by JN Welsh
What would happen between them? There were still so many things up in the air and once the tour was over, he’d head back to California and she to her apartment in New York. Wouldn’t they?
“Have you seen this itinerary? I won’t even have time to take a piss,” one of the crewmembers complained. She agreed.
“Stay positive. Greatness comes at a price. We can do this.” She spoke loud enough to address the room.
“Sorry, Leo.”
“I know I’m stretching you guys, but if we’re successful, then everyone wins and will reap the benefits of being associated with the best tour of the summer. So let’s get on the road and give New York our best.”
Through all the busyness, Leona had to connect with Tracy. Paul had been left unchecked for long enough. When he’d extended his anger to Luke that was the last straw. Now Paul was about to experience “a world of hurt.”
Everyone was curious about why Paul hadn’t made a hit in over a year, now Leona would tell them. She had taken the higher road and let Paul live the celebrity life with all its fame, but he continued to hound her, smearing her name. She had hoped things would die down and tried not to engage to protect her loved ones, her reputation, her career, and now Luke. All it did was allow Paul and the media to bulldoze her. Well, she was done hiding and letting others manipulate her. This was her decision and would finally put an end to it all.
She thought back to her time in California with Luke and the moment she considered taking legal action against Paul. Deep down inside she’d known that one day she might want to fight. Fight, Leo.
She pushed fear aside and called Tracy. “Pull the trigger.”
“Done,” Tracy said into the phone. “We’ll have to schedule a press conference to get ahead of it but we’ll make sure to do it while you’re here in New York. It’s still a good idea to keep a low profile and focus on the tour, but with the events you have planned, you need press attention.”
“Okay. I’ll do my best.” Leona’s nerves were sizzling again but she had lost so much over this already. She had let the media run her life and let Paul bully her into this person she didn’t recognize. Not anymore.
“I know this wasn’t easy, but you’ve made the right choice,” Tracy encouraged. “We’ll win.”
Tracy’s confidence was empowering. “Thanks, Tracy.”
Later that day, Leona put in a call to Ramelda Manikas with some exclusive information about Paul that Leona made Ramelda “promise” not to share to any of her network.
“Oh, and I already emailed you some footage. But again, that’s just between us,” Leona stressed.
“Of course, dahhhrrrlling,” Ramelda crooned.
Leona gathered her team including Luke to inform them about what was happening. Her team had been supportive when the picture of her and Luke surfaced and had taken on some of her responsibilities without complaint. She owed it to them to keep them in the loop.
“Tracy will send a press release about it but I wanted you guys to be aware before the shit hits the fan. Paul will be vocal but let’s use whatever we can to drive attention to the tour events and performances.”
Paul and the press had used her enough in the past. Now it was her turn.
“With the craziness we’re about to experience in New York, I’m taking back my normal duties and responsibilities with Luke. You guys will need me at full capacity.” She got some positive and excited nods. “As it relates to the Paul situation, refer to the press conference Tracy will set up and the press releases the media will receive. As it relates to me and Luke, keep with the same lines regarding our great working relationship and—” she smiled at Luke “—our friendship.”
Sara hugged her first. “It’s about time, Leo.”
Sebastian followed with a sly smile. “We’re going to spin and redirect this so hard they won’t see straight.”
Leona lavished them both with love and appreciation. “You guys have been great. I mean really amazing. I don’t know how the tour would have managed the media without you.”
Luke came over. “When’s your press conference?”
She hated to tell him. “Tracy is trying to schedule it sometime after Aurora and before your last show. It’s our only breathing room, if you want to call it that. This way we can get ahead of it.”
“Don’t worry about the timing.” He held her hand and even though Sara and Sebastian were present, she didn’t pull away. “We’re doing this together.”
Her heart leapt into her throat and all she could do was bobble her head.
New York City had better be ready for them because they were coming in hot.
* * *
Leona didn’t know why she even slept. She was up at eight and running on three hours of sleep. She was delighted to be in her apartment again, even if only for the short time. By eight thirty, she was on the phone and on the computer communicating with her team. She had to pack some items for the hotel where she’d be staying for the next few days to be closer to the team, Luke, and the events.
By noon, after a coffee and croissant brunch, she was at the radio station to meet Sara and Diesel, who had escorted Luke to the location. Leona thought Sara and Diesel would make an okay couple, but she thought Sebastian was perfect for Sara. Why Sara didn’t see that was a mystery. Diesel confirmed he had a girlfriend, even though it was clear his fondness for Sara had grown over the course of the tour. This was not an area where she needed to meddle.
“Hey, guys.”
“Hey, Leo,” Sara greeted.
“Where’s Luke?”
“I’m here.” Luke emerged from a small corridor.
When Leona saw him, she nearly came in her pants. He hadn’t shaved and wore a black V-neck short-sleeved shirt, gray jeans, and black sneakers. Though he was casual he was sophisticated at the same time.
Leona smelled his spellbinding aroma from where she stood. Calm your horny ass down.
