Page 25 of Finding Tane
“Yeah, Ivy came out to me. We’re brainstorming names. You should join us.”
“I’d love to. You got dinner? I could pick up some tacos from that place, Garcias?”
“Perfect. See you soon.”
I drove to the motel and parked up.
Andrew was making disbelieving scoffing noises. “You’re just going to have tacos with that guy?”
“Yes, Andrew. And you should head back to L.A.” I got out and went to the taco truck, ordering up way more burritos and tacos than the three of us would need. Andrew followed me.
“Tane, I’m not just giving up on you, on this, you have a massive talent and I won’t let you just throw it all away.”
The taco truck guy gave him a disbelieving look. I shook my head and put my hand on his shoulder.
“Andrew. I’m letting you go, I’m quitting music, I’m done. There’s nothing more to it. I’ll call my lawyer first thing in the morning.”
Andrew pulled away from my hand and swore. He pulled out his phone and made some calls.
Dillon drove up in a beat up old station wagon. He grinned wide at me. “Thought you might want some help carrying everything.”
I hugged him tight, more grateful than I would have guessed to see him. To feel how sturdy he felt in my arms.
Dillon hugged me back just as hard and I thought I could feel him trembling a little.
When we finally let go he nodded at Andrew. “What’s going on?”
“I’ve told him to get lost,” I said. “I’m quitting music, for the moment anyway.”
Dillon’s eyes widened. “You are?”
“Yeah. It’s time to face facts. I’m burned out, plain and simple. I need down time.”
“Good for you.”
We both regarded Andrew, who was spitting curses into the phone, and looking more and more angry. Finally he slammed his phone into his pocket and came over, stomping his feet like a child having a tantrum.
“Your contract is iron-clad, Tane. You’re coming back with me and you’re finishing that album.”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t be stupid, you can’t force me to do anything.”
“I can and I will. I’ll do that thing, what happened to Britney? You’re obviously not stable and can’t be trusted to make yourown decisions. Get in the car. You owe me that album, I’m relying on the royalties from it.”
He went to grab my arm.
I was gaping, disbelieving what he’d said. He couldn’t mean that, it was absolutely ludicrous.
Dillon intercepted, putting himself between Andrew and me. “Back off, Hollywood.”
Andrew spat on the ground. “Who the hell do you think you are, farm boy? Tane’s a star, and I made him that way. You have no idea what you’re getting into with him. Don’t piss me off, or I’ll...”
Dillon squared up, suddenly all broad shoulders and buff chest. His voice dropped low. “Or you’ll what?”
Andrew took a step back. “Whatever. You better have a good lawyer, because I’m going to do everything I can to screw you over, Tane!”
“Just go, Andrew. You’re fired. I’m contesting the contract, and you’ll hear from my lawyer first thing in the morning.” I was heartsick and tired. This was all so over-dramatic. So deeplystupid. I wanted him gone and I never wanted to see him again.
Andrew looked Dillon over.
