The Gamble, page 17
“You don’t know how much I hate dealing with my label and manager on things like this. My manager is fine for interviews and most things, but when I have an issue, it’s so bad I normally have anxiety for a week before I even work up the nerve to go talk to them.”
“Why isn’t your manager dealing with the label for you?” Phil furrowed his brows at me.
“He said that his job is to make sure I get the highest paycheck and deal with coordinating things, not fighting the hand that feeds us.”
Phil jerked his head back a bit, then brushed my hair behind my ear. “Is that so?”
“Yes. I tried to invoke this clause for another concert, and they wouldn’t. I was scared to death when I went on stage. I got mobbed as well. It was horrible.”
“Are you serious?” I thought his head was going to snap off.
“Yes.”
“That will never happen again.”
“What do you mean?”
“You will never again not have your safety clause invoked because they want to put money before your safety. Or any other clause for that matter. Never.” He scanned my eyes.
“How can you so confidently say that? You don’t know them. They aren’t the easiest people to work with. They actually kind of scare me.”
Phil stroked my back. “What do you mean, they scare you?”
“I don’t know how to explain it. They kind of own me.”
Phil froze and stared at me for a minute. “Sophie, what do you mean, ‘own you?’”
I shrugged. I tried to think about how to best explain it to him. “They call all the shots. I don’t have a say in a lot of things.”
“Why not? You’ve been doing this for almost twenty years and have Grammy and Billboard Music and Academy awards, just to name a few. You should have control at this point, not them.”
“According to my manager I have an awesome deal. I just trust that he’s taking care of me. I have no reason not to.”
Phil didn’t say anything.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“No, why?”
“Because you got so quiet.”
“Petal, let’s get through Wembley and then review your contracts. You shouldn’t feel like this. You’re a talented artist who has years of success and a huge fan base. You should have control.”
“That’s all you need—more work loaded onto your plate.” I already felt guilty enough I had caused so many issues in his hectic work life.
“Don’t worry about that. Besides, that’s what I have attorneys for.”
I leaned into him and put my arms around his shoulders. “I don’t know, Phil. I want to help you not think, not add more things to your list of responsibilities.”
“It’ll bug me more if you don’t let me do it.”
“Let’s talk about this when we’re back home after Wembley, okay? You have enough on your plate with me right now.”
“Fine, we’ll table this till another time, but stop feeling bad I’m here. I don’t want to be anywhere else except here with you.”
I leaned in and kissed him. “I don’t want you to be anywhere else but here with me, either.”
David rolled the window down an inch. “I just wanted to let you know that we’re about a block away. You’ve got quite the fan base, Ms. Sophie.”
Phil rolled the window down the remainder of the way. “Thanks, David…” He paused. “Wow.”
The streets were lined with people. There was no room anywhere on either side of the road, and there were people lined up as far as you could see.
People were holding Carlotta Ensign signs. It was lightly snowing, and people were dressed in hardly anything, wearing different costumes I’d worn over the years.
Twenty years in the music industry, and I had never seen anything this insane.
“Holy shit,” I muttered. My insides started to shake a bit.
Phil pulled me closer into him. “David, can you drive around the block? I’m going to call security and double-check we’re all set.”
“Sure.”
Phil picked up his phone and called Timko. I could hear Timko reassuring him everything was good to go. He hung up. “David, go ahead and stop as planned.”
“All right.”
David slowly pulled over so our car door was directly in front of the roped-off area. Lights from paparazzi cameras were already flashing.
The bodyguard called Phil and told him to unlock the door. He did so, and they opened the door and told him to get out first. Phil got out and reached his hand in for me. He pulled me out, and the crowd went crazy. The paparazzi were screaming out questions and taking photos. My fans started chanting “Carlotta,” and people were passing the barricades.
This time, the bodyguards were prepared. They quickly removed anyone who passed the barricades, and had Phil and me surrounded. It took about two minutes to get into the restaurant. When we finally got in the door, I breathed a sigh of relief.
“Petal, you okay?” Phil searched my eyes.
I leaned in and kissed him. “Yes.” I looked over at my security. “Thanks, guys. That was so much better than I thought it would be.”
They nodded.
The hostess escorted Phil and me to the Belltower room. My interviewer Archey was already there, as was my manager Terry.
Terry came right over to me and kissed me on the cheek.
“Terry, I’m so glad to see you,” I said. “I did the best I could without you yesterday!”
He laughed. “I’m sure you did great!”
I introduced him to Phil. Something passed through Terry’s eyes, but I couldn’t tell what, and Archey was holding his hand out to shake mine, so I couldn’t try to figure it out.
Archey was from a newer magazine called Ricochet that was big in the U.K. I had interviewed with him in the past when he was with another magazine.
I hugged him. “How do you like the new magazine, Archey?”
“It’s great! I’m getting to do a lot of interesting interviews.”
“That’s good to hear. And you like living in the U.K.?”
“Yes. It’s been a fun change.”
“Good.”
The server came in. “Ms. Ensign, I’m a huge fan. It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Sarah, and I’ll be taking care of you today.”
