Page 59 of Gluttony

Obviously, our interests don’t always align with the interests of the artists, but Ginny says that H2O doesn't actively try to screw its musicians and always accepts negotiations. The big sticking point is often on royalties and unions advising the artists to aim for a payment of one hundred percent of all sales.

Like I said, it’s all about negotiations and I can’t wait to see Hadley’s work.

“Look, this morning, I’m going to show you the ropes, the way the music is recorded, the whole vibe that goes with it. This afternoon, it’s a completely different scene. Everything is great until we start talking money.” I nod at Hadley’s words as I watch the perpendicular streets pass by faster than usual. “We want our artists happy, for sure, but we also need to make enough money to stay relevant.”

It makes sense, and it takes me back to so many artists who fought the big corporate machine made up of recording labels. I wonder what would have happened if they’d been signed by something like H2O? I mean, Taylor Swift is a prime example.

When we step into the studio, it feels like I’ve been transported into a time capsule. I was expecting luxury and modern amenities but what I see in front of me now is history written in different forms. By the original flooring and the apparent brick walls with at least two dozen signed portraits or legendary artists lining them, it’s like seeing the evolution of music in one three-sixty turn.

And that’s just the entrance hall.

“Bowie, this is Benny, one of our producers. He’s the boss when it comes to recording.” Hadley winks at his employee as they shake hands and talk shop.

“And I get the pay for it.” Benny shakes my hand and I don’t miss the way Hadley steps closer to me, almost claiming me as his. All that’s missing is him pissing on me to make the moment perfect.Insert sarcasm here.

“He’s the reason I can’t buy a yacht.” Hadley slaps Benny on the shoulder, both acknowledging the joke as we make our way deeper into the building.

When we reach a larger room, it’s just couches and a bar with various instruments lying around, like an impromptu jam sesh is always a possibility.

“This is where family and friends hang out. Also a sort of waiting room for the fish bowl.” Hadley nods his chin over his shoulder, and when I lean in a bit I can see the wall of windows and the microphones coming down from the ceiling while others are standing on central poles.

The rest of the morning is much the same. I don’t know what I expected from Hadley but this no nonsense professional is not it. For sure, I thought he’d try to cop a feel at least five times and it’s been an impressive number of zero. It’s like being in his element transforms him into the CEO machine that I so often see with Orion and Hayes.

I’m impressed, truly. And I won’t lie, I’m also really fucking turned on by this.

“…a few takes but we try not to make it a whole day of it. Time is money and money is time.” Focusing back on Hadley’s lessons, I nod. It all makes perfect sense.

“Okay, so…do you give some kind of priority timing to your big artists and fill in with the new ones?” My question is biased since I’m curious about Slumlordnot being able to have the studio time they need until all the others have recorded their albums.

“There’s obviously a schedule but it’s more about the artist availability than it is about ours. We’re here all the time, Benny and his staff are as good at this job as I am, so there’s always a crew member here.”

“Wait, you’re open twenty-four seven?” I’m a little shocked by this revelation. I’d expect days off or something.

“Yeah, it makes sense, you know? Musicians never have regular business hours and you can’t bully creativity so we offer twenty-four hour service.”

Shit, that’s why he’s never at the offices during the day. His world is here, in this time capsule of past and present music stars.

“Is it bad that I’m impressed?” I’m a little ashamed that I underestimated his serious side when it comes to work.

“Glad you think so little of me, Little Rabbit.” His professionalism slips when he reaches up and grabs my hair, clutching it close to the back of my neck. “But don’t worry, once we go home, I promise to make it all up to you with my cock.”

I mock almost fainting by waving my hand to my face like a fan, earning a deep chuckle from Hadley.

“Hey, boss, the band’s here.” We both look at Benny and my lust for Hadley disappears while the butterflies come right back.

“Send ‘em in, B.”

We meet in the large common room, Benny behind the bar asking us what we’d like to drink. Everyone says some kind of variant of coffee, with me asking for a cappuccino ‘cause I've become bougee like that.

“‘Sup guys, I’m Hadley Beckett, this is one of our agents, Bowie Jones.” I preen at his introduction and I swear to fuck, I love the sound of that. I really fucking do.

“Hey, man, I’m Creed West, vocals and guitar.” The goofy banana smile on Creed’s face is huge and holy fuck, the man is rock star material for fucking sure. It’s going to be easy peasy promoting this group.

“Nice to meet you.” We shake hands and I’m pretty sure Hadley’s making some kind of weird noise beside me. When I turn to look at him, his eyes are fixed on where Creed and I are joined by our palms. The whole thing took three secondsbut considering Hadley’s reaction it may as well have been three hours.

Creed, of course, is completely oblivious to this because he’s got stars in his eyes and hope in his heart.

“This here is Lennox, he’s drums. Over there is Gunner, lead guitar, and this is our youngest member and my little brother, Eddy.” We all shake hands and sit down as Benny brings us our drinks.

---