Page 67 of Solar Shadows

“Of course,” I said with a laugh. “Sorry, my brain is all over the place at the moment. It’s so good to meet you. The farm show was genius.”

His pout became a smile. “Cheers.”

I sipped more champagne, wanting this over so I could be home with my brother and away from this bullshit.

And what did this have to do with the Hot Candy deal?

Ollie and Jake stopped talking, both men glancing over.

“Ben here is releasing an album,” Helen announced suddenly.

What the fuck? “He is?”

Ben’s cheeks flushed scarlet. “Why do you sound so surprised?”

Offended, was he? The public’s eardrums were about to be, too. I heard him singing on the farm show. His rusty pipes threatened my title as worst singer in existence.

“I didn’t think music was your thing,” I responded.

I’m not sure what his thing actually was.

“Are you judging me?” he snapped.

Just a smidge.“Hey, you do you, honey. All the power to you.”

He wrinkled his nose. “It’s the sex tape, isn’t it?”

“Excuse me?”

He huffed worse than me. “I knew it. I bloody knew it.”

“Now, let’s not be too hasty with the attitude here,” Helen tried.

“Attitude?” Ben barked. “He’s the prude looking down on me for fucking on camera. What an arsehole.” He picked up his drink, gulping it down angrily.

Sex tape? What was he banging on about?

“Isaac?” Helen’s stern tone pressed me to fix this.

Ah, of course. The tape really put him on the map, so to speak. Wasn’t it called something like “Ben’s Hole of Delights” or something awful like that? Made him famous, though.

“I remember now,” I said, tapping the side of my head. “See? Brain is a mess.”

He wasn’t impressed.

Damage control mode activated. “Let’s get one thing straight. I wouldn’t judge you for doing a sex tape, honey. In fact, I’ve almost been in a few myself.”

“What!” Helen roared, making Ben jump.

I rolled my eyes. “We won’t go there.”

“You never told me this,” she seethed.

“Because I hate seeing you turn such a fine shade of purple,” I rebutted.

That made Ben laugh and soften.

“Anyway, as I was saying.” I threw Helen a ‘shut the fuck up and let me work’ look. “We all do what we must to make it, eh?” I piled on the charm, giving him a smile befitting my title as The Sun. “If it’s a sex tape, then so be it. You’re the one laughing all the way to the bank.” I meant that. I didn’t care how he made his money, it wasn’t my business. And if he wanted to make an album, then so be it. I just wouldn’t be giving it a spin.