Page 54 of One More Bad Boy

“All work and no play make Amina a dull boy.”

She wouldn't think it was all work if I told her I'd slept with Bach. I couldn't tell her. She’d been adamant in breaking me from my bad habits. If it hadn't been for her I would never have had the courage to break up with Murdoch. I would still be dating that douche bag, dealing with his obvious cheating, defending him, and probably worse.

Korine's respect meant a lot to me. I hated lying—even if it was by omission—but it was the best decision. “I'll be dull if it means I get to make this career work. I'm going to talk to Violet about recording my first album as soon as I can.”

“Why not ask her right now?”

I chewed my lip. “She's busy. Everyone is busy. It's why I had to go buy this new phone, people can'tbabysitme anymore.”

“Wait, they flew you out there, but they're too busy for you? That's fucked.”

I thought about Sherman and what he had said about how I wasn't a priority. That I was just the bait to get bigger better artists to sign with Bach's label. I shook off the bad vibes as quickly as I could. “The second I know more, I'll tell you.” I paused for a second. “It's a good to talk to you again, Korine.”

“Same. It was a strange not being able to reach out to you. I actually had to talk to Nana.”

Both of us laughed; I glanced down at my phone as it suddenly vibrated. A message? “I've got to go. I think Ms. VP is texting me.”

“Speak of the devil. Love you, babe.”

“Love you, too.” I hung up and then scrolled to read the messages that had come in. I was right, they were from Violet.

Where are you?

I texted her the address.

Perfect. Let's get lunch.

She sent me the location of a place and told me to be there in ten minutes. She was always so strict on her timelines. I was determined to get through to her about what I wanted. If meeting Sherman had done anything for me, it was that it instilled a desire to make my needs known. I wasn't going to be pushed aside. I wasn't going to be ignored while other musicians were brought on.

I'd come out here to make my dream happen.

I wasn't going to lose sight of that.

****

Violet waved at meas I entered the blue brick restaurant. She was sitting at a tiny table in the far corner, like she wanted privacy. It was extreme to me because the place was entirely empty.

“Hey there,” she said with a smile. “I've only got 30 minutes, and I've already ordered my lunch. Go pick something quick so we can chat.”

I looked over at the chalkboard menu with uncertainty. “What exactly is an açaí bowl?”

“Probably the most LA thing there is. It's this exotic frozen fruit, then you add toppings. I’m super obsessed with them.”

“So... ice cream for lunch?”

“Healthier than that, but yeah.” She motioned like she was shooing me away. “Just order something before mine arrives.”

I wanted to point out thatshewas the one who’d decided to order before I got here. Instead I buttoned up my comments, hurrying to the counter. There was a young man waiting for me expectantly. His hair swept down to his shoulders, some of it knotted on top in a man-bun. “How can I help you?” he asked.

Reading the menu a few times, I shrugged awkwardly. “I've never had one of these, can you just pick something tasty?”

He winked and pointed to a row of wooden bowls. “Pick a size, I'll take care of the rest.”

When he rang me up, I winced at the price. I was grateful all over again for the credit card Bach gave me; I’d never ordered twelve-dollar ice cream before. Taking the little number sign, I went back and sat across from Violet.

“What did you get?” she asked.

“I have no idea.”

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