Phoenix Rising Issue #3 - S. R. Watson Page 0,40
“That’s why you have her there with you. You’re keeping her close until you find out what you need to know.”
“Yeah,” I admit.
“Why in the hell didn’t you tell me? We work better together, brother. Secrets have caused enough issues.”
“I wanted you to be the objective one on this and not see things through a jaded lens. You were so pissed with me when you originally found out I was bringing her on the tour, but I couldn’t tell you why. I needed you back in New York searching for the unknown and look … you found the connection.”
“I was pissed because you were letting the woman who put all this shit into motion back in your life. I thought your need for submission was outweighing your common sense. I just decided not to push because things between us were already hanging on by a thread.”
The guys begin to trickle in, so I know I need to take this call somewhere else.
“You slept on the sofa last night?” Asher asks. It’s the first time he’s had more than two words to say to me since our fight.
“Yeah,” I confirm. I’m already folding up my blankets.
“Trouble in paradise already?”
“Nah. I couldn’t sleep, so I came out here so my tossing and turning didn’t wake Melissa.”
It’s the same lie I’ll feed her too when she asks where I went. The truth is, lying in bed with her after the fantastic fuck I had with Harlow in the same bed was adding to the guilt. Not for her, but the reminder of the shit I was bringing the woman who continues to wreak havoc on my mind.
“Ah, I see.” He nods and then heads straight to the Keurig. “Want a cup?”
He points at the coffee, and I admit I’m shocked. I wasn’t really ready for a cup of coffee, but if this is his idea of an olive branch, then I’ll take it.
“Yes. Thank you,” I say. “I’m going to take this call outside. It’s Sevyn,” I say, holding up the phone. “Sorry about that,” I offer when I finally get far enough from the house.
“You and Asher finally made up?”
“Actually, that’s the first time he’s even tried to have a conversation since our fight.”
“Yeah. Probably because he thinks you’re moving on from his sister and no longer the enemy.” He chuckles. “I overheard him say you slept on the sofa last night. Please tell me you’re not getting some sideline action in the interim of things.”
“Hell, no. I don’t need things to get any messier than they already are. When the time comes, I need a clean fucking break—not muddied waters.”
“How do you think she fits into this? Do you think she’s spying on us for Trevor?”
I tell him about how I found out Trevor was her father. The missed call she got from him during our meetup, and her mysterious trip to New York under false pretenses shortly after.
“I don’t doubt it. We just need to find out why and what he hopes to uncover. More scandal to push for a hostile takeover?”
“What does she think she’s there for?”
“For a chance to repair the shitstorm she created. She wants to rekindle things. It’s laughable that she thinks she could ever be trusted. Some stuff you just can’t ever come back from.”
“Well, I’ll keep digging with Pete. I’ll be there in time for your concert this weekend, and hopefully, I’ll have more news for you by then.”
“That would be great. I’m ready for that chick to get gone.”
I don’t bring up the strain that having her here is causing with Harlow, and he doesn’t ask. I need to be as objective as I’m wanting him to be if this is going to work.
“Later, brother.”
I end the call and head back into the house.
“Just in time. Here is your coffee—black.”
“Thanks, man.” I take the mug from him.
“Were you guys talking about the whole twin scandal thing?”
“Yeah.”
“Speaking of, Desiree called while you were outside on the phone. The Round Table wants to air your side of the story. An exclusive. She’ll be here in a couple of hours to ride with you to Houston. The interview is this afternoon.”
“What the hell? Why so short of notice?”
“She said they had some sort of cancellation and were willing to fit you in. Desiree got the call this morning.”
“I don’t like it. I can’t give them exclusive shit we’re still investigating. I need to call and give my father and brother a heads-up.”
Then I get an idea.