The weight of the suggestive remark hung in the air as Brodie leaned forward into Ivan’s space again. Until Billie clapped his hands and shattered the tension.
“I hate to interrupt your fun little sideshow, but can we get to the designs I’ve drafted? As you mentioned, Ivan, we’re on a tight deadline.”
Billie pulled out his tablet and tapped on the screen, then turned it toward the other end of the table.
“I’ve created two dozen sample designs, twelve for Brodie and the other twelve for the rest of the band members. I’ve had a look at previous concerts and other events, and I think the style is in line with the band’s look but with a few interesting twists for added stage impact.”
Eli watched as Ivan grabbed the tablet, swiping to review, then passing it on to Brodie. Their faces gave nothing away until Brodie finally looked up and opened his mouth.
“What the fuck is this?”
Chapter Three
Billie
Oh, shit.He doesn’t like it?Billie sat in shocked silence, waiting for further blowback from Brodie. He glanced at Eli, who sat there quiet and calm as always. Then Eli winked at him.What?
The rock star rubbed his neck as a slow smile transformed his face, dimples popping out.
“I love the kilt design; it’s fucking awesome! And I like the suggestion to change up the styles to suit the venue location. Plus, I don’t always have to wear a shirt, and being as close to naked as possible is always a win.”
Inside, Billie exploded with relief. “Some gigs you could wear boots and leather wrist cuffs or arm sleeves and with others, go barefoot with ankle wraps, but I’m not sure if the latter is advisable on stage. You could wear the jacket with the train in your opening act, remove the train and leave the jacket for part of the performance and then remove the jacket altogether as you close up the show. For the rest of the guys, I’ve kept it sleek and simple. A lot of faux leather, denim, and a few interesting patterns and textures thrown in.”
“I don’t like the skirt. This isn’t a drag show,” the public relations rep grumbled, glaring at Billie. Before he had a chance to reply, Brodie piped up.
“Like you know anything about style or stage presence? I’ve told you before and I’m reminding you again, Hamm, that I will wear whatever the fuck I want. If I want to show up to a concert in stilettos and a red dress, I’ll fucking do it!” Brodie snapped.
Billie thought of his own high-heeled boots and flushed when he noticed Hammond looking him over with disdain. An icy chill ran through his body, and Billie looked away.
“These designs aren’t going to help your popularity in mainstream America or around the world. As your public relations rep, I must advise you that…”
“Enough,” Ivan barked, and the loud echo made Hammond jump in his seat. “Brodie and the rest of the band will wear what’s right for them. And their rising popularity suggests you are way off base, Hamm. If you object to what we’re discussing, feel free to leave the meeting.”
Hammond’s face reddened. He stood up and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Billie breathed a sigh of immense relief.
“I’m saying it for the last time, Van. I want that asshole fired. I’m not dealing with any more of his hateful, narrow-minded bullshit.”
“I could recommend someone.” Eli’s deep voice startled everyone around the table. “I worked with a client last spring, and his boyfriend owns his own PR firm. His name is Greyson Ineja. He has a lot of high-profile clients, and he’s based here in New York. I’d be happy to connect you.”
Billie was so caught up in the discussion he completely forgot about Grey. Ivan nodded. “Text me his details, Eli.”
They spent the next hour going over the rest of the designs. Brodie had a joke or two here and there, but otherwise he was just as professional as Ivan for the rest of the conversation.
“I’ll have sample outfits made for our next meeting in two weeks so you guys can try them on and see how everything looks and feels. We can then make any changes before we move to the final order.”
“Sounds great, Billie,” Ivan replied as he handed the tablet back and stood up. “I’m looking forward to our next meeting.”
Brodie said his goodbye and exited the meeting to headback to rehearsal, and Ivan walked Billie and Eli to the reception area.
“I apologize for Hammond’s remarks earlier. I assure you it won’t happen again.” Ivan shook his hand.
“Already forgotten. I look forward to meeting the rest of the band in a few weeks.” And with that, Billie and Eli headed back to the SUV.
“I told you everything would be fine,” Eli said as he opened the passenger door and Billie slipped into the seat.
“I feel better now that the first meeting is out of the way. That’s always the hardest,” Billie replied as Eli got in and quickly guided the SUV back out to the street.
“Me, too. Any time I meet a client for the first time, I’m a fucking wreck inside. Doesn’t matter how many gigs I’ve had or who I’m guarding. It’s always the same.”