Page 51 of Hot Shot
“Did you wipe me? You never thought about me? Never wished things were different?”
“I tried not to. Every damn day. Couldn’t seem to do it most of the time.”
“Then we’re even.”
“We’ll never be even.”
“Agree to disagree.”
“I won’t let you down like I did before.”
“I think you let yourself down when you cut us out more than anyone else, Bran.”
Blake’s phone rings before I can argue. I expect her to take the call; what I don’t expect is for her to grin and put it on speaker. “Hello… Drake.”
Her drawn-out greeting has me smiling.
“Blake. I’m told you have a new client for me.”
I don’t recognize Drake’s voice but I know who he is, and his words have me glancing at Blake.
“I do. He’s right here and I have you on speaker.”
“I can’t talk to him with you listening.”
“Why not?”
“Two words. Conflict. Interest.”
“Oh, come on. I know you read through Walker’s contract in front of Oakley.”
“I did. But we didn’ttalkabout it in front of Oakley.”
“Fine. I’ll stick my fingers in my ears.”
“Very funny. Branton, I assume you can hear me.”
Their back and forth has me grinning even though they’re talking like I’m not here. “Yes.”
“Good. I’d be happy to take you on so get my number from Blake and when you’ve got a minute, give me a call. And when you do, leave her in another room.”
“Drake!”
“Listen, Watts, I want you guys to succeed as much as you do but I’m not letting you do it on the backs of my clients.”
“He’s not your client yet.”
“I believe I just said he was.”
“I don’t see a signed contract. Send it to me and I’ll pass it on to Bran. After I’ve looked at it.”
“Blake, I love you and your girls, but we’re doing this right. I don’t need another Walker and Oakley media fiasco.”
“Ah…well…”
“Shit. I don’t want to know. Whatever is going on keep it out of the spotlight until after we get Branton squared away.”
“We’re heading to my parents’ place for a few days then we’ll be going to Baton Rouge. Together.”
