Torn (Connections #2)(40)

I look over to Bell, whose sense of style never falters. She's wearing an orange, off-the-shoulder shirt with army green skinny jeans and her always-present high heels. She rolls her eyes and punches Xander in the arm. "They aren't that late, just forty-five minutes, and I'll grab them each a water," she says, smirking at Xander.

We walk toward them and she hands each of us a bottle and hugs us. She seems gleeful and I ask, "What's going on?"

Biting her bottom lip then smiling a huge smile, she says, "I stopped by Jack's office today and not only did I meet Zane Perry and hear his dad's record, I got an internship with Tate Wyatt."

River's mouth drops open and excitement lights up his eyes. "Zeak Perry was in the studio today? Was he cutting a new album?"

Looks like I'm not the only one jealous that she got to watch Zeak. He's a musical genius. His music just commands your attention.

Bell shrugs her shoulders. "I have no idea but his agent Damon Wolf was there, too."

Everyone grows silent and River's gaze darts to Xander in a manner so blatant I can't help but notice. Then I see that Charlotte's normally vibrantly glowing face has paled and she excuses herself. I don't ask why right now but rather, I let it pass. I know Damon has a reputation for being a bit of a hothead agent so who knows whose path he's crossed? His father is also the head of Sheep Industries, who actually own Sound Music. Hmmm . . . that must be who Aerie was talking about. Strange Damon's interested in the magazine. Maybe he's trying to settle down and get off the road. I know that after he proposed to Ivy Taylor she severely cut her performance schedule and actually hasn't done anything in months. Her music career was on the fast track but she had put out only one album and really hadn't marketed it. Which was a shame because she has the most unique style-I once dreamed of photographing her. I even had an idea worked up in my mind for an album design . . . she has the perfect face for it. We'll see.

Bell puts her hands on her hips and pulls me from my fan-girl thoughts. "All I know is Jack signed him last week. Did you hear what I said about my job with Tate Wyatt?"

Xander seems distracted when he speaks-his voice is gruff and he avoids looking at anyone. "Who is Tate Wyatt?"

Bell sighs and throws herself back on the barstool. "Only the top event planner in LA. He has a waiting list a mile long."

River looks at her skeptically. "I thought you worked for the band."

"You guys are leaving soon and I'm not coming, so I need something to do and Jack had the connection." 

Xander chimes in sounding annoyed. "Just because we're not here, doesn't mean there isn't work to do."

Bell sticks her tongue out at him and says, "The internship is only twelve weeks unless I get a permanent position. Let's worry about that if it happens."

Xander rolls his eyes and Charlotte says, "Xander, this is a wonderful opportunity for your sister. You should be more supportive. If need be, I can help you."

Xander nods at his mother, River snickers, and I smile at her, mouthing, "Congratulations."

The door opens and Jack comes in from the backyard with a platter of steaks in hand. "Oh good, you guys made it just in time." Motioning to the oversize refrigerator in the butler's pantry he says, "River, grab yourself a beer and one for me, too, if you don't mind."

River obliges and we all sit down for dinner. I really love his family. I never had a big family so I marvel at their interactions as we eat our way through dinner. I haven't been hungry and my stomach is in knots knowing that River and I still have to have the Ben conversation, but I do my best to eat and socialize.

River, on the other hand, hardly touches his food and his relaxed attitude from the beach is gone. He's bad-tempered with Xander and even short with Bell. Honestly, he's just moody all the way around during dinner.

Jack does most of the talking, but then again, he usually does. I actually love to hear him talk about his record label and what new albums are coming out. He tells us about a few smaller companies he has acquired and winks at River when he does, adding, "Whenever you're ready to pick one up," and then casually moves on. When he mentions that Denny Harris contacted him about the possibility of the D-Bags moving over to Tyler Records, I get a little excited. I love that band.

I nudge River and whisper, "Jack might actually sign Kellan Kyle. Did you hear him?"

River shakes his head and I swear I see the hint of a smirk, but, before he can comment, Bell chimes in, "Oh he's my ex-boyfriend. That would be so cool."

Everyone at the table laughs and looks at her.

"What?" Bell asks.

Xander being Xander just says it like it is. "Bell, just because you meet up with a guy once doesn't mean he was ever your boyfriend."