Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58051 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58051 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
The problem was it felt real, but I knew that wasn’t a feeling I could trust, not with him.
Chapter 24
Derek
“I call dibs on that last biscuit!” Everest called out just as I dug my fingers into the buttery disc of dough. “Hey!”
“Sorry kid, you snooze you lose.” I smiled and broke it in half. “If you don’t mind sharing, I’m willing.” I held the smile in place for as long as I could while he debated whether or not to take it. “Take it,” I told him and set it on the edge of his plate.
“Thanks,” he muttered and shoved the biscuit in his mouth with a smile.
I smiled again, something I did often when I was at York Farm with Everest and Bella. We prepared dinner together like a real family. I peeled and chopped potatoes while Everest whipped up some strange concoction of a barbecue sauce while Bella manned the grill. This was all starting to fall into place.
“No problem.”
“Now that the studio is done, what do you plan to do with it?” Bella smiled, but there was tension around her eyes and mouth.
“Hopefully find an artist or two willing to let me produce a song for them, maybe an entire album.” The truth was, even though my name wasn’t quite as trash as it was last month, no one wanted to be seen with me. “It’s just a matter of time.”
“Surely it can’t be that difficult. You’ve produced songs before, right?”
“Well yeah, but being seen with me isn’t exactly good for business right now.”
“Because you made a few stupid remarks on accident?” She was outraged on my behalf, and it was adorable. “Seems fickle as hell to me.”
“It is,” I agreed. “But it is also the career I chose.”
“Well you do get to make a buttload of money,” Everest added around a mouthful of mashed potatoes.
“That’s just to make sure I shut up and do what I’m told.” I grinned and bit into a piece of chicken.
“Which you didn’t do,” Bella reminded me with a playful smile.
“I gotta be a bad boy once in a while. It’s good for business.” I winked and she blushed, and dammit, I wished we were alone so I could see if that blush stained her whole body.
“Bad boy,” Everest rolled his eyes. “You’re like fifty, right?”
I clutched my chest. “Not even close youngster, so bite your tongue.”
Everest grinned and rolled his eyes before he turned his attention back to the food in front of him, making it disappear like a magician.
“Hey kid, you all right?” Everest nodded just as my phone rang with Brody’s ringtone. “Yeah, this is Derek.”
“Derek, it’s Brody and I’m calling with good news.”
“Good news is my favorite kind of news,” I shot back.
“Vicki Jessop wants you to produce a few tracks for her upcoming album.”
My shoulders, hell my whole body sank in relief. “That is great news Brody. When does she want to get started?”
“Whoa boy, keep your hands and your dick to yourself. You’re spoken for, remember?”
“Oh I remember,” I told him and flashed a flirty smile at Bella. “And we’re in the middle of dinner, so I have to go. Thanks for letting me know.” I ended the call and shared the news with Bella and Everest.
“Vicki Jessop? She’s hot!” Everest’s smile was so big I couldn’t see his eyes.
“She’s really famous isn’t she? Like you?” I nodded and Bella smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “That’s incredible Derek. Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” Praise from people who wouldn’t benefit from it felt almost as good as it did when it came from fans. “It means a lot.”
Everest pushed away from the table and his gaze bounced between me and Bella. “I’m going to the movies and then out for pizza with Keri and the twins. That’s still all right isn’t it?”
“Yeah,” she sighed. “Have fun, Ev.” She kissed his cheek and ruffled his hair, worry swam in her eyes, but she made sure to hide it from him.
“He’s fine,” I assured her. “I think the danger has passed.”
She nodded, but the sadness wouldn’t leave her eyes. “I know, but it’s still difficult. Anyway,” she shook off the gloominess and smiled at me. “This is exciting. You’re going to add producer to your list of accomplishments.”
I nodded. “Now I just have to produce some hits so the money won’t dry up,” I joked.
“Are you tired of performing, is that why you want to produce?”
“No, but I love producing. I enjoy the process of taking the raw material and turning it into something great. It’s just another passion.”
“Good for you,” she said and stood to stretch her muscles with a groan. “I guess this scheme of your agent’s worked.” She grabbed her empty plate and then Everest’s and quickly turned towards the sink.
“Bella I want you to consider going on a date with me. A real date, not one for the cameras. I mean there will likely be cameras, because I can’t change who I am, but this date will be just for us. What do you say?”