Page 86 of Luci’s Lullaby

“Hello, Alden. How have you been?” Sam takes my hand, placing hers over it. I hate when she holds it too long.

“Good, getting there.”

She steps to the side. “Please, let’s have a seat.”

“Thank you.” Walker smashes his mouth together. He does not approve of Sam either.

“Samantha Moxy.” She shakes Walker’s hand. “Please, call me Sam.”

Walker’s unimpressed. “Walker Pennington of Pennington and Pennington. My wife couldn’t be here today so I’m filling in.”

“All the good ones are taken.” She cuts her eyes to me. “Except for one.”

I rub my chin. “No time for that right now.”

“We can work on that.” She simpers. “Let’s get down to business.”

“You called us here.” Walker shifts in his seat.

Sam looks to him and back. “Yes, well I understand there are no time frames on things like these, but we would like to get you working again.”

“I agree, but I’m not sure when that’ll be. Luci is still having a few issues I feel I need to be present for.”

Sam scoots onto her desk and crosses her legs. “Let’s look at this from a business perspective, shall we.”

“Alright.” I side-eye Walker as he cracks his knuckles.

Sam tilts her head, ready to sell. “You want a recording contract, and I’m here to make sure you get it. If you’re not on the prowl, you’ll not find it. You have to want this, Alden, and I was under the presumption you did.”

“I did—do want it, but my priorities have changed.”

Her face contorts. “If I’m being honest, and let’s be real—it’s what you’re paying me for—it doesn’t feel like you do.”

“If I’m being honest, there’s nothing contractual that he isn’t doing. He has a right to a bereavement period.” Walker readies for a fight.

Sam inclines her head toward me. “Without a doubt, but with all the great foundation you’ve laid, do you want to take a chance? If it had been me, I would’ve publicized the fact you lost your brother and are attempting to raise his child.”

“I am raising her.” I sit ramrod straight. “Their death will not be used as a stunt; do you understand me?”

She uncrosses her legs and shifts her body. “I think I’ve been fair and given you time to take care of the things needed, but I want you back on the stage.”

“Let me be clear—you’re his management, not his life.” Walker’s jaw ticks.

Sam holds her hand out in front of her. “But I hold that here.”

Walker leans forward, and I tap his hand. “You manage my engagements and work toward getting me a recording contract; you do not dictate what’s more important between my work and life.”

“Alden, dear,” she purrs. “I only want what’s best for you. Dropping so many dates and not giving anyone an idea of what’s going on is ruining all that you’ve built.”

“I know,” I bite back what I want to say. “I’ll see what I can arrange and let you know by the end of the week.”

She leans forward, laying her hand over mine. “That’s all anyone can ask of you.”

“Strange, that isn’t the feeling I get.” Walker steeples his fingers.

Sam reaches over touching his knee, to which Walker cocks his brow before moving his knee. “Never the feeling I wanted to give.”

I shoot straight up out of the chair. “Good talk, I’ll be in touch.”