Played (Elite PR) (17 page)

Chapter Twenty-Four

“M
el,” Aaron called out. “It’s time to get moving.”

“Hold your horses, I’m coming,” she called back. As if she’d she didn’t plan this event down to the second. She was heading out first and then had a car ready to pick up Aaron and the band shortly after. He was nervous, and she was happy about that. A little adrenaline always did the body good. As for her? She was ready and steady. Especially once she learned Miranda was called away for other business. She’d be so much better without the Ice Queen monitoring her every move.

Tonight, for once, Mel wasn’t wearing a lick of color. She wanted to blend into the background ensuring everything was perfect. Her charcoal-colored dress was understated; her hair pulled back; her makeup light with the exception of smoky eyes. She looked like her boss might at an event.

“Wow,” Graham said in his voice when she walked into the room, and a lump the size of Texas lodged in her throat.

The past few days with Aaron and Graham had been the most fun she’d had…ever. Growing up with girls, she didn’t get a chance to see the way brothers interacted with one another. The bravado, their lazy style, the way they could insult each other one minute and be laughing their asses off the next. She found them fascinating.

Aaron cleared his own throat. “Yeah, wow,” he said, his eyes raking over her body. It made her shiver. “You look finer than frog hair.”

“Be still my heart.” She laughed. “Stop with your sweet talk.”

“Just calling ‘em like I see ‘em.”

He pulled her in for a long, consuming kiss that made her vision blur and the apex of her thighs ache. Damn him. Graham made himself scarce.

“You go out there tonight and kill it,” she said. “You deserve this moment so much.”

“So do you, Mel.” He stroked her arms. “You’ve worked so hard and I could’ve never done this without you.”

“Save your compliments, because it’s not over yet.”

P
ray was perfect. Dim light. Candles flickering on the tables. The Man in Black playing his subdued tracks in the background—a little homage to Aaron’s idol. At the head of the room—the altar—a stage was set up for the band: a drum set, an upright base, mic stands, stools. It was a sparse set for Aaron’s minimalist sound.

Mel had seen to every last detail. Energy hummed under her skin, and it wasn’t just because it was
him
. Sure, that was part of it. But this launch, for this artist? She would’ve done anything to ensure it was a success.

She ran into Rita on her way to check-in with the caterers. She’d never met her in person, but her research told her exactly who she needed to look for.

“Rita.” She held out a hand. “So nice to meet you in person. I’m Melody Sharp.”

“Ah yes,” she said. “You should know, the red wine is terrible. Really subpar.”

“Strange,” she said, nodding to the caterers to start circulating the hors d’oeuvres. “I had Miranda’s personal friend, who happens to be a sommelier, approve the list. I’ll be sure to tell her what you said.”

“Don’t bother,” Rita brushed her off, looking for someone, anyone, in the room to save her.

“We’re here to support Aaron, not critique wine, right?” Mel didn’t wait for an answer.

People were beginning to filter in now. Middle-aged men in hats and boots, younger ones covered in facial hair and ink, ladies in simple dresses and slacks. It was a modest crowd, but there was a crackle in the air. There always was with so many creative people in one space.

“What do you need, babe?” Genn came up behind her and wrapped an arm around Mel’s shoulder.

Mel beamed when she turned around to see Genn and Tiffany in their best-dressed glory. Genn opted for casual elegance in her black wrap dress and boots, and Tiffany was a little more young and funky with her leather pants. The best part? They came bearing good news.

Things were on track with June Skye, and Aaron Major was trending on social media.

“I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I think we’re good,” Mel said. “So you two just go and have a great time and an extra dozen drinks for me. Oh, wait, not that many. I have a surprise for both of you later, and you’ll want to remember it.”

Mel hugged them and went to the front podium where two enormous bodyguards had been posted, and looked over the guest list one more time. It was impressive. Then again, she’d sent Aaron’s single along with the invite. Who could
not
show after they heard that brilliance? All invites were personally delivered to anyone who was anyone in the music industry, not to mention the underground scene, which could spread the word faster than any radio station. They hit every avenue of outreach, because Aaron’s music was ageless, timeless. He was the real deal.

She counted thirty members of the media on the list, dozens of producers and songwriters, a handful of major recording artists and tons of up-and-comers. And one name in particular that jumped from the page.

