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I couldn’t care less, but if I have to hang out with this prick for the next year, I should play nice.
“The label wants us back in Nashville tomorrow. Tonight’s appearance is canceled.”
“Seriously?” I try not to sound excited. “What’s going on?”
He scowls at this phone. “Vance is calling a meeting.”
Vance being Connor Vance, the CEO. “A meeting about what?”
“Jesus fuck, Tate. What’s with the questions? I know as much as you.” He releases a deep sigh before leaning toward the minibar and fishing out a miniature bottle of vodka. He offers me one. “Here.”
“You know I don’t drink.”
“Suit yourself.” He gets comfortable, kicking his feet up on the small table. I stare at him, hoping he gets the hint I’d rather be alone. He does not. “How are things with the wife?”
I narrow my eyes at his mocking tone.
“Talia is fine.” Howard doesn’t care about my marriage, or anything other than himself. I lower into the seat opposite him, wondering how this slimy weasel has such a successful career. I grip the sides of the armchair in silent rage. This fucker is the reason Talia and I spent so much unnecessary time apart, his toxic words worming their way into her mind. “You don’t like her, do you?”
He pauses, mouth wrapped around the lip of the bottle as he downs it in one go. A trickle of liquid clings to his chin. “I don’t know her.”
“You’ve met her twice.”
His demeanor shifts from irate to on edge. “We hardly spoke. I can’t form an opinion on someone after exchanging a couple of sentences. All I remember is her freaking out on the red carpet and forcing you to miss out on most of the night while you consoled her.”
My nostrils flare, and I lean forward, elbows balanced on my knees. “The security humiliated her. The experience was overwhelming for me; I can’t imagine what it was like for her. Anyway, she’ll be joining me in a few weeks. It would be nice if my manager and wife got along.” It’s a lie, but I’m eager to see his reaction.
“Your wife, who you haven’t seen in a year?” He mirrors me until we’re eye level. “I’m going to be honest with you. You’ve got the talent to go far, but you lack the tenacity. I’ve been in this business long enough to know when someone’s being held back from their true potential.”
I don’t react. “You think Talia is holding me back?”
“I know she is.” He wags his sausage finger in the air. “She doesn’t come to your shows or support you. Most women would be elated their husband is a music star, worth millions. What kind of partner is that? She doesn’t want you to be happy; she wants you to herself, tucked away in that crappy one-horse town, where your talent will go to waste.”
“Huh. I never saw it like that.” I hum in faux interest. “You think I should cut her loose now before it’s too late?”
He’s not quick enough to hide his excitement, the alcohol slowing his reactions. “It’s your choice, but if I were you, I would’ve done it last year after she kicked you out.”
Bingo.
I cock my head. “I never told you about that.”
His cheeks turn ruddy and a thin line of sweat forms along his brow. “Of course you did. You were miserable for weeks. It’s a good thing I helped get you out of your slump or you wouldn’t be where you are today.”
My molars grind together, the noise grating in my ears. “Helped by deleting a fucking important and confidential text message?”
Howard stiffens, his throat working around whatever shit excuse he’s trying to formulate. It took me until the flight here to piece together all the ways he’s meddled in my life. “You’re the one who leaked the photos of me at the hospital and sent the press to my house? Fucking hell.” I bolt to my feet, looming over him. “You’ve been sabotaging my life every step of the way, going as far as to tell Talia she’s standing in my way.”
He rises, almost a foot smaller than me, with pure panic rattling his body. “No. No. I was saving your career. How many celebrities do you see ending up with their high school sweetheart? She would’ve ruined everything.”
In a flash, I’ve closed the distance between us, my nose inches from his as I bend down. “You almost ruined everything, you pathetic piece of shit. The first thing I’ll be telling Connor Vance tomorrow is that you’re fired as my manager. I’m sure he can’t wait to hear about all of this.”
“Now, Tate, come on, man. Don’t let a piece of pussy ruin—”
I jab a finger in his face. “Finish that sentence. I fucking dare you.”
My phone rings, distracting me, and Howard sags in relief when I cross the room toward it.
It’s Vanessa. Anyone else other than her, Talia, or my mother, and I’d ignore the call. Eyes on Howard, I answer. “Hey, now really isn’t a good time.”
