Page 35 of Accidental Fire
“Yeah. We’re not traveling back to LA tonight. We talked him into letting us record the shows we do on the road and using the best version of each song from those performances to create the album. Nobody does a live album for their debut release, so we’d be breaking new ground. Isn’t that cool?”
River pushed into my arms, so I hugged him. His excitement over the idea was contagious. Everyone jumped in on the hug, and I could tell they were genuinely happy about the change of plans. Nobody was happier for them than me.
After a minute, we broke apart. “So, how’s that gonna work? I can’t park my truck at that church for—” My phone rang before I could finish my sentence, and when I checked it, I saw Nate’s name.
“Excuse me, guys. I need to take this.” I stepped away and walked toward the front of The Van Buren.
“Thanks for calling me back,” I answered.
Nate chuckled. “You called me uncle. Of course I’d call you back. I just got off the phone with River. Kensington’s a fucking idiot. I’m going to fire him asmytour manager because he’s not acting in the label’s best interests. I thought it might go that way, but it seemed convenient for him to handle all the tour arrangements when he pitched the idea since he’d be on the tour anyway, but clearly, he’s not doing that part of his job. Anyway, River figured out a great idea that will probably save me some money, even after I pay hotel expenses for them to stay on the road.”
Nate went on to explain River’s idea of the live album and how to record it, and I didn’t think I’d heard Nate so excited about anything. I, likewise, was ecstatic because I got to spend more time with River.
“So, uh, I’m going to send a tour manager to you. Her name is Olive Chevalier, and she works for the label. I hired Kensington in that capacity because he said it would save us time and money, but if he’s committing the kids to additional shows without my knowledge, or if the extra shows become detrimental to the boys’ well-being, I can’t have that. Olive can fire him as the tour manager tomorrow when she takes his place. I trust you can deal with him if he sticks around because he’s the band’s manager.”
“You’ll pay my bail if he pisses me off?”
Nate laughed. “You got it, and I’ll be there in person to get you out of the slammer. I’ll give Olive your contact info so she can call you when she gets to town tomorrow afternoon. Watch out for Kensington. I’ve heard rumblings around the industry that he might be having money issues because he puts a lot of it up his nose, and desperate men do desperate things.”
I wasn’t surprised. “Noted. I’ll do my best.”
I hung up and turned to see River nearby, as if he’d followed me. “Come on,” I said, motioning him toward me.
He quickly hurried toward me, so I rushed his way too. “What’s wrong? I was coming back.” I stopped and caught him when he flung himself at me.
“Marsh said you’re fired. Is that true?” His beautiful blue eyes were watery, and when he blinked, fat tears slid down his pink cheeks.
I had no idea what came over me. I leaned forward and caught a drop with my lips, tasting the saltiness on my tongue. “No. I’m not fired at all. I’ll tell you a secret that’s just between us until tomorrow.”
He nodded, the tears continuing to fall.
“Nate Ashby is my uncle. He asked me to take this job because he cares about you guys and believes you can make him a lot of money in the future, but only if you’re not exhausted and burnt out. I’m here to see that doesn’t happen, and to be sure nobody takes advantage of you guys.”
“Does Mr. Ashby think we can’t take care of ourselves?” He tried to pull away, but I held him tighter.
I lifted my right hand and placed it on his cheek, hoping to reassure him. “Not at all. He’s worried about the other folks in the business who have fucked over many young bands in the past. He doesn’t want some deviant jackass to get hooks in you. Kensington is new to the music business, and he’s trying to play with the big boys, but he’s over his head. I won’t let anyone hurt you or any of the other guys.”
I didn’t tell him that as much as I liked the other members of the band, the feelings I had for him were beyond my ability to describe. He was my priority.
One thing Kensington did that was good for the band was get them into a decent hotel. They were staying at the Hyatt Place Phoenix, about a quarter of a mile from The Van Buren. Instead of sleeping in my truck, I decided to stay in the hotel where I could keep a better eye on things with Kensington.
I walked to the hotel after I moved the truck to the loading dock of an office building down the street at Vic’s insistence. The bus and the Tahoe were able to park in the garage at the Hyatt, which was very secure.
The walk also helped me calm down after the earlier events. I needed some time and space away from Kensington before I throttled the bastard.
The guys were already in the lobby when I arrived with my duffel bag, so I went over to the check-in desk. “I’d like a room, please.” I retrieved my wallet and handed the young woman my credit card.
“How many nights?”
An arm wrapped around my waist, and when I turned, River stood next to me with a smile. “He already has a room. Thank you. What time does the bar and restaurant close?”
“It’s closed already, but…” She went on to give us the hours of operation for the bar, the restaurant, the pool bar, the pool, and room service. It wasn’t a bad place at all, and sharing with River sure as hell didn’t hurt my feelings.
Hardy, Arlo, JD, and Goldie walked over. “They said we can reserve the conference room if we want to work, but I’d rather write at The Van Buren if Vic will let us. Goldie and I had someideas for a song we’d like your opinion on,” Arlo said, staring at River.
I stuck my head between them. “Why don’t you use the bus for that stuff so you won’t be disturbed or heard. I’m not saying anyone would steal your ideas, but it’s a hotel. Who knows who’s staying here? We can get food delivered if you want something you can’t get from the restaurant, and I’ll make a liquor run for you. For anything else, you’re on your own, and don’t get your asses arrested.”
They laughed with me, and Hardy said, “Don’t worry. I got hookups everywhere.”