Aaron would be thrilled with the last part of her plan: the surprise guest. Until he knew the real reason why she was coming. But it was necessary. He needed some June Skye magic to reinstate his Country Card. No matter how much it pained her to throw him into the arms of another woman—even if it was just for show.

She’d contemplated telling him about the “guest” sooner, and she’d even hemmed and hawed over revealing the motivation behind her presence, but what if she didn’t show? That scandal in Nashville had been a hard blow to Aaron, and if some of the greats of country music—his old peers—started turning their backs on him, she didn’t think it would help his confidence.

She continued going through her last minute checklist. She’d been on the phone and working the crowd, so by the time she checked the clock, they were only minutes away from Aaron’s appearance. The room was close to capacity when Miranda arrived.

Mel beelined to the Ice Queen. So much for her being unavailable this evening. Come to think of it, she should’ve known that Miranda never would’ve missed this event. Not for the publicity it garnered for Elite, and not for the chance to land more clients.

“So, how do you think I did?” she whispered to her boss as she shuttled her around the VIPs, making introductions to the few people Miranda didn’t know.

“We’ll see, Melody,” she said. “We’ll see.”

Not the ringing endorsement she was hoping for. So on that cautious note, Mel squared her shoulders and decided, come hell or high water, she’d make this night a success.

Miranda mingled and Mel snuck off to the dressing room. Aaron and the guys had to be here by now. The car she ordered should’ve deposited them at the back entrance fifteen minutes ago.

Without wasting another second, she went to check on her man of the hour—correction,
the
man of the hour.
The
man.

The space behind the former pulpit had been converted into a dressing room. Aaron had enough jokes about that to fill a book.

When she walked in, the sight made her heart dance in her chest.

You’d think she’d be immune to the man by now. She’d seen him naked for the love of Pete. Didn’t matter. She’d thought Teddy was something back in the day, but he had nothing on the cowboy. Her stomach turned at the mention of her ex, who she’d been thinking more and more about since his email.

She shook away the unpleasant thought and drank in the sight in front of her, starting at the bottom and working her way up. Black boots that were more biker than cowboy—he made that decision on his own, and she liked that. She liked it very much. Dark jeans that covered what she knew were insanely muscular legs. Legs that could hold them both up…if the opportunity presented itself. Her eyes continued their perusal, and she noticed that he was warming up to the idea of more flash in the pan—yep, that denim was decidedly more snug than anything else in his closet and it held him perfectly. She expelled a long breath and shuddered.

“Are you quite finished?” he said, with a rasp to his tone that she didn’t recognize.

“No,” she whined. “I only reached your waist. Nice belt by the way.”

“Thanks,” he said, the smile back in his voice.

“Now I have to go back and start from the beginning,” she quipped.

“Come here.” He reached for as she quickly surveyed the rest of him. Gray V-neck T-shirt that had the perfect amount of give. A cool silver pendant on a leather rope, which filled in the space in the V and made Mel growl. She wanted a better look at that golden skin.

The guys dispersed and settled into the adjoining room, giving them space. She said hello and even acknowledged Jayden with an appreciative nod, before she caught Aaron coming in for a kiss.

“How’s it looking out there?” he asked before finding her lips. She gave her mouth to him, but he didn’t consume it like he usually did. His kisses were soft and searching. He was looking for comfort, not heat, so that was what she gave him as she entwined her hands with his.

“It’s perfect out there, darlin’,” she told him. “The only thing missing is you. More importantly, how are you feeling?”

“Okay, I think.”

“Well, in case you didn’t realize it when I assaulted you with my eyes, you look like a fucking country god, so no worries there. And your voice completely wrecks me.”

He frowned.

“Seriously, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I am.” He took a seat in one of the overstuffed chairs and Mel sat on the arm. She needed to be close. “This just brings back a lot of memories.”

“That’s okay,” she assured him, messing with his hair. Lord, she loved his hair. “This is a full-circle moment. You weren’t ready before, did it for the wrong reasons, but you’ve grown and you have even more to say now with your music. They’re going to love you.”

“I don’t care about their love,” he said. “Yes, I appreciate anyone who cares about my music or wants to hear me sing, but I don’t need that adoration like I did before. My circle is a small one and I only need love from a very few.”

