Page 42 of Love Deep

“Both probably,” Byron says.

“Right. Makes sense. But Grace isn’t coming to Star Falls just for Juniper.”

“So, you want her to come and meet with Club members,” he says out loud. “That way, she’ll connect with potential clients for the work in her galleries and for her consultancy services.Andshe’ll have an opportunity to meet Juniper and see her work. It’ll give her an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.”

He pulls in a breath. “Club members don’t like the hard sell, but we’re talking about Grace Astor, so I don’t have thatto worry about. I think it’s a good idea. But speak to marketing. The Club manager, Hart, can put you in touch with the right person.”

He pauses, but I can tell he hasn’t finished speaking.

“You’re a good guy, Fisher, don’t get me wrong. And honestly, I’d be a very happy man if you and Juniper ended up together. But she’s never left Star Falls. I don’t see you moving here?—”

“We’re just having fun. We both know this isn’t a long-term thing,” I say.

I like Juniper. I really like her, and the sex… it was more than phenomenal. But we don’t work from a logistical perspective.

“And she definitely knows that?” he asks.

“Absolutely,” I say. “I’m not about to make promises I can’t keep.”

“I know that’s not what you would ever intend, but I would hate it if things got misconstrued. Juniper is a lovely woman.”

“I know,” I say. I get that Byron feels protective over his friend. Over this entire town. I’m not going to break Juniper’s heart. “Juniper made it clear that we could only be casual.”

Byron nods, satisfied. “It’s good of you to help.”

“She’s talented,” I reply. “And you know how I like to network.”

“It’s your greatest strength. Is there anyone in New York you don’t know?”

“No one worth knowing,” I say on a grin. I slide the seltzer onto the coffee table in front of me.

“Everything okay with Vivian?”

I nod. “I got to go back into the studio the other day. I helped her out on a couple of things.”

“Like as a producer?”

I nod, skimming my palm over my jaw. “Yeah. I hadn’t done it in a long while, but it felt good.”

“Getting your hands dirty?”

“Getting back to basics. I love the music industry because I love music. All this other stuff sometimes takes away from that. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate the business side of what I do, but sometimes the music can get lost, you know?”

Byron stays silent for a beat, like he knows I’ve got more I need to get off my chest.

“Did I ever tell you about Gerry Banks?” I ask.

“The guy who used to steal all your artists before you could sign them when you were in A&R at EMG records. Haven’t heard that name in a while.”

“He went into artist management, but now he’s running a rival record label. He’s been reaching out to my clients.”

“I guess he’s trying to make a splash.”

“It feels personal,” I say.

“It’s always felt personal to you. It’s probably jealousy. It can drive people mad.”

“Maybe it’s that.”