2. Hayden #2
I take my final sip of the delicious coffee and refocus on my task.
Another bullet point is added to my pad about playing up the call-and-repeat aspect.
Perhaps overlaying it with Bennett’s part of the show where he does the same?
Or, should we ask the lead singer to turn this segment of the show over to Río, in a nod to this ridiculousness? I make a note to ask Luke.
My next focus is on the word “riot.” Río may be many things, but no way did he start a riot.
He must’ve encouraged people to have harmless fun.
There wasn’t any looting or fights or stampeding.
Rather, a large group was shouting in a tight, controlled environment.
Okay. That might be overstating things a tad. I write down “harmless fun.”
As for the naked piece? Damn man is usually shirtless, but photos show—in minute detail—Río wasn’t wearing a stitch of clothing.
Even though it was midday in Rome, it wasn’t that hot.
How can this small detail be redirected?
My eyes wander back to a still shot of the drummer in all of his glory and amend. Not small.
Hayden!
If I can’t refute he was naked, perhaps I can spin it as he was getting into the spirit of things?
Ugh. My head shakes. Maybe let the photos speak for themselves.
It’s not like there’s an ounce of fat on the man.
I stifle a snort. Comparing him to Michelangelo would not be where I would take this—however, if some media outlet did, I wouldn’t contradict them...
The door swings open. Luke barrels into the conference room, his shoulder-length light brown hair hanging loosely around his attractive face. Coffee-colored eyes take in the entire room at a glance. “Where is he?”
“I haven’t seen him yet. I was led to this conference room and told someone would be here shortly.” I consult the clock. “That was fifteen minutes ago.”
Luke pulls back a chair and sits. “I’ve been online and seen the headlines. What more do you know?”
“Nothing really. I’ve read the articles and watched a few of the videos. I haven’t spoken with Río or anyone who was at the Trevi Fountain.” At least I didn’t say riot.
“Damn Río. We just got the Bennett situation under control and now this.” Luke gazes directly into my eyes. “I was having lunch with Bennett and Jenna. She accepted the offer to be UC’s touring physical therapist, and will be staying on tour with the band.”
“That’s great.” This news warms my heart.
I like Jenna. She’s smart and, from all accounts, a damn good physical therapist. Even though I’ve only seen them together since I came onboard, she and Bennett are a great match.
UC still is getting positive press about how both of their high school grudges were deep-sixed.
I played a small role in helping Tracey and Nina clean up their messes, and am proud of the work I did for them.
Which will now be forgotten given what Río’s done. Damn drummer.
“Do you have any ideas about how we can handle this most recent flare?”
I reply, “You sound like you’re used to this sort of thing.”
“With this group, a new blowout is always lurking around the corner. So, what have you got?”
“Until we talk with Río, all I have is preliminary thoughts,” I hedge. More than anyone, I know how the truth can obliterate any carefully constructed fiction. I read the first two bullet points off my pad, which garners a positive response from the manager.
“Sounds good. The fact Río had the presence of mind to offer to pay everyone’s fines definitely will play to our advantage. I do like the idea of letting him lead the next call-and-repeat at the concert in”—he closes his eyes—“Barcelona.”
I smile. “I had to check the schedule to see where we were going, too.”
“Barcelona is good. The venue is large and the crowds have always been receptive. I bet they’d eat it up if Río does that part of the show. Besides, he’s usually behind the drum kit, so if we bring him forward, they’ll enjoy seeing his legs.”
Which leads me to the last bullet point and the drummer’s legs. Rather, all of him. “I’m not sure how we can get around the fact he stripped before jumping into the fountain.”
He sighs. “Yeah. That’s a harder nut to crack.”
His laughter breaks the silence.
I try to keep it together for all of three seconds, then join him. Before I can get my laughter under control, Luke adds, “We need to act quickly before it shrinks.”
More laughter ensues.
I wipe my eye. “I needed that.” A few more chuckles ensue. “Honestly, I was thinking of letting the media take care of this part of the story. It’s not like we can really spin the reality of what happened.”
“Yeah.” Luke cracks his knuckles. “At least the idiot has a decent body.”
More brawn than brains. I tap my pad. “Okay. So we’re going to pay all the fines and tell the world how UC looks after their fans. The riot accusation will dissipate, especially after the Barcelona performance. And let the internet take care of the rest.”
“Sounds about right. Of course, we need to talk with Río to make sure we got it all.”
“Plus hear the cops’ side of the story,” I add. Please don’t let there be anything more.
Luke and I continue planning out next steps when a police officer enters the conference room.
“Ciao. I understand English is better for you?” We answer in the affirmative and the cop continues.
“Your band member has been cooperative with us, explaining why he caused such a fuss down at the Trevi Fountain. He understands he should not have divided the crowd and urged them to scream at each other, and why it appeared to look like a riot. Swimming in the fountain was only a bonus.”
Some bonus.
At least it doesn’t seem as if they’re going to arrest the stupid drummer. Score one for me.
The band’s manager asks, “When can we see him?”
“He’s about finished getting processed. He said his mug shot will rival that of Frank Sinatra.”
I manage to stop myself from rolling my eyes. Idiot. “Will any charges be filed against him?”
“Because he has such a high profile, and he agreed to make good on all of the fines, we have decided not to press any charges. He also let us know he was going to leave Italy in the next twenty-four hours.” The cop stares at Luke.
“That’s right. Our next concert is tomorrow night, in Barcelona.”
I sit forward. “We really appreciate this. I’ll see if we can move up our departure so we can get out of your hair sooner.”
“If you can make it sooner, it would be much appreciated. And consider staying out of the country for a good year.” The cop gathers his files. “Here is all of the paperwork for you to fill out for the fines. I’ll bring Signor Sullivan to you once this is completed.” He leaves.
Luke pulls the documents toward him. When the door closes, he says, “That boy needs a babysitter.”
“Not a bad idea,” I agree. Frankly, he needs a leash, but I keep my opinion to myself and develop a more robust PR campaign.
When Luke signs the last document, he tosses the pen onto the stack and leans back into his chair. “Will you do it?”
Deep in thought about massaging the riot incident, it takes me a couple of moments to realize the manager was speaking with me. “Huh?”
“I said Río needs a babysitter and you agreed with me. Seems like you’re the most likely candidate.”
I look to my left and right. “No. I simply noted you had a good idea in getting him one. Why on earth would I be your most likely candidate?”
“Because,” Luke leans his arm on the table. “You have a level head on your shoulders and you did a great job with the press when they were after Bennett and Jenna.” He pauses. “She says hello by the way.”
“I like her. She’s awesome.”
“Great. Then it’s settled.”
My head tilts. “Excuse me?”
As if speaking with a child, Luke explains, “Río needs a babysitter. You’re not swayed by his antics. You win. He’s now your responsibility.”
I open my mouth to protest when the door opens again. The same cop approaches Luke and reviews the paperwork. “Everything seems to be in order. Signor Sullivan will be released to your custody. Follow me.”
Numbly, I trail behind the two men. This cannot be happening.