“Hey, Bedo, wait up!” I call out before he turns a second corner and I lose him in the bustle of roadies already tearing down, packing up for the next show.
His eyes snap up from his phone screen and his lips pinch. “Don’t try to persuade me. You’re not going out tonight.”
“No. Not that.” And it’s not. What I want to ask is far more uncomfortable because of the doubt that seeps out along with the question. I’ve never not trusted Bedo, that he’s got our best interests at heart or that he’s on our side, and I’m almost certain he’s not gonna like what I have to say.
“What? Spit it out, Trent. I have a ton of work and an early flight to catch.”
“You aren’t going to say anything to the press, are you?”
His brow gathers and lips lift in a trace of a smile. “About Lexi and Sean?” He tilts his head as if he’s trying to uncover more than the answer with his stare.
“No. Not that.” I shake my head, my hair falling into my eyes until I brush it back. Even though the idea doesn’t sit well, I know it was false. My concerns run deeper than a little celebrity romance gossip. I peer around and drop my voice. It’s not crowded per se, but I don’t need some roadie or security guard to overhear. “About her father, and who he is?”
Bedo’s eyes widen and his smile leaves his face. “You know legally I can’t.”
I don’t like how offhand he is. How he leaves himself just enough of a loophole. Like we both don’t realize how easy it is to leak a rumor to the press. As if they won’t have a feeding frenzy with the truth. I’m overcome with a desire to protect her. To keep her secret safe.
“Don’t.” The word leaves my mouth in a growl. “If it hits the press, you’re fired.”
Bedo straightens his spine, and an offended scoff escapes his mouth. “Anyone can discover that information, Trent. It’s public knowledge. The right person recognizes her or puts two and two together—that’s all it takes. I can’t control it.”
Most of what he says is true, sure, but again I’m left with the certainty that Bedo’s not being one hundred percent transparent. The feeling’s not based on fact or experience; just my gut. I take a step closer because I tower over him and I can be intimidating when I need to be. Besides, Bedo might be our manager, but ultimately he works for the band and myself, and if he does anything to hurt Lexi I won’t have a problem cutting him loose.
“Come on, Bedo. You’re the best in the biz.” My lips pull into a wide smile that doesn’t show my teeth and I raise my brow. “Do your thing. Make your magic happen. And make damn sure no one talks about Lexi’s father. You can do it. I have faith in you.” I clasp my hand on his shoulder and squeeze too tight.
Bedo’s jaw works back and forth until he responds with a winning smile. “Of course, Trent. Consider it done.”
“That’s what I’m talking about.” For good measure I give him a pat on the back that might leave a mark. “See you in Philly?”
He steps back, out of my reach. “Yeah. And I’ve got radio spots lined up in the afternoon. It’s a tight schedule before you play The Mann, so be ready to work the crowd.”
I walk backwards a few steps and slap my chest with a wink. “I’m always ready, baby. That’s why you love me!” He grumbles something under his breath, but I don’t stick around to find out what. I’ve got to grab the guys and get on the bus. The extra pep in my step has nothing to do with the blonde pixie who’s already on board and waiting. Most likely decked out in a big sweatshirt and shorty shorts that bring all the attention to those strong, shapely legs. Legs I imagine wrapped around my waist. Or my head.Nope. That’s not the reason I jog the rest of the way. Not at all.
