She gave a short laugh.“I gathered.Details?”
“That’s the problem—there aren’t many.The contract says Reese’s manager owns all of her performances, in all formats, for all venues.And that if she violates that clause, she’s responsible for damages.”
“Ouch.”Judith sucked in a sharp breath through her teeth.“No clauses for ending the contract?”
“Manager can set a buy-out amount.As far as I know, Todd’s given her a ridiculous one.”Speaking of, I needed to find out if she was served this morning.If he’d made good on his threat.
Judith leaned back in her chair, studying me.Silence ticked away in the room, and I downed more coffee.
Definitely no more late-night composing for me.
She finally straightened up again.“What if I could put her in touch with someone who could get her out of the contract?”
“I assume there are a lot of people like that.She’s gotten quotes, and it’s expensive.She’s not going to take hand-outs, either.”
Judith furrowed her brow.“He’d do it as a favor to me, and I’d do it as a favor for her.No money changes hands.”
“Why?I mean, don’t get me wrong, you’d have her gratitude and mine, but…”
“I want them playing with you.”
I grinned.“They’re already playing with me.”
“TMI.”She rolled her eyes.“For game promo.I don’t care what else they do, but I’ve got a feeling about them, and I want their voices attached to our brand.”
“Same.”I’d love that.Danny and Reese deserved so much better than crappy venues, and I couldn’t guarantee it, but I was pretty sure if Reese was free of her contract, she’d be happy to do some promo spots with us.
“Don’t say anything until I talk to Xander.I’d hate to get hopes up, but I’ll let you know.”
I stood.“Of course.Thank you.”
I took the long route to the Music room, stopping by Luna’s office to say good morning to Danny.
“Glad you made it.Feeling better?”he asked when I gave him a kiss.
I wasn’t too fond of theI had a headacheexcuse, but I could play along for the day and it was my own fault for oversleeping.“I am.Did I miss anything?”
“Todd is suing Reese.”Danny sounded irritated.
I didn’t blame Danny for being annoyed.Judith’s news flew to the tip of my tongue, and I swallowed it.I didn’t like lying to Danny.After work, I’d tell him and make him promise not to tell Reese.Was that possible?“We’ll figure it out,” I said with more confidence than I’d had about the situation, well, ever.
The way Luna was watching me, expression disturbingly blank for her, was curious.“What’s up?”I asked her.
She shook her head.“Nothing.Shoo, so we can work.”
“Yes ma’am.”I gave her a sloppy salute and headed to my own work area.
As the day wore on, my mood faded, consumed by creating and selecting the perfect footsteps, snowfall sounds, and street background noise.I should have stayed late, to make up for this morning, but when five rolled around, I was done.
I hung out a little longer anyway, trying to at least look like I wanted to be here, and then I was gone.
Monday nights meant band practice, though.Yes, I was tired of making noise all day and wanted to go home to more noise.Sound effects were a different universe than listening to Danny and Reese play, though.
The thought made me half hard.Weird reaction, and a bit awkward while I was walking to my SUV.The parking lot was half full, I was surrounded by workaholics, but Danny’s car was already gone.
When I got home, Adam was still at the kitchen table—though probablyagainwould be more appropriate.He couldn’t have been there all day.Danny was working with him on something.
“No Reese?”I asked.