Page 70 of Dark Verse

Pausing in thought, I answer, “Smaller but constant. It’s a good space to host small weddings, birthday parties, and retirements. The layout reminds me of an art gallery in LA, and I don’t see why this space couldn’t be rented to local artists for short periods. Especially in the cooler months when people don’t want to be outside.”

“All great ideas. Since your last official day is August 28th, I have you scheduled for September 1st. It’s a Tuesday, but that will give you at least a day back in LA in the office before you need to give your full presentation to the board. I believe Claire will still be out of town, so she’ll video conference in, but the rest will be there.”

In that moment, reality drops on my head like a piano falling from six stories. I’ve been so caught up with my deepening feelings for Knox that I completely forgot about…well, reality. Of course, Alice expects me to do my final report in person in Los Angeles. That’s always been the process. We buy a venue, spend a few weeks to several months getting the business running well again before moving on to the next.

Denver for a few weeks to get this place running well, then back to LA.

That was the plan.

That still is the plan.

Even as I say the words to myself, unexpected apprehension fills my stomach, and my mind tries to take me down the rabbit hole. When it comes to my romantic life, I have many rules to keep my heart safe. One of the top rules is to never pick a situationship over a well-paying job.

But is Knox a situationship, or is he something more?

I stop that train of thought in its tracks, realizing I’m not listening to Alice as she is speaking. We finish our meeting, and I shift into my task list for the rest of today. Truthfully, there isn’t much for me to do. Danica and Hendrix make an excellent management team, and my only real role now is to set them up for continued success. I review contracts multiple times, I refresh my email, I do anything I can think of to eat up the time.

I hear the other staff members begin to arrive just before five for the seven o’clock show, Knox’s voice amongst the sound.

“Hey front-man,” I say, sticking my head out from the office, “Quick check-in, please.” I keep my voice casual so no one will know this is a personal conversation.

Thankfully, everyone else goes about their business getting ready for the show. When Knox steps into the small office, I close the door behind him gently. The window means we don’t have complete privacy, but at least no one will overhear us.

“You ready for a busy week?” I ask.

They are slated to play every night this week, including my last night on site, Friday night. Friday night, the Heirs and Nightshades will be playing original music only for all the locals who have been attending multiple concerts over the last month.

“It’s going to be a good one, I think.”

He moves to give me a peck on the cheek, but I shift away before he can, taking a seat behind the desk.

Knox doesn’t seem put off by avoidance of affection. I’m happy the rest of the Nightshades know about us, but that doesn’t mean I want to rest of the staff here to know.

“Via is using all this recent publicity from these shows as a way to keep us booked and going past December,” he continues, taking the seat opposite me. “Got to love her for that. The woman never stops.”

“That’s great,” I say honestly.

“She’s a lot like you in that way,” Knox says thoughtfully. “Our followers have exploded across every platform, and our royalties are way up from streamers. More traffic to our website. And we’ve even talked about pulling together a small summer tour next year. She and Zeke are already talking logistics.”

I nod along, now a little unsure. We fall silent for a moment.

“So, Knox,” I begin, but stop what I’m about to say when his expression suddenly shifts.

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

“Why do you think something is wrong?”

“Your voice shifted into A flat.”

“Wait…what?” I ask.

He smiles lightly.

“I probably shouldn’t tell you this. I feel like I’m revealing my hand.”

“Does my voice really do that?”

My hand comes up to my throat like I can somehow control the pitch that way.