Page 56

It was her turn to look uncomfortable. “I liked working for Laurence. I tolerate Bach, but don’t tell him that. Speaking of which, he seems to have taken a liking to you.”

IknewI was blushing. I couldn’t control it. “You don’t say?”

“I noticed it the day he forced you to audition on the spot. I don’t blame him for being interested. When you sang Whispers... it was pretty amazing. You're awfully talented for someone who's never performed professionally. I noticed you knew your way around a sound booth.”

Sweat began to blossom on my chest. “Well, I’m glad you liked my singing. That’s all I care about.”

“I appreciate that. Lots of people get distracted from what matters once they get a taste of fame.” Violet checked her phone diligently. “My schedule is going to be crazy packed over the next week. The number of contacts I received after the show last night is out of this world. At this rate we'll have signed 15 new artists before the year ends.”

I laughed but my heart wasn't in it. “Hopefully none of them will replace me.”

She startled. “What? Amina, no. This isn't about replacing you. It's about business.”

“I guess I'm just worried that I came out here for a job that isn't what I thought it would be.”

Violet hunched towards me. “Have you felt like I've misled you?”

Running my hands down my face, I let out an exaggerated groan. “I don't know. It's just... it was awesome to sing at the gala. Seriously. I never thought I’d have the guts to do something as bold as that. But what I want to do is record music. That's what I've always wanted—for the world to hear my songs, and I haven't even begun recording a single lyric.”

Her fingers linked together on the table. “You're right. It's not fair that you haven't gotten to do that. Honestly, I didn't think you'd be ready so quick. I figured you'd want time to settle in, maybe run your songs by one of our staff. But if you want to jump in the booth and hit the ground running, I'll pencil in a time for you.”

I perked up. “You will?”

“If anyone understands wanting to keep their eye on the prize, it's me.” She chuckled in the back of her throat. “Try to rub off some of that onto Bach.” She went stiff, as if she realized how dirty that sounded. She opened her mouth to speak, then waited a beat. “Actually, I want to talk about something with you.”

My heart was pulled into a drain. “Okay.”

“I know about what happened last night between you and him.”

Shit.I’d started to hope she had no clue about Bach and me. I hung my head, unable to look her in the eye. “He told you?”

“Not quite. I swung by this morning, before either of you were awake. When I checked your room and you weren't in there I got worried, so I went to Bach's room to ask if he’d seen you. Then I saw... I guess you know what I saw.”

Groaning, I covered my face in my hands.

“I already warned Bach about this. You two shouldn't be hooking up. It's a distraction, and it paints a bad picture of our company.”

I threw up my hands defensively. “You don't have to tell me twice. I let him know this morning that I wanted our relationship to be professional.”

Her eyebrows scrunched together, then smoothed out in relief. “Did he seem like he would listen?”

I was saved from having to tell herNo, he didn’t,because the waiter interrupted us. He set two wooden bowls on the table. “Enjoy!” he chirped.

Snatching my spoon, I shoveled a mouthful of banana slices and frozen acai. “This is delicious,” I mumbled. I was eating so fast I barely tasted it. All I gained was an ice cream headache.

Violet took a small bite while watching me closely. I knew she wanted an answer about what Bach had said. I was worried if I told her the truth, that Bach was planning to keep pursuing me, she’d get involved. Then things would become a huge deal... and then too much time would be wasted on drama instead of my music.

More than anything, I didn’t want her to think she needed to get involved because I couldn’t handle this myself. Things were under control.Iwas in control.

It didn't matter if Bach was determined to get me back into his bed.

I would never sleep with that man again.