Page 59 of Ambiguous
“Well, you putting off doing that album is no different than me showing up a little late to work.”
“I didn’t put it off intentionally.”
“And I wasn’t late intentionally.”
“What were you doing that made you late?” I ask, a hand on my hip.
He gives me a slick smile. “A friend had a party on one of those megayachts. I had to go.”
“And that made you late?”
“Well, I stayed up and partied pretty hard. It made it difficult to get up for their ridiculous call time. They should have been grateful I was getting them publicity. Photos from that party were all over social media.”
“I wouldn’t know,” I say. “I barely ever check it.”
“It was major,” he insists.
“I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but I’m going to say it anyway. Why don’t you go back to university? You quit to be an actor, but it doesn’t seem to be working very well.”
“Not all of us can have success fall into our laps, Julian.”
“I didn’t have—” I start, but he’s already standing.
“Look. I’m grateful for you giving me a place to crash. And for spotting me some cash. But you don’t have to rub your success in my face.”
I stare at him as he leaves.
Bloody hell.
My phone vibrates with a text from Sam.
Sam: Hi. Has your manager picked a date to go to the aquarium?
It says something that I’d rather go see my least favorite creature with a man I can’t have than figure out how to fix my brother.
Jules: We must face our fears, no?
Jules: Or rather, my fears
Sam: I’m happy to help you do that, and if you happen to get an album out of it, all the better.
Business. This is business, Jules.
Jules: Hold, please
I hastily text Loren and explain what I want done. Because they’re a miracle worker, it doesn’t take very long before they come back with a time and date that aquarium management is willing to grant us access, and I send the information to Sam.
Jules: Will that work?
Sam: Sure.
Jules: Loren will send you the details
Sam: I look forward to it.
Jules: See you soon
* * *
