Page 44 of Big Rucking Disaster

“Things can get chaotic around the band.” The woman held out her hand. “Pauletta. I’m the manager.”

“Ah, Johnnie. I’m the, uh, friend of the best man.”

If she repped the band, she knew I wasn’t referring to Ed, Axel’s best man.

“You play rugby.”

I cocked my head.

She laughed. “You think I didn’t do background checks on everyone invited?”

Of course she did.

I winced.

Again, she chuckled. “I know revenge when I see it. Clearly, uh, your ex is…”

“Yeah.”

“Well, the fury’s mostly died down. That’s good, given how long stuff like this can last.”

“I’m…what would you say, a B-list celebrity at best?”

“Rugby’s getting to be more popular. You’ve got some talented people in your front office who are doing some top-notch marketing. Personally, I’d love to see Grindstone sing an anthem you guys use for your ads.”

I blinked. “Really?”

She eyed me. “I’m planning to make some calls. I’ll admit it hadn’t occurred to me before, but after having gone down a rabbit hole investigating you, I can see the upside for both the band and your team. No idea if your people will agree.”

“I don’t have any influence over them. I wish I did…”

“That’s okay. No worries.” She appeared very unruffled.

“And you think the band would be interested?”

“If the right opportunity comes along, I’d convince them. In truth, everyone’s intrigued by Hugo’s best friend’s invite. Lots of speculation.”

“Hugo hasn’t said anything?”

“Hugo can be very tight-lipped when he wants to be. We also know when not to pry.” She gazed toward the happy couple and their entourage. “They’re protective of their own. Yardley is in the circle now that Hugo’s fully inside, if you know what I mean.”

“Are you warning me?” Part of me was amused, and part of me was damn wary. This woman looked like she could eat me for breakfast then use my bones to floss her teeth.

“Paulie?” Another attractive person with a shock of red hair approached Pauletta from behind.

My instinct was to gender them, but I tried not to. See? I could learn.

“Mickey, sweetheart.” Pauletta put her arm around the person, and they made a striking couple with the manager’s dark skin and the other person’s paler complexion. “This is Johnnie. Yardley’s…friend.”

Yeah, okay, I’d kind of walked into that one.

“Johnnie, this is my partner, Mickey.”

I extended my hand.

Mickey shook with a tight grip. They smiled. “Are you prepared for a party?”

“Uh…sure.”

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