“Thank you. Call me Carlotta, please.”
“Sure. What can I get you to drink?”
“The water is fine.” I pointed to my already-filled glass.
“We have your order that was sent in earlier. Is that still okay, or did you want to change it?”
“No, that will be fine, thank you.”
“Great. I only had orders for three. Should I bring a menu?”
I looked at Phil.
“Just bring me whatever Carlotta is having, please.”
“Very well.” She grabbed a glass on the buffet table that was attached to the wall, poured Phil a water, and set it down. “Does anyone else want something besides water?”
Everyone shook their heads.
“Okay, I’ll go put the orders in.”
She left, and I turned to Archey. “Should we get started?”
He nodded. “Carlotta, your recent show in Toronto was canceled. Reports say that you came down with food poisoning, but rumor has it that you had a security breach and were locked up in a bathroom for approximately thirty minutes?”
What? This is the first leak I’ve heard about. “Where did you hear that, Archey? That’s a rumor I haven’t heard before.” I smiled and tried to play it cool, not denying or affirming it.
“Let’s just say that some of my reporter friends weren’t too happy they didn’t get their stories that day.” He smiled at me.
“Well, food poisonings and bathrooms go together, so…” I shrugged.
He laughed. “But—”
“Archey, surely you have something better to ask me about than food poisoning?” I raised my eyebrow at him and wondered why Terry wasn’t stepping in.
Archey laughed. “The fans sure seem to be excited you’re here.”
I smiled. “Yes, they’re really showing their support.”
“Last night's news reported that you were mobbed in the hotel lobby and also didn’t arrive at the restaurant for your reservations. Tom Marko was with you?”
I glanced at Terry. “I didn’t realize I made the headlines last night.” I smiled again, not happy I wasn’t filled in and prepared for this.
“And Tom Marko? What’s your relationship with him?”
I laughed. “Tom and I have been friends for over fifteen years. It’s totally platonic, and his wife Liv was with us. Don’t go reading into things, Archey.”
Archey waved his hand at me. “I wasn’t insinuating that, don’t worry. The news also had Phil on it.” He pointed to Phil.
Phil stared at him with no emotion on his face.
“Well, you can see that he’s here, so that would be correct.” I smiled at Archey.
“And you’re the president of Marko Enterprises?” Archey asked Phil.
“That’s correct.”
“And the former Volts player and real estate mogul Ethan Knight, along with his girlfriend, criminal attorney Claire Whitfield, were with you as well?”
I laughed again. “Archey, you seem to be up to date on all my friends. Yes, they’re in town as well for the concert.”
“What’s your relationship with Ethan Knight? He’s rumored to be in and out of your life throughout the years.”
“Ethan is my childhood friend. Our parents were very close. He’s always been in my life.”
“And you dated his deceased brother, Eric.”
I froze. My insides started shaking, and my mouth went dry. I went to pick up my water glass and realized my hand was shaking and stopped.
“Carlotta? Can you answer the question?”
I licked my lips and managed to pick up my water glass. I took a sip. “Yes, that’s correct.”
“And he shot himself?”
I looked at Terry. Why isn't he jumping in?
I had never talked about Eric. Ethan never had, either. Why was this being dug up?
Phil jumped in. “Archey, can I ask why you’re so interested in something that was decades ago? Surely Carlotta’s fans are more interested in her music and upcoming tour than things that happened decades ago?”
“Oh, just trying to get my facts straight.”
Phil gave him a laser stare.
Archey turned back to me. “So, you two are together?” He pointed between Phil and me.
Shit. I hadn’t thought when I brought Phil that I would need to answer questions about us. I wasn’t prepared.
“They’re just good friends,” Terry spoke up.
I jerked my head over at Terry. What was this lie for?
“Phil, is that your answer as well?” Archey looked over at him.
My heart raced. Phil stared at him with his laser stare. I could see his mind spinning on what to say.
I jumped in and smiled at Archey. “My private life is my private life, Archey.”
Terry shifted uncomfortably in his seat, upset I wasn’t confirming his lie.
Archey smiled. “Is this how you’re both going to play this?”
I laughed. “Do you want to ask me anything about my music or tour?”
“Yes, I’ll get to that.”
Great. What else is he going to hurl at me, and why isn’t Terry steering this conversation like he normally does?
“Reports confirm that your security firm, owned by Marko Enterprises, has had massive breaches in their technology, and clients all over the globe have been at risk. Yesterday, dozens of key employees and executives were fired from the London office. Do you plan on keeping them as your security firm?”
“Yes.” I didn’t hesitate.
“Do you feel you’ve gotten extra attention due to your personal relationships with Tom Marko and Phil Laurent?”
“That’s absurd. All of their clients are important to them.” I waved my hand at him.
Staring at Terry, who sat and said nothing, I took another sip of water. I could see Phil tapping his fingers on his thigh under the table.
“Really?”
I looked at Phil and smiled. “Since you’re the president of Marko Enterprises, would you like to answer this, or do you want me to?”