He stroked her cheek, and no matter how she tried to stop it, hope leaked in that maybe they could have more together. Maybe she could join that tiny circle.

“All right, boys,” Rita came barreling in. Oh, she was exhausting. “It’s time to get his show on the road.”

“It’s okay, Rita,” Aaron said. “I think Mel’s got this.”

“No,” Mel said. “She right. It’s time.”

O
nce the women left, it was just the guys again. They had so many people coming in and out of the dressing room the entire time, that they really hadn’t had much time to themselves. And he and Jayden had been trying to stay out of each other’s way.

It had been the same way at the rehearsals. Plus, because of his stupid rules at the onset of his comeback, Aaron hadn’t wanted to connect with the band. Maybe because he was afraid of how much he missed it, playing and collaborating with other people. It was a vulnerable thing to depend on someone else, to get up on stage and trust that the person next to you had your back. And what if they didn’t?

But those were really his issues stemming from old wounds, and he was realizing that the band wasn’t always the problem…then or now.

He was.

And maybe it was time to put all that shit behind him and trust someone for a change. The five of them talked through the set, tuning the instruments and marking some pieces of the show, and hell, it was fun.

“Aaron.” Jay must’ve felt his wall come down, because he finally addressed the elephant in the room. “Dude, I’m so sorry for what went down with Toby. I’ve been wanting to talk to you about it, but didn’t know what to say. But honestly, I had no idea, man. I would never risk you like that.”

“What do you mean you had no idea?” Aaron asked. The fool went on television and took full responsibility.

“What I said on TV was a lie,” Jayden admitted. “But people would not have believed you weren’t involved unless someone came forward to take the blame. It was the only way to get the shit off you. And it was about time I try to do that.”

“Hang on,” Aaron said, as he heard Casey Black’s voice from out on the stage.

“Forget it man,” Jay waved him off. “I don’t want to talk about any more shit from the past. I’m so tired of it, aren’t you?”

“Hell yes,” he said, and with those two words he swore he could breathe a little easier.

“Okay.” Jayden patted him on the back. “Then let’s just go out and kill this thing and start our future.”

And that’s exactly what they did. They listened as a legend introduced them, and then went on stage and played their hearts out.

It wasn’t such a bad way to live.

Chapter Twenty-Five

“L
adies and Gents, it’s great to see y’all outside of Nashville for a change, to celebrate with one of Georgia’s newest residents.” Casey Black made the introductions, and Mel could only imagine what Aaron was thinking when he heard his voice. Casey Black was in the same league as Johnny Cash as far as Aaron was concerned.

Once Mel secured Mr. Black to do the opening remarks, she kept it a secret. It had been hell. But the way these guys changed their calendars, she couldn’t risk any disappointment if he couldn’t make it. Still, she wished she were backstage right now to see Aaron’s face.

Graham’s expression was almost as good. He was right up front so he could read the legend’s lips, and feel the stage once the music started. He shook his head and patted his heart. “You are awesome,” he mouthed. His smile was so bright it made Mel weepy.

Boy, she was in so much trouble.

“I’ve already had the chance to listen to the songs he’s going to play for you tonight, and let me tell ya something—they are going to blow you away.
He’s
going to blow you away. Now, I met him when he was part of The Major Band, but now that he’s out on his own—with the help of his partner in crime, Jayden Brink—he has a whole new feel. A new look. A new sound. And one helluva new story. Let’s bring him to the stage…Aaron Major.”

He took to the stage and Mel heard the ladies in the audience release a breathy sigh in unison. She knew it was going to happen, but still wasn’t ready for it.

For the past few weeks, Mel had had him all to herself. But the time had come to release him into the world and let him fly. Why did it have to happen so fast?

Aaron stood at the mic and began belting out the lyrics of a dark, almost haunting song. Graham stood next to the amp that the guys pushed to the edge of the stage, and he felt the music. She wondered if he could feel the hurt that Aaron pushed from his lungs, because Mel sure could. And by the look of the crowd, who seemed completely mesmerized in the moment, they did too.

As the band continued to play, the mood of the songs lightened and the crowd responded accordingly. Couples danced, people talked, and everyone raved about Aaron.

