Say nothing. We’ll talk in the car.” Liam’s attorney made a quick call to the driver to inform him they were coming out.
They pushed through the crowded hallways and eventually were on the street. A non-descript black sedan stopped at the curb and they hurried into the back. The car sped away as photographers loped down the sidewalk, hoping for a good shot.
~ * ~ * ~
Liam took Shelley’s elbow as they entered the gallery. His touch infused her with confidence. A few cameras flashed, but she ignored them. When heads turned, all she felt was glad to be with Liam.
Liam leaned in toward Shelley’s ear. “Have I told you that you look fabulous?”
“No, I don’t believe you did.” Shelley licked the corner of her mouth.
“Believe it, because you do.” Liam placed a ghost of a kiss on her earlobe.
Liam’s fingers rubbed her arm and Shelley’s heart skipped. The fabric of her skirt swayed around her legs as she walked.
Liam stopped a waiter, snagged two fluted glasses, and handed one to Shelley. “For you.”
“Thanks.” Shelley sipped and the bubbly champagne tickled her throat. “Mmm, it’s good.”
Liam stopped in front of a display of photographs. “Is all the work your sister’s?”
“Yeah, a one woman show. She’s so excited.” Kate had been a shutterbug her whole life. Shelley admired her sister’s ability to see something in the world that wasn’t always obvious to others and share it.