Phil smiled back at me. “I’ll be more than happy to answer that if you’d like, Archey.” He turned and gave Archey his laser stare.
“Sure.”
“Marko Enterprises’s top priority is all our clients. Tom Marko and I are in town due to the breaches, and are working diligently to solve any issues we have. As I’m sure you’re aware, we recently bought Krastnor Securities, which is where these issues are stemming from. Rest assured, we’re sorting them out. That it’s happened during Carlotta’s London visit is purely coincidental.”
“And why are Ethan Knight and Claire Whitfield in town?”
I looked at Archey. “They always planned on being at the concert and spending the week with me in London.”
Why is he making a big deal about Ethan and Claire being in town? And why isn’t Terry steering him toward my music and tour?
Our server Sarah came in and set our salads down. She smiled at us. “Do you need anything else?”
“No, thank you. We’re good, thank you, Sarah.” I nodded.
She smiled at me and left.
Archey continued, “Recent reports claim that you have over one thousand death threats. Is that correct?”
I gaped at him. Surely that was a lie. I looked at Phil. He kept his laser stare on, but something passed briefly in his eyes. It was something only I would notice. But I saw it.
I had way more death threats than I had been told about.
“Carlotta has been getting—”
Phil cut Terry off. ‘“I’ll answer this, as it pertains to Carlotta’s security. We will not discuss any details regarding her security, as it may put her at risk.”
Terry glared over at Phil. Phil gave him his laser stare.
Terry started again. “There are several men—”
“We will not discuss her security issues,” Phil repeated sternly, and glared at Terry.
My stomach dropped. I glanced over at Terry. What was he doing, trying to discuss my security with a reporter?
Terry gave Phil an icy stare.
“What about the security for Wembley? I received a report right before I got here that you’re invoking your security clause, and your security will be taking over?”
How on earth did that get out?
Terry laughed. “There’s no way that’s happening.”
My blood boiled. Easy to say that when his life wasn’t at risk. I glared at him.
Phil stood up. “Archey, it’s been really nice meeting you, but Carlotta and I need to go now. This interview is over. Terry, can I speak with you in the hallway for a moment, please?”
I stood up.
“But I didn’t get to ask the rest of my questions. Terry, you told me I had an hour,” Archey protested.
“Terry wasn’t aware of the change in Carlotta’s schedule. I’m sorry you weren’t informed,” Phil said.
Archey had his fork in his hand and threw it down on his plate and sat back.
Phil put his hand on my back and led me out to the secluded hallway except for where Timko stood.
Terry followed us. “I don’t know who you think you are—”
Phil cut him off. “Let’s forget about threats and talk about reality. If you ever speak of Carlotta’s security again to anyone outside her trusted circle, you will no longer be representing her. Do I make myself clear?”
Terry looked at me. I glared at him.
He looked back at Phil and gave him a cocky smirk. “I have a contract. I also know there is no way you’re getting your security clause enforced. The label will never allow that to happen.”
Phil laughed. “Contracts are meant to be broken, and I highly suggest you keep that in mind. And that clause will be enforced, or Carlotta doesn’t take the stage. So go ahead and send that message to whoever at the label needs to hear it. They’ve already received notice, but feel free to reinforce the message.”
Terry stepped into Phil’s space and seethed, “I don’t know who you think you are—”
Phil leaned into his face. “I’m the guy who can stop your money train and bankrupt you personally and professionally. And I’m putting you on notice. Let’s go, Petal.” He put his hand around my waist and led me to the front of the restaurant.
Timko had already signaled the guards, and they quickly pushed me through the sea of fans and into the car.
David took off, and Phil rolled the window up.
Phil turned toward me, red-faced. “That was bullshit.”
“Which part?”
“All of it.”
“Are you mad at me?”
“No. Why would I be mad at you?”
“Just when you said ‘all of it.’ I thought maybe because I didn’t confirm we were together.”
His eyes widened. “You handled that fine, Petal. I wasn’t talking about you. I was talking about Terry. The reporter is digging. I’m not sure what angle he’s trying to go after, but he’s doing his job. Terry... Well, I don’t know what he was thinking, but that was a joke.”
I climbed onto his lap and straddled him. “I don’t think all of it was bullshit.”
“Which part?”
“The part in the hallway.” I licked my lips at him.
He looked at me in question.
I took my finger and ran it across his lips. I leaned into his ear, gave him a nibble, and whispered, “I’m not sure which was hotter, your rap skills or watching you get all fired up like that.”
His pants pushed against my crotch. I ground my body against him, and I nibbled a bit more on his ear.
He groaned, grabbed my head, and pulled me to his mouth.
I pushed my body on him harder as his tongue flickered against my own. I moved my mouth back to his ear. “How quiet can you be?”
He softly laughed. “I can be quiet. I just don’t know if you can, Petal.”
“I definitely can’t. But I think it’s time for you to take a break from thinking.”
“Yeah?”
“Yep.” I kissed his neck while I unbuckled his belt and unzipped his fly. I reached into his pants and started to stroke his bulging cock.
