Page 34 of Legendary Rock Star
I punched in the digits but didn’t dare hit save. That was on her. I gave it back and she asked, “You still work with Mark?”
The only adult in the world who had taken me seriously as a boy and helped me fix my financial future. I nodded and said, “He’s still my agent.”
My mother raised her plucked brows and shook her head. “Beware of that one with your daughter.”
They blamed Mark? Not me, or my aunt and uncle?
Maggie’s mom asked in a shaky voice, “Why?”
My mother dabbed her eyes as if she were crying when she said, “He’s the reason we lost our son.”
“No.” They would not ruin my chance to impress Maggie’s parents, or upset them because she was about to sign with Mark too. I took a deep breath and said, “Mark taught me to save my money and ensure I always had something put aside just in case. He goes out of his way for his clients.”
“Like helping a boy divorce his parents,” my father said.
They pushed too far. I squeezed Maggie’s hand. She hadn’t said much this whole time.
I said calmly, “When I was a kid, he taught me drugs and alcohol aren’t the answer. And when I needed help after I went down that path, Mark straightened me out. And my aunt and uncle—your brother—showed me how normal people live. Mark wasn’t why I left you. You were.”
Maggie met her parents’ gaze and said, “Mark and I will have a meeting soon.”
Effie asked, “Is he why you’re now on the radio?”
Without being paid. That was on me, too. My heart beat faster. I grabbed my phone to check for any update from Mark, but nothing was there. I said, “Maggie can meet with him when she’s free.”
Her father pressed his lips together and said, “It seems to me that you and your agent already took advantage of my daughter.”
“I’ll straighten this out on my own.” Maggie said.
Darla said, “I hope your daughter listens to your warnings.”
“Our son secured his money. That was smart,” Brett added.
My stomach was on rocks. Had my father understood after all?
Darla mumbled something I couldn’t make out.
Maggie glared at her parents, still holding her silverware. “I’m here because I’m starting my life over. If I make mistakes, they are mine. But I’m here to win the show.”
She was clear.
Good.
This time my mother Darla’s words were clearer when she said, “That’s Mark for you. Offering an amazing career while ripping your family apart.”
“Maggie and I are on a show that awards a recording contract, Mom.” I turned toward her and spoke like I was the parent here, “Don’t scare the Carrigans. Maggie is smart and their family supports each other.”
“As long as they respect my boundaries,” Maggie added quickly.
The host walked over to the table and said, “Everything is perfect for the show. We need you two to wrap it up and head back to the studio now.”
We put our napkins down. Today had enough fireworks, and I’m sure they had enough of my grunting through dinner to last a lifetime.
Maggie bounced as she said goodbye to her parents, though I heard her say, “Trust in me. I’m here to win.”
I shook their hands one more time and said, “Nice to meet you, Paul and Effie.”
“You too,” they said quickly. And they hugged their daughter. “And we’ll always worry about you.”