Mel chatted up the journalists and bloggers and made sure they had everything they needed. Some wanted to schedule follow-up interviews, others needed his headshots, and she took care of it. But she had one more thing to do.

“Hey there, Ceecee.” She greeted her favorite vlogger. “How’d you like the show?”

“Shit.” Ceecee rubbed her tatted arms. “I’ve had goose bumps all night. It was amazing. And I’ve been meaning to tell you, damn fine work on the promo vids.”

Mel caught Tiffany’s eye and waved. “About that,” she said. “I want to introduce you to the woman responsible for those. Tiffany—” Mel pulled her over to join them. “This is Ceecee, vlogger extraordinaire.”

“Oh, I know who she is,” Tiffany said.

“Ceecee, this is the woman in charge of our promo vids. She just graduated from GSU.”

“Really?” Ceecee said, quickly sweeping Tiff away. Mel knew Ceecee had an open spot on her team that would be perfect for her favorite intern.

Tiffany mouthed,
I love you
, to Mel as she pulled her away.

Mel moved over to Rita, who was chatting up the mayor of Atlanta. Mel had to pat herself on the back for that one, though she never thought he’d show. She wanted Aaron involved in the community, and she wanted to build some good will. So she stopped by to say hello.

“Mr. Mayor, we’re so happy you could make it,” Mel said.

“I was happy to receive the invitation,” he said. “Great show.”

“Aaron’s amazing, right?”

“A big talent there,” he said.

“You know,” Mel interjected, and she swore she saw Rita roll her eyes. “I’ve heard about your new pre-K music program for the underprivileged kids in the city and wanted to let you know that Aaron is a big supporter. So if you ever need a face for the cause, or another spokesperson, I’m sure he’d be happy to help.”

“That would be fantastic,” he said. “And you are?”

“Melody Sharp, Aaron’s PR manager.” She handed him her card. “Please, let me know if there’s anything you need.”

Almost done.

Though she was exhausted with all the schmoozing and talking, she was actually having an incredible time. She laughed, thinking about how much Aaron would hate it. The band started a new song, and she had to stop for a minute and take him in. She was so proud of him tonight. Watching him on stage made everything else fade into the background. Once she did pull her eyes away from Aaron’s jeans, she noticed Graham was missing from his spot by the amp.

It didn’t take long to locate him. As she scanned the room, she saw that he had made his way over to an up-and-coming young singer named Avery Jay, who also lived in Atlanta. She’d been posting on social media all night, shaking her little butt off. Apparently, Mel wasn’t the only one who noticed.

She looked on as he asked Avery to dance. She wondered if he used his voice or mouthed the words, it didn’t matter. Point was, he was going for what he wanted. Avery laughed and did a little hair flip that meant she was definitely interested. Mel looked to the stage and caught Aaron’s face, silently asking,
Are you seeing this?
He followed and his eyes went wide once he zeroed in on his brother.

Graham pulled Avery onto the dance floor with the confidence that his brother possessed, and he handled the girl in much the same way that Aaron did her. Gentle, but firm, with a coolness that only these two guys could pull off. Graham held Avery in that same possessive way, wrapping her tight but holding her hand against his chest, tapping on it to create his own beat. Mel went a little melty.

From the stage, Aaron shook his head with a grin that would be forever locked in Mel’s brain. Because in that moment she knew, without out a doubt, that’d she’d fallen utterly, painfully in love with him.

And that made what came next even more difficult.

J
une Skye was class and stardom and power all rolled into one. She was closer to Aaron’s age than Mel was, with long dark hair that was perfectly mussed in a sexy, effortless fashion. She was trendy and had style that Mel could never pull off—clashing patterns, tall boots, and a funky sapphire coat with a cream-colored long leather vest. And she was a country music darlin’.

She fit in this world, where Mel clearly did not. And her name was June for fuck’s sake. It was kismet.

As Aaron wrapped up his set, she knew it was time to make her move. June was the hottest thing on the scene right now, and she liked to be out and loved to be photographed. From the way her eyes were eating up Aaron on stage, Mel’s little scheme would be a cinch to pull off.

Mel had already talked to Rita about it, even after she made her threats, who of course loved the idea. She had the feeling Rita’s bark was worse than her bite. And June’s manager was on board as well. A few days, a few tweets, some leaked photos of them together. It was the perfect timing for him to work the romance angle. After tonight, the doors to his future would be wide open.

