Page 68 of A Quick Buck

“What?”

“You can tell the truth.”

“Hardy har har.” Noah wrinkled up his nose.

“Tell me about this DJ Quigs who will be performing tonight. I’m assuming from the lack of instrument hookups he’s some sort of electronic artist?”

“He’s only, like, the king of EDM. Electronic—”

“Electronic dance music, I know.”

“Okay, yeah. He dabbled in K-Pop and J-Pop, but then he got into dub-step…” Noah hesitated. “You really wanna hear this?”

“I asked, didn’t I?”

Noah’s stomach got fluttery, and he smiled. He didn’t even care about not getting to come this morning. Having someone who wanted to listen was surprisingly satisfying in a whole new way.

Even as he detailed DJ Quigs’ entire discography, Alistair listened attentively. He asked questions, made comments, and actually appeared to be enjoying the conversation.

So enraptured in the discussion, one-sided as it was, Noah almost forgot about his new mission to question Frida and Jamie about his uncle’s affairs. He didn’t remember until Frida came in to take their breakfast dishes away.

Flashing a dazzling smile, Noah took a break from his intense fanboying to say, “Good morning, Frida. Thank you. It was delicious.”

He might as well have told her that her hair was on fire. She jerked away and almost dropped the plates, clearly shocked that he was speaking to her.

“Yes, it is quite stunning to witness Noah using manners, isn’t it?” Alistair teased affectionately.

“Y-yes, Mr. Star.” She smiled, awkward and brief, and zoomed back to the kitchen like a frumpy bolt of lightning.

“Thank you, Frida,” Alistair called out after her.

“Jumpy little thing, ain’t she?” Noah noted.

“You truly have no idea what you did to her, do you?” Alistair raised his brows.

“Me?”

“Yes, you, my sweet little brat.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“This happened some time ago when you were very intoxicated.”

“Gonna have to narrow it down.”

“You accused her of stealing from you after she cleaned your room. Ringing any bells now?”

Memory foggy, Noah struggled to remember. “Uh, maybe? I… I’m not always the nicest guy when I’m drunk.”

“You tried to get her fired, you made her cry, and then you found all the missing items… in your room.”

Noah grimaced.

“She is not a fan, I’m afraid.”

“And that’s why Jamie doesn’t like me either?”

Alistair scratched his beard expectantly.