Page 76 of Love Deep

“How is Juniper?” she asks.

I chuckle. “She’s going to be hard to leave.”

“You wouldn’t think about splitting your time between here and New York?”

I have thought about it. I’ve thought about it a lot. Especially since going back to New York. “I’m away five minutes and Gerry Banks is already trying to destroy my business.” I grin at her but instead of smiling back, she winces. My stomach turns over. “What?” I ask.

“Well… speaking of Gerry. He called me again yesterday. He asked if he could take me to dinner. I told him I was away recording my album and he…” She shakes her head, like she can’t quite believe what she’s about to say. “He said, ‘I know you’re in Colorado.’”

It’s like I’ve taken a punch to the stomach. “How did he know?”

“It gets worse. He says he’s staying here. Arriving in two days.”

I sit back in my seat. How is that possible? This is my best friend’s place. “Is he a member?”

Vivian shrugs. “I have no idea. He just said he was arriving with some friends and that he wanted to take me and Beau to dinner. I told him we already had plans but…”

“He’s not going to give up. He’s followed you out here to Colorado, for crying out loud.”

“You think he’s followed me?” she asks. “Maybe it’s just a coincidence.”

I’m angry, but I’m also stunned. Why would he think he could follow Vivian out to a place like this? It’s so remote. And she’s with her family. “It’s not a coincidence. No way. He wants to get you to sign with Re Records.”

“That’s what Beau says. But I’m signed with you.”

“He’ll probably tell you that he can get you out of it, or will ask you the terms… and you’re only signed for one album. He’ll probably want the next one.”

She wrinkles her nose. “Maybe some people would take it as a compliment, but I think it’s creepy that he’d follow me out here.”

“He’ll stop at nothing,” I say, almost to myself.

“I’ve told him I’m not interested. And I’m really not. But I just wanted you to know that he’s about to show up.”

“He probably doesn’t know I’m here.” Or maybe he does. He seems to know everything about my artists. Most likely he thinks he can steal Vivian right from under my nose.

“Well, I’m busy. Beau and I are eating in our lodge, like we do every night. I want to sleep and work and hang out with my husband and kid. That’s why this place is perfect.”

“I’m glad it’s worked for you,” I say. “And don’t worry about Gerry. I’ll deal with him.”

She sighs. “He can’t force me to have a conversation with him.”

“I’ll arrange for more security on your lodge and the recording studio.”

“I’m not frightened.”

“No, but you shouldn’t have your peace disturbed. We thought you’d avoid fans and paparazzi by coming here. We hadn’t thought we’d have to protect against stalker record company executives.”

Vivian laughs. “It’s true. Maybe he’s just a superfan. He probably wants tickets to my next show or something.”

“Thanks for telling me,” I say.

“I have nothing to hide. I’m really enjoying working with you. I have no desire to move anywhere.”

“Thanks for saying that. If you don’t mind, I’m going to talk to a few people. Get some things in place.” I look up, and Byron is coming through the entrance to the breakfast room.

“Yeah, go do whatever it is you need to do. I’ve eaten already, so I’m going to go off and start for the day.”

We both get up and Vivian heads out, saying a quick hello to Byron on her way out.