Page 68 of Solar Shadows

Ben put his drink down. “Sorry. People have been so rude about it over the years.”

I shook my head, planting myself firmly on his side. “People are fuckheads.”

He chortled. “Agreed.”

“Amazing.” I leaned back in my chair, willing time to move faster. “So, tell me about this album of yours. Unless you’re sick of me?”

Another laugh. “Nah, I like you. You’re fit.”

“Thank you. That’s very kind. And you’re pretty hot yourself.”

He blushed a tad. “Cheers.”

Helen kept her mouth shut, leaving us to it. She knew when to let me run with something. And if she wanted me involved in whatever she was cooking, those jammy lips of her better remain sealed.

“Go on,” I pressed Ben. “Talk to me.”

There, all relaxed in my presence now, any wobbles steadied. This shit was too easy sometimes. Call me arrogant, I didn’t give a fuck. I knew how to lay it on thickly.

My eyes wandered to Ollie again for a few seconds.

Why did he seem so uncomfortable? Was he allergic to famous people? Or was it Ben?

Hmmm.

“It’s a dance record,” Ben began.

I picked up the champagne and let the reality star speak.

“The first single’s coming out in the summer, and it’s going to be huge. Big marketing, big music video, big, big, big.” He spread his arms as if demonstrating length.

“Big, eh?” I responded.

“And you’re going to be in the music video,” Helen declared.

My head snapped round, cheeks heating, my sugary placating energy dripping away. “I’m what?”

“This is the surprise I told you about,” she said, getting all smug. “You’re booked on a flight to Ibiza on Monday. Hot Candy are styling the shoot. Ben signed a deal with them yesterday, and you’ll become their brand ambassador. A perfect union of cash and gorgeousness to set tongues wagging.” She laughed.

I felt myself blanch. “I?—”

“You’ll be in Ibiza for two weeks to shoot the video and the first wave of commercials for Hot Candy. No arguments from you, Isaac.” She held up a finger. “I’m getting you out of this city. I don’t know what you’re doing here, but I’m pulling the plug. I need you back to work, and this will be a lucrativeopportunity.” She tapped her glass with a long purple fingernail.

Flustered, I tried speaking but couldn’t find the words because those words involved House Aurora and The Sun.

“I’m so excited,” Ben said.

I couldn’t take this, a flush of stress heat creeping up my face. But Helen was right. This would all generate huge publicity, and Hot Candy were a popular fashion house. Irrespective of the quality of Ben’s music, this would be one lucrative union.

I wanted nothing to do with it. As much I missed my life, jetting off to Ibiza was out of the question.

“You just need to sign the contract at the meeting tomorrow,” Helen added. “And then we’re off for some much-needed sunshine.”

Ben agreed, the two of them clinking glasses in cheers to heat, beaches, and money.

I can’t… I can’t…

If I turned this down now, my career would be over in a storm of lawsuits and Helen’s wrath. It would be a slap in the face for her. She’d always been my champion, always fought for me, and I was about to lose her a lot of income.