Page 12 of Fun and Games
"Yeah, why?" I replied. "What were you expecting?"
His expression turned rueful, almost resigned.
"I thought maybe you'd whip your head around to gape at me, to try and see if you recognize me from somewhere. To ask if I was a famous rock star or something."
"That never even crossed my mind," I said.
"I don't look like the rock star type to you?" he asked.
"You don't seem like the kind of guy to wear leather pants and eyeliner, no."
"Should I be insulted?" His lips twitched upward.
"Not at all," I said. "Everyone's got a type; that's just not mine. I prefer a more classic but simple look, like a Henley and dark denim."
From the side-eye Mason gave me, it hadn't escaped his notice that I'd described exactly what he was wearing. He didn't comment on it.
"So how long have you been at your company?" he asked.
"Only a little while," I said.
"Did you do anything interesting before that?"
"Nothing as interesting as working with artists in the music industry," I deflected, not wanting to get into the whole job-hopping thing. "Is it as crazy as everyone says, all sex, drugs, and rock and roll?"
"Depends on the artist," he said. "Some are really dedicated and focused on the music. Others are in it for the fame, and partying, and women. And there are others who are a bit of both. Work hard, play hard."
"What were you?"
"Mostly the last one," he said.
"Did you trash hotel rooms and have crazy parties?"
"Probably more of that than we should have," he admitted. "But I was always the one trying to rein in the crazy."
"Do you know any really famous people or was it mostly indie artists?" I asked. Before he could comment, I hurried to continue. "I'm not going to bug you to meet them or anything. I just think it's kind of neat."
"I've got connections," he said. "You ever heard of Cherry Lips or Darkest Days?"
"Who hasn't?" I laughed, then my eyes went wide. "You know them?"
"We're acquainted," he said.
"Wow. You must have been a big shot to rub shoulders with them. Is the lead singer of Cherry Lips as bad-ass as she looks in music videos?"
"She's certainly got a reputation as a bad-ass, I'll say that."
Mason gave me a small smile, but I could tell he was uncomfortable with the subject, so I pivoted.
"Did you get to tour with bands and visit lots of cool places?" I asked.
His eyes lit up. "I did. Visiting all those different cities was my favorite part of the job. The touring life isn't for everyone, but I really enjoyed it. We never got to stay in one place too long, but I always managed to find a few hours to get out and explore."
"I love traveling," I said. "I'd love to hear all your stories."
I realized that statement was an opening. Would he suggest we meet up again?
Instead of taking advantage of that opening, Mason went quiet. The silence stretched out. I snuck a glance at him to find he was looking at me.
