65. Anson
SIXTY-FIVE
ANSON
R osalie was absolutely amazing. She performed another song, a solo without me, and that was it. If people weren’t discussing her talent before, they certainly would be now.
Ethan managed to keep himself in check, but I was sure it was because he was high as fuck.
He swayed on his feet as he held her. I knew he was whispering his apologies on repeat to her as she buried her face in his neck while Fox looked around, seemingly uncomfortable with people glancing at them.
She was Fox Evans’s girl. Everyone at Mayfair knew that, but at that moment, she looked like she was more Ethan’s than Fox’s.
Ethan finally released her. Fox was quick to retake control and kissed her.
“We have to meet Enzo and Cole,” Fox said, glancing at me. “We’re going to hit up Ninety9 on Main.”
I nodded wordlessly. It was a good spot to hang out. I still went there sometimes when I wanted to watch live bands. Before Rosalie, I’d go there with Ryder and pick up women. Times sure had changed.
Deciding I couldn’t get through an evening with the horsemen for company, I texted Ryder, asking him to meet up with us. Since I knew he’d been in a significant drought with women, he was a shoo-in.
The fact Enzo was agreeable to go out when shit was so bad for him was surprising, but I was well aware of all the men waiting in the parking lot for him that were under his thumb. I was sure that having the kings back at their house also influenced their plans. Giving them space and all.
But it was still dangerous, and if Ryder were there, it was one more guy who could handle his shit. I trusted Ryder with my life and, therefore, with Rosalie’s.
“Hey, Ryder is going to meet us,” I said to Rosalie as she returned to my side. “But I want to take you to meet someone if you have a minute.”
She glanced at Fox, who was talking to Ethan. Fox raised his brows at us.
I decided I needed to repeat it to him. “I want Rosalie to meet someone. Is it cool if I borrow her for a minute?”
“Uh, yeah. Babe, Ethan, and I are going to meet with the guys.” He looked at me. “Can she ride with you?”
I frowned at that. It was odd he’d ask when they were all there, so immediately, I was suspicious. Rosalie seemed to be, too, because she stepped forward and opened her mouth. I cut her off before she could speak.
“Sure. That works out perfectly. We won’t have to rush then,” I said.
She closed her mouth and shot Fox a look. He approached, kissed her forehead, and murmured something before gesturing for Ethan to follow him. Ethan appeared to be better now, and he gave us a weary wave before trailing Fox out.
“They’re up to something,” Rosalie muttered. “Fox was on his phone a lot backstage.”
“It’s probably nothing. Kings probably are fighting with Drake or something.”
Rosalie groaned. “I’m all for helping people, but they really do scare me. And Bianca? She’s pretty scary, too. Seeing her punch Drake and Trent put some fear into my bones.”
I chuckled at that. “Yeah, Trent didn’t seem to mind, though. I think he gets off on women kicking his ass from time to time.”
She snorted and shook her head, letting me steer her out of the stage area.
“Who am I meeting?” she asked.
“Alex Ryan.”
“What?” she squeaked out, stopping in her tracks. “You said I could wait. That we’d work on it first?—”
“He’s here tonight, LeeLee,” I said gently, looking around. I spotted him in the crowd. He grinned and waved at me before heading toward us. “I told him you’d be performing. He was in the area. It just made sense.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? Oh my god. I’m not ready for this. My performance wasn’t even very good.” She was panicked as she looked wildly around the crowded auditorium.
“Hey, trust me, OK? You were phenomenal, LeeLee. I wouldn’t introduce you if I thought the timing was off.”
She visibly swallowed as Alex stopped in front of us.
“Anson. It’s been a long time,” Alex greeted me, holding his hand out.
I gave him a firm handshake and grinned at him.
“It’s been too long. I want you to meet Rosalie, the star of tonight’s show,” I said, releasing his hand and gesturing to Rosalie. I could tell she was nervous by her shallow breathing.
“Rosalie,” he greeted her warmly. Alex was only in his mid-thirties but was well-known in the music world.
I’d become fast friends with him when he tried to scout me several years prior.
We’d stayed in touch and communicated often.
Trackmaster Records was one of the biggest record companies in the world.
I always thought it was essential to keep friends in different places.
“You were incredible tonight. And this crowd? They recognized that talent. I’m floored. Anson shared with me a few of your recordings, which I thought were fantastic. But tonight? Live? It was easily one of the best performances I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you,” she said, her cheeks flaming red. “I-I’m so glad you could make it here tonight. I didn’t know you were coming.”
He smiled. “Anson’s fun like that, huh?” He laughed. “Listen, I know you’re busy, but I want to talk business with you. Anson told me you have big dreams. I’ll be honest. I’m the guy who wants to help make them come true.”
“Oh, uh.” Rosalie looked at me, her green eyes wide. “I-I maybe? I mean, I’m busy with classes a-and everything?—”
“I get it. It’s a lot to take in. I just want to talk. How about we meet tomorrow? I’ll take you and Anson out to dinner. We’ll talk shop. No pressure. You can walk away if you’re uninterested in what I say. Sound good?”
I looked at Rosalie, really hoping she’d say yes. Alex was the real deal, and if he was as interested as he sounded, this could change everything for her and maybe save a few souls along the way.
“Um, yes. Yes, I’d like that.”
I breathed a soft breath of relief and squeezed her hand.
“Awesome. Tell you what. Anson, I’ll text you a place and time. I’m thinking the Sauvage. You know it?”
“I do.” I inclined my head at him.
“Perfect. I’ll be in touch with a time. Rosalie, again, a real pleasure. Anson, we’ll talk soon.” He shook Rosalie’s hand again before shaking mine. He gave me a wink. He was going to offer her a contract. I fucking knew it.
I steadied myself and bid him goodbye before turning to her.
“He’s really impressed. He doesn’t impress easily.”
“I’m scared,” she whispered.
“Why?” I crinkled my brows at her.
“Because what if he does want to sign? Then what? Do I just leave everything?”
“Yes. You fucking leave all this shit behind. You deserve more than what you’re dealing with. You can have a life of your own. Your own rules. Your own money. Career. Everything you’ve ever dreamed of.”
Her bottom lip wobbled.
“Hey, I thought this was what you wanted?” I frowned at her.
“It is. It just feels so sudden, I guess.”
“I get it, but let’s just go to dinner with him, OK? He may be good with waiting if you need some time.”
She nodded and released her bottom lip from her teeth. “Yeah. You’re right. I’m getting all worked up over nothing. I’ll meet with him and see what he has to say.”
“Good girl,” I said, grinning at her.
This time, she gave me a genuine smile.
“Come on.” I pulled her toward the door and into the night. I wanted to celebrate what I knew would be a new world for her. She just didn’t know it yet.