head. We try to keep our feet on the ground. Here. This is the real bones of the job. Making the music.”
Making the music. Perhaps. But all that attention? Damn.
Ross glanced up, tapping out a new rift, and practicing hard. Rob was gone, having a break or getting a sandwich. He didn’t expect anything personal toward him from the family.
But there was a new figure in the control room. Squinting, as the person stood far in the back, Ross finished the next song and set his sticks down. Then he rose and walked out of the soundproof room, going around the alcove and stopping dead.
Nick Lassiter stood there. Ross never met the man, but recognized him from the pictures he saw in Jody’s apartment.
They eyed each other suspiciously.
Why? Why were they eyeing each other up? Ross wondered. But the man didn’t look too pleased to see him.
Finally, Ross shrugged, choosing to play dumb. “Rob’s in the main house.”
“I know.”
“Right. What do you want?”
“Do you know who I am?’
Ross lifted his face and met the hard look from Nick. The man was tall with graying, curly hair, ice blue eyes and dark-rimmed glasses. Dressed in a sharp suit, he looked like someone in control of any situation where power and money were concerned. Something that Ross never was. Crossing his arms over his chest, Ross nodded. “Sure, I do. You’re Nick Lassiter.” Then he shook his head. “The father of my friend, JayJay.”
Nick’s eyes squinted at him warily. Ross surprised him with his answer. “JayJay?”
Ross turned and walked to the refrigerator to grab a cold soda. Popping the cap, he nodded, and said, “Yeah. We game together all the time. Is that what this is about? You don’t like the late nights? I told JayJay he should tell you but he said he was an adult now…”
Nick’s look was apoplectic. “That’s you?”
“That’s me.”
They were in a long staring contest. “And Jody?”
“You can’t expect me to answer that.”
“A fucking drummer?” he muttered.
Ross wasn’t sure what to say. His phone vibrated. Glancing down, he saw the message was from Jody. Speaking of, he clicked on it.
Is my father with you? My Aunt Rebecca just texted me that he’s there.
Yes.
Do not respond to him. I mean it. I plan to kill him.
He’s curious about you and me and he said something about a fucking drummer.
She didn’t answer and a moment later, Nick flinched but didn’t move. No doubt, his phone was vibrating from his daughter’s message. Unable to resist, Ross said, “You’d better answer her. She’s furious.”
Nick stared at him, then lifted his phone. Next, there was furious typing. Ross was surprised she didn’t call him but he assumed Nick would ignore it. Moments later, a woman entered the room, having rushed in.
Nick lifted his head and rolled his eyes. “For God’s sake, Rebecca, did you call Jody?”
“Yes. You stupid idiot. Of course, I did. I know what you’re about to do. But she isn’t Joelle, this isn’t Rob, and it also isn’t twenty-six years ago.”
“I know that.”
“Then what are you doing? This? They are none of your business.”
Nick sighed. Ross stared and the woman whipped around. She had a bright smile. “My name is Rebecca Williams and I am Rob’s wife, Nick’s sister, and Jody’s aunt. I’m sorry for my brother’s poor behavior. Sometimes he forgets he’s not allowed to do shit like this.”
“Hi.” Ross had no idea what else to say.
Rebecca whipped back around. “You did the same thing when I started dating Rob. You’ve got to stop it now. We aren’t your chattel. Jody can make her own decisions about her relationships by herself. She will consult you or her mother if she has any doubts or questions. Now go. Leave. I mean it, Nick.”
He shrugged and grumbled, “I wasn’t doing anything. I just wanted to meet him.”
“She doesn’t want you to yet. So stop intruding on her privacy and space.”
He nodded. “Okay. I will. You guys are making way too much of this. I had some business with Rob. I came in and Ross was here alone. Jesus, I didn’t stalk him or intend to do him any harm.” The menacing look towards Ross showed that he really did want to.
“Well, you looked like it,” Rebecca muttered. “Rob is in the house, come on. You too, Ross.”
Startled when the small woman ordered him to come with her, Ross scowled. What did he do? Nick also seemed to shrink in height. She turned around. “Got a problem?”
“No,” Nick answered in a