Page 102 of Rockstar Baby

Why would I need any of those things? Obviously, I was ridiculously happy all on my own.

Right.

A thought occurred to me. “Which others are you doing songs with?”

He grew quiet. For about fifteen seconds, Ian’s max. “Finally heard that, hmm? Your mind is half a dozen steps behind, mate.”

“I have a lot to think about.”

“Do you now? So envious. And here I am, with absolutely nothing in my head.”

I laughed again and stared up at the ceiling. “Why do you like me, Ian? Seriously. I can’t see why you cultivate our friendship. What’s in it for you?”

“The truth.”

“Pardon?”

“You don’t snow me, ever, and we both know how rare that is in this business. You also don’t kiss my ass. If you’re nice to me, it’s because you want to be, not because you expect something in return. Plus, you’re oddly good at Karaoke, even if it takes a few pints of Guinness to get you to that point.”

“You’ve never heard me sing Karaoke.”

“The recording feature on my phone says otherwise.”

I sat back down in my swivel chair and braced my elbow against my knee. Rubbing my face didn’t begin to erase the exhaustion. I feared nothing could.

At least not on this coast. Right now, New York felt like another planet.

Almost at once, I realized who Ian was working with. That canny fucker. “You’ve been sneaking around with Kellan.”

His silence spoke volumes. Especially since he hadn’t ever been silent in my presence for more than thirty seconds, unless he was sleeping.

“Kellan mentioned something about a new piece he wanted me to hear when it was ready. We’ve been hammering out ideas over the phone, finding the slant for—hell, why am I telling you this? You probably know more than I do.”

Ian chuckled. “Yeah, sure, I do. Kellan is like you. He grunts more than he shares. I guess I like a challenge. But our voices are complementary, and Lord Lewis likes what we’re coming up with. He mentioned bringing in Connors and Goldwaith to—”

“Connors and Goldwaith? He never uses them.”

“Right, but he said you already said you were busy. Too busy for your best friend, but whatever.”

“I never said you were my best friend.”

“No, but you can’t stop me from making you mine.”

The laughter rolled out of me and ended in a groan as I leaned back in my chair. “Seriously, I’m too tired for this conversation.”

“So, just say yes and you’ll get the triple bonus of me, Kellan, and Ivy. And Ivy will make you feel much better. There’s something about redheads, isn’t there?”

I hated that he was right. On all accounts.“Yourlady is blond.”

“My lady has been every color of the universe and probably will be again once she gives birth.”

“You talk about that kid enough, you’d think it was the Christ child.”

“I’m excited. So, sue me.”

“If only I could. Sure you don’t want Kellan to be your new best friend?”

“He’s grouchy enough for the role, but you know I can’t resist your baby blues.”