“June,” Mel finally made her way to make the introductions. “I’m Melody Sharp, Aaron’s publicist.”

“Right,” she extended a hand. “You are the brain behind the Skye/Major connection. Damn, I tried pulling together one of those celebrity names for us, but I can’t seem to find a combination that works. Oh well, nobody will care when they get a look at Aaron Major all grown up and filled out. He’s a real star, that one.”

“He is,” Mel agreed, trying to ignore the knot in her stomach.

“So, how far is he into his set?” she asked, surveying the room and posturing like someone might take a photo at any moment—which, Mel immediately noticed, some of the bloggers were.

“Almost finished,” she said.

“Great, I’ll have my assistant start tweeting.” She waved to a mousy girl, who stood a few paces behind, her thumbs flying over the keys on her phone. “He’s really amazing,” June added.

“Right?” Melody hated this will every fiber of her being. But she couldn’t dwell on it. She had one last thing to do, before she went out and broke her own dang heart.

How she detesting adulting.

She found Genn, took her by the hand and said, “Get ready.”

Then the two of them stopped right in front of the Ice Queen. Mel made her introductions and sang Genn’s praises. Now it was up to her new friend to take it to the next level. Was she serious about leaving the office of Neanderthals for something better?

They’d find out soon enough.

But before she could slip away, Miranda led her away for a moment.

“Superb,” she said out of the blue.

“I’m sorry, ma’am, what do you mean?” Mel asked.

“Oh, Melody.” She sighed. “You really need to keep up. I’m answering your earlier question regarding my assessment of this event. My answer is: superb.”

Mel couldn’t move, couldn’t talk, for what felt like minutes. She had no idea that word was even in her boss’s vocabulary. And to use it about something Mel did? She didn’t know what to say.

“Thank you, Miranda,” she said, when she could finally talk. And once the blood came back to her legs, she almost ran away.

Because the Ice Queen would have a fit if she saw Mel cry.

“A
aron.” Mel pulled him offstage as soon as they finished. “This is June Skye.”

“I know who she is,” he said, giving Mel the evil eye. What was she up to now? He wasn’t sure, but he’d play along. “Nice to meet you, June. I loved
Get the Girl
.”

Aaron wasn’t usually so accommodating, but he had to give Mel what she wanted tonight, especially after she worked so hard. The evening was epic, and how she got all these people to come out and see him, he’d never know.

“Thanks.” June beamed. “I’ve been a fan of yours forever.”

“You look too young to be any fan of mine,” he said, and she really did. Though sometimes he had to remember he was just a kid when he went on the road the first time.

“Well, aren’t you the sweetest,” June cooed, grabbing his arm as a few warning bells went off in is head.

Mel shifted her stance, pushing him closer to the country pop icon—which of course, he hated. He didn’t lie when he said he liked her song. He did, but that was the only one. He wasn’t what’d you’d call a fan of the rest of her work. His tastes generally required more substance.

Mel took out that damn phone again and started clicking. “Twitter,” she said by way of explanation. She then backed away to give them some space. He didn’t like her in the shadows, blending into the background. She should be out there with him, at his side.

“Guess they want us to been seen together,” June said. Okay, she now had his full attention.

“Oh really?” This was news.

“Yeah, my manager is all about cross-promo with other artists. She has me party-jumping almost every night.”

“Interesting,” he bristled. “Apparently mine is all about secrecy.” And his publicist, too. Once he caught Mel’s attention, all it took was one look to tell her he wasn’t pleased.

She became suddenly very interested in something in the other direction.

Little snake.

“I’m sorry,” June said, also catching onto his irritation. “This is really embarrassing. But I want you to know the promo thing isn’t why I came.”

Right.

“I would’ve been here either way, because I do love your music.”

“It’s okay, June. I’m not upset with you. Not at all. And okay, if this is what they want, we can do that. Help each other out.” He had a few ideas of his own from time to time.

“Exactly my thoughts.” She ran a boney hand down his chest.

He cringed, but was almost happy when he saw Mel’s eye go wide from the other side of the room.

Hey, you asked for it, sweetheart.

“June, what do you say you join me for one on the next set?” he asked.

“Don’t you tease me now, Mr. Major.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”