“Leona?” Luke came over to her and the corners of his mouth curled upward.
“Hey.”
He was so close his form filled her vision. “Do me a favor and stop looking at me like that.” The vibrations from the timbre in his seductive tone stimulated every nerve in her body.
She was breathless. “Like what?”
“Like you want me to touch you, which we both know is off-limits, right?” The way his eyes scanned her body and lingered at the area between her legs took a bit of the bite off his comment.
“Yeah,” she confirmed but it didn’t stop the heat from spreading through her. It was the busiest day of her entire career and she wanted to fuck? It had been weeks since she’d been with Luke and no amount of self-love replaced his arms, his tender kisses, and the way he filled her.
“Leona. Good to see you again.” Andy’s greeting interrupted her hedonistic thoughts.
Leona made the introductions.
“I see you’re surviving the media parade. Sorry about some of that shit. But gotta tell you, pal, the tour still blew up. Your fans are true soldiers, Prophet. NYC is going to be lit with this scavenger hunt teaser concert and Aurora after-party tonight.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it. I have a great team.” Luke’s eyes held hers.
“We have a tight schedule today but for now, he’s all yours,” Leona said and handed Luke over to Andy.
“All right.” Andy clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “Let’s get ready to unleash mayhem on Gotham.”
* * *
The scavenger hunt to find his teaser concert was in full swing and Luke was able to catch a lot of the fan activity at the various clubs via a live feed on the Internet. The fans were dressed in neon dancewear and carried signs for him. They showed their excitement to the cameras and sang his songs. Hour after hour their numbers grew and he was overwhelmed by the response.
“Are you guys s
eeing this? It’s fucking awesome,” he said to his team as they pulled into the location.
Leona made this happen. The affinity she helped create between the fans and him would have a long lasting impact for all involved.
“Luke, we need you to get ready to play. They’re loading up the streets. We want the music playing as they open up the barricade. We’re going to catch them as they surround the theater. Diesel is already on the roof to secure that no fans miraculously made it up there.” Leona grabbed his arm and guided him toward the staircase to the roof.
Photographers snapped images of them as they walked through the deafening alley of chaos to get him to the roof of the Roscoe Theater. Leona didn’t cover her face or let him go. The death grip she had on his arm, however, stopped the blood flow to his hand. They plowed forward together to the stage sandwiched between Diesel, who trailed a path for them ahead, and additional security. She rubbed her left ear but didn’t cower. Wow how things have changed. His thoughts flew to that first night they met at Aurora when she literally hid behind him to avoid being photographed. Now she held her head high and continued to amaze him. He knew he probably stared at her like a new puppy but he didn’t care.
Luke was about to head up to the roof when he peered over his shoulder at Leona. “A good luck kiss?” He didn’t wait and melded his lips to hers.
She responded to him without hesitation. “Go.” She pushed him by the butt up the stairs.
From the top of the short old building he saw his fans. People who lived in the area were on the roof and peered out of their windows. There were DJ stations on both sides so he could hop from one side to the other and still be visible to all fans, even if he wasn’t facing them. It was genius.
The fans congregated in unfathomable numbers. Luke gave a silent prayer for a good performance, safe fans, and a great time for all. He started to play music and picked up the microphone.
“What’s up, guys? Come on down.” He waved the fans to him.
The fans screamed and the barricade was removed. They ran down, swarming the building like ants within seconds. Luke jumped up to the beat of the music and laughed, amazed at the sight of them. Though he had played large festivals, he had never experienced something like this before. As the fans danced he was in an elevated state of gratitude.
“Thank you.” He pointed up to the sky. “And thank you, Leona.”
* * *
Leona hugged Sara and Sebastian as they bounced in delight. Tommy and Abe made their way through, as well.
“That was phenomenal! Did you see that? No casualties, lots of vending, happy fans, happy us.” Leona clapped her hands together.
Luke exited the roof and Leona squeezed his hot, sweaty, and exhausted body. He was quickly carted off to speak to the fans via a live feed to thank them and plug the concert.
“That was just a little taste. I hope to see all of you at the Epic Stadium this Saturday. We’re gonna blow the lid off of New York City.” Luke responded when an interviewer asked about how he would top this event.
Izzy finally made it through. During the concert, she and a few other media people were stuck in the crowd and had to wait until the concert was over to enter.
“That was massive.” Izzy embraced Leona. “You’ve outdone yourself, Leo.”
Leona was so high from the successful scheme her face ached from smiling. “Everyone is pleased it went well.”
Izzy’s hair was in a ponytail and swung wildly with her animated speech. “How about you? This is going to make you the most sought after tour manager. Again.”
“I’m happy but I’m glad it’s over. We still have to get ready for the concert on Saturday, so tomorrow will be all press, everyone will get a tiny break, and then Luke has the Epic Stadium.” Leona took a breath. “We have to sell out the show.”
“Blah, blah, blah. You will, Leo. After this, they should give you whatever you want.” Izzy swung her hair.
