“I don’t think that now,” I admitted. “I’ve learned more about the industry than I expected to, that’s for sure.”
She elbowed me. “Hey, there’s Jeremy. Let’s go say hi.”
“Subtle, Laura.”
“Good thing I wasn’t trying to be.”
She was still laughing when we slid into the gathering of Dis-chord Record employees near the open bar. The bartender gestured toward me but I waved him off and ordered a plain cola. It had been a few weeks since I’d drowned myself in liquor that night, but even weeks later and my stomach still turned at the thought of drinking. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be able to drink again.
“Hey, Brian,” Jeremy said with a broad smile despite the cool tone of voice.
I shook his hand, holding his gaze and smiling. “It’s nice to see you again. Thanks for showing me around today.”
He blinked. “No problem. It is my job, after all.”
“It’s weird starting off in a new office. I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I’m looking forward to working with you.”
This time the smile that spread across his face was genuine. “Thank you,” he said, then he gestured to the open stool beside him. “It’s been a long day, why don’t you sit down.”
I pulled the barstool out a little so I could face him and still see Laura. I didn’t want to rush things and sitting too close felt a little cozy. I wanted to tell him I regretted how I’d acted earlier in the day, but not there.
Most of the people around us worked as independent contractors or in the studio. One by one, Jeremy introduced me to everyone and gave a brief rundown of what they did. It was far more information than I could take in at one time, but I smiled and shook everyone’s hand just the same.
“Looks like they’re off to work the crowd,” I said when most of the group had meandered away.
Jeremy playfully jabbed me with his elbow. “You know they were only here waiting to meet the tennis legend himself, right?”
“Me? It’s been so long since I’ve played and they’re so young I’m sure they’ve never heard of me.”
Jeremy laughed. “You have your own Wikipedia page. That’s something.” He looked at Laura. “I’m sure they all looked him up when you announced he’d be joining us.”
“I don’t doubt it.”
“Why would music industry professionals care about an ex-tennis player?” I asked.
“People want to know where you came from and who you know. You never know when you’ll meet someone that can help launch your career.”
“Mingling is an important part of working an industry party,” Jeremy explained. “Retired athletes usually put their energy into creative industries later in life. Whether it’s art or music, you have a lot to offer. Sometimes that’s talent, and sometimes it’s capital. The right connections are everything, especially at a label as small as ours.”
“We are growing,” Laura interjected. “Jeremy has scouted some amazing talent recently. Exciting things are happening, that’s for sure.” She beamed at Jeremy. “I’d love to have him scout fulltime, but he’s got such a talent for managing the social media I can’t afford to lose him there.”
“Scouting sounds fun,” I said.
“There’s more to it than just listening to undiscovered talent,” Laura continued. “You have to have a certain knack for it, and that’s hard to teach.”
“I’ll take you along sometime,” Jeremy offered. “Who knows, scouting might click for you.”
The cordial stiffness was gone from his voice. I knew that didn’t mean we were friends, but it was something. It meant there was a chance of starting off on better terms than we had that morning.
There was a bit of shuffling and