Chapter 28 Keeley #2
“I can’t begin to understand how she’s feeling, but maybe you should give her a chance to tell you before you make assumptions,” Oliver says.
“And for the record, I want to go back to that part where you think you’re holding her back, because that’s ridiculous.
First of all, your worth is not tied to your accomplishments. ”
I snort. “Easy for you to say, Mr. Ivy League.”
He ignores me, raising his voice. “And second of all, your career is impressive as hell.”
I lean into Mom, shaking my head. “You’re just trying to make me feel better,” I mumble.
“Keeley, we are so incredibly proud of you,” Dad says. “And if I wasn’t elbow-deep in turkey, I’d be over there too. I don’t know why you don’t see how extraordinary you are, but we’re here to remind you of that any time.”
Mom squeezes me tighter. “You didn’t take the path you originally intended, but you’re doing something most people only dream of—making a living with your art!
” I pull back, staring at her, trying to figure out if she’s just pacifying me, but there’s nothing but honesty in her eyes.
And I know my mom: she doesn’t say stuff just to make me feel better.
“I know I haven’t been the most understanding of your decisions recently, but that doesn’t erase how proud of you I am.
And maybe you can’t see it because you’re the one behind that kit, but you come alive whenever you’re playing.
Watching you do that every time you’re on a stage—it’s more than any parent could hope for.
I just want you to pursue the things that set your heart on fire… and to be safe, of course.”
I laugh through a sob, blinking up at my mom, who has never put a single condition on loving me.
Then I glance over at my brother, who grins at me, in that way of his that tells me everything is going to be okay.
And my dad, looking over at us all from the stove with that quiet, loving concern.
“Maybe,” I say. Then I wipe my eyes with the sleeves of my hoodie, resettling myself in the chair.
“You shouldn’t be comforting me, though. I really fucked Jane’s life up.”
Mom hums, squeezing me again. “None of your mistakes could make me love you less, Keeley, but loving Jane isn’t a mistake. Part of being in an adult relationship is knowing you can’t always protect the person you love from the world—you just have to make sure you’re at their side through it all.”
The problem is, I want to be by Jane’s side. I just wish she’d let me.
After the soup is assembled and simmering, our parents slip outside to go on a chilly walk. I top off my wine and head into the living room, curling up on the soft leather couch in front of the gas fireplace. Oliver joins me a few minutes later.
“You okay?” he asks.
“Obviously not,” I drawl. Resigned, I flop against the cushions, barely avoiding the slosh of wine over my glass. “I’m sad about losing our masters, but I’m also just fucking pissed.”
I’m tired of feeling like I’m losing.
All of these horrible people in this industry keep taking things from us.
It’s like “All My Friends Are Vampires” was a fucking prophecy, and they really did take until there was nothing left.
And now, we don’t have control of that angry anthem about creative freedom or any of the rest of our catalog. It makes me see red.
“You have every right to be pissed,” Oliver says.
“It’s just…Ryan Tate, Landon Banks, Tonya Quinn…they hurt us and exploited us and took our power away. I wish there was something I could do to retaliate.” I’m not proud of it, but I want some goddamn revenge.
Anything to feel like I’m taking back control.
“What if there was?” Oliver asks, resting his chin on his fist in thought.
I bolt upright, and then some of the wine does slosh over my hoodie. Thank god it’s white. “What do you mean?”
He smirks. “We’re speaking in hypotheticals here, right? I can’t give you legal advice, and even if I could, this isn’t advisable.” My brother, the ever-ethical lawyer. I’d love for him to just get to the fucking point.
“Oh my god, just tell me,” I say, my pulse roaring in my ears. Even not knowing where he’s going with this, I can’t fight back the ember of hope glowing in the back of my mind. It’s the first time I haven’t felt miserable since…well, since Jane left.
I wait for Oliver to continue. “If studying and practicing law has taught me anything, it’s that every single CEO who’s rich like Landon Banks is has skeletons.
They break the law, have secret addictions, utilize business assets for personal gain.
” He pauses, like he’s waiting for me to say something.
“And?”
Oliver grins, folding his hands together. “And, if you can find proof, you can report the asshole. He just put you through months of a legal battle? Figure out if you can dish it back.”
Taking a long sip of wine, I consider his words. That all sounds great, but we’re missing one major piece of this puzzle. “Sure, but rich men get away with that bullshit all the time. And I’m not Veronica Mars.”
“They get away with it unless the legal system can’t ignore it anymore.” He raises his hands. “You’re in an industry where you have a fuck ton of connections.”
I blink. Maybe I’m just too drained, because I still have no idea where he’s going with this. “Yeah, and?”
“So start connecting! Figure out what people know. Who is close to him. Who might have dirt. If you’re discreet, and you play your cards right, you won’t have to retaliate at all. His own actions might take him down.”
I purse my lips. “Okay, but who…oh shit.” I gesture with my phone. “Landon Banks had another messy divorce last year, and his ex-wife hangs out with Bianca.”
A lot of people wouldn’t just call their ex up out of the blue, but Bianca and I are still friendly. That’s why I’ve gigged with her off and on since our breakup. And I know she’ll help me if she can.
Oliver pumps his fist. “That’s exactly what I’m talking about!”
“Bianca has a way of…getting people to open up.” She doesn’t do it on purpose; she’s just really easy to talk to. “And if that doesn’t work, well…I’m pretty sure Riker does know a PI.” He always knows a guy.
It’s as good of a place as any to start. With a shit-eating grin on my face, I text my ex. Surprisingly, for a holiday weekend, she texts me back right away and offers to make the introduction.
And then we get to fucking work.