“Hey, I don’t have a lot of time, but I saw Luke’s issue. Nice,” Leona said excitedly.
“It’s selling like hot cakes with all the stuff that’s going on with him, everyone is so jealous that I got the inside scoop. Thank you, my love.”
“You’re welcome.” Leona had never told Izzy about Paris. “Hey, I have something to tell you. You’re going to freak, so I’ll warn you in advance.” She told Izzy that Luke was the DJ they experienced in Paris and how his song “Get Up and Move for Me” was about them.
“You’re pulling my big toe?” Izzy’s face stayed in a stunned expression for what seemed like minutes. Izzy shook her head out of her daze. “You can’t make this shite up.”
“Right? I mean, what are the freakin’ chances?” She hugged Izzy. “You’re coming to Aurora, right? It’s a great place to network.”
“I wouldn’t miss it. I’m so proud of you, Leo,” Izzy called to her.
The sentiment hit her deep. “Thanks, girl.”
Tommy came over and joined their excited group. “The owners from the Xcelsior have been in touch and they’re amped to see Luke at Aurora tonight. This is all the city is talking about. Must say, Leo, this was clever as fuck.”
She beamed. “Thanks, let’s just hope that it was enough for the owners to see that not signing Luke would be the worst decision they ever made.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Leona and Luke met Tommy, Abe, and Patrick, Luke’s lawyer, at Aurora. Instead of being backstage, she found herself in VIP with the owners of the Xcelsior Hotel. They had to close the deal for Luke’s residency. As they socialized with the owners, Leona let Tommy and Abe do most of the talking.
“Luke always delivers a great show. His fan base is global. A location like the Xcelsior, where people are coming from all over the world to enjoy Las Vegas, is great for both our interests,” Abe said.
“Well, there are some negative opinions about his ego. We want to work with people who are successful and humble,” one owner discussed.
Tommy jumped in. “I’m sorry that you’ve been fed inaccurate information about Luke. He is a generous artist to his fans and those that work for him.”
“Tell us more,” another owner said.
Leona was done listening. She needed to give the owners an inside look at the artist they evaluated. “Luke is exceptionally talented, but beyond that music means everything to him. His songs are addictive and emotional. He stays up late to communicate with the fans on social media and on live Internet feeds—answering their questions. Even when he was hurt, he didn’t want to leave the stage to go to the hospital because he didn’t want to disappoint the fans. I’ve worked with a lot of clients and I don’t know any who would do what he did.”
The owners nodded. “He’s definitely successful.”
“Yes, and an asset. He has values that are aligned with your vision,” Tommy added to her statement.
“He’s about to perform.” Abe pointed to the stage.
Luke appeared onstage and performed with high energy. The crowd was elated to see him. With each song he played, he lifted the fans to higher levels of happiness and excitement.
Leona and her companions in VIP danced to his music.
Luke got on the microphone and spoke to the club. “Thank you guys for the love and energy. I see you. You give me your all every time I come out here and I want to give something back to you. Here’s a new one for you tonight. It’s called, ‘Glimpsing Leo.’”
The crowd went wild.
“What?” Leona’s feet were cemented and her eyes widened. “Oh my gosh.” She swallowed visibly as all eyes from the men in VIP were on her.
Music boomed through the speakers. Leona recognized the radiant melody from when she and Luke shared “dessert” in his studio in San Francisco. Leona listened to the lyrics. The bass was heavy and the poetic vocals on the track spoke of seeing Leo smile. The song made referenc
e to the zodiac signs and constellations, but glimpsing Leo was light in the dark, magic, and grounding gravity.
Luke had written an amazing song for her and froze her in time. The crowd was into it and enjoyed the new music in his set. He put his hand over his heart as he sang the lyrics out to the crowd and then directly to her.
Her heart filled with gratitude for his gift as if it were the very blood in her veins. She turned from watchful eyes to wipe away tears she couldn’t control. So much still hung in the balance from the press conference about Paul to Luke’s final show. The ship, though it had dodged quite a few icebergs over the past months, could still go down. The press could still attack. She breathed. Stop! This is Luke’s gift to you. Receive it.
Even if only for this moment, she danced and lost herself in the experience. Everyone in the club, except Luke, disappeared. Leona blew him a kiss and thought of Paris. This was her Luke and she claimed him.
Tommy spoke close to her ear. “That was some song. It seems that you have finally tamed the not so awful kitty-cat, Leo.”
“Allergies are clearing up,” she said.
Luke was in the zone and played for a few hours, enlivening the fans with each song and remix. By the end of his performance the owners were having a good time and waving glow sticks—the sight a common one at Luke’s shows. The owners finally understood the magnetism of The Musical Prophet and what an impactful presence he had on the industry. Now all they had to do was offer him the Las Vegas residency at the Xcelsior.
When Luke’s show ended, the owners met with him.
“We want you for the Xcelsior residency,” one of the owners announced.
“It would be an honor.” Luke shook hands with each of them.
“Yes.” Leona nudged Tommy who smiled down at her.
