Page 10 of Love Deep

“It’s a good one. And, yes, Byron wanted it to be a place where artists who didn’t want to go out partying could come and work, but also immerse themselves in the surrounding space.”

“It’s wonderful. And the fact that Beau and baby Victoria can come and it can be family time when I’m not in the studio is such a bonus.”

“Yeah, I have to say, I’m not used to seeing artists at breakfast while they’re recording.”

She laughs. “Well, I’m a mama now. I’ve been able to spend a couple of hours with Victoria this morning, and then we can do some time in the studio before I get her into bed. That’s what’s so great about having Beau and Victoria on-site. I can do it all.”

She beams at me. It’s such a relief to have her happy. I would never have believed that I could sign a star like Vivian when I was starting Right Records. I just wanted to start a record label that didn’t treat everyone like shit and then pretend it was art.

“As long as you’re okay.”

“Couldn’t be happier,” Vivian says. “Oh god, speaking of the exact opposite of happy. Did you hear the news about Gerry Banks?”

My stomach hits the floor at the mention of my old nemesis, and I freeze. What’s she going to say?

“Re Records tried so hard to sign me, and I’m so freaking glad I didn’t. My manager was definitely pro Re. But something didn’t feel right, despite them being the biggest label in North America. And now with Gerry taking over? Do you know the guy?”

“Wait, Gerry Banks is taking over Re Records?”

Vivian takes a spoonful of the yogurt thing that’s in front of her and groans at the taste. Then she turns her attention back to me. “Yeah. Can you believe it? I thought he was all about management, but apparently not.”

Gerry and I were both in A&R at EMG Records way back when. And when the place went under, Gerry started managing artists. He’s been pretty successful.

“He’s a strange guy,” I say. “I used to work with him.”

“Is he as cutthroat as people say he is?”

I don’t like to speak badly of people, but Gerry Banks is loathsome. He’s one of the few people I’ve ever met who I’d cross the street to avoid, and that’s saying something. There are plenty of snakes in the world of entertainment.

“We were both quite young when we were at EMG, but he was… I could never prove it, but I’m pretty sure he targeted artists I was forming relationships with and would swoop in and…”

“Steal them?” she offers, nodding. “Doesn’t surprise me. The guy is… he’s not a good guy.”

“I certainly didn’t like working with him.”

He’s invited me to a few showcases since those days.Even tried to set up a meeting with me about an artist one time. But I’ve tried to dodge all contact. I’ve never wanted anything to do with him.

“But it’s hard to avoid the bad guys in this industry, right?” she asks.

“I think it’s the same in any industry where there’s money to be made, but resources are scarce. There aren’t many real stars, and there are lots of people who want to find what there is.”

There are plenty of untrustworthy people in the music industry, but Gerry is another level of bad. He’s rotten. To his core. Not only did he steal artists from me. He started various rumors about me. And tried to get me fired. I have no idea how the guy has ended up as the head of Re. It doesn’t make sense. He’s been out of that game for so long now. There must have been plenty of more qualified people. I really want to ditch Vivian and go and investigate what’s going on.

Luckily for me, Vivian wants to know what’s going on almost as much as I do. She pulls out her phone and starts searching for information.

“I guess,” Vivian says. “I think Gerry takes it to another level.” She holds out her phone.

Gerry looks exactly the same as when I last saw him. Slick. Polished. Smiling. I fight the urge to shudder.

“Well, as long as he leaves me alone.”

While I’m looking at Vivian’s phone, a call comes through. Re Records flashes up on the screen. Does she have their number saved or did it come up automatically?

My mind starts to race, and I nod toward the phone. “Looks like someone’s calling you.”

Vivian sees who’s calling and grimaces. “Why wouldthey be calling me? And how in the hell do they have my number?”

“You could answer,” I suggest. Curiosity is probably going to be the death ofme, as well as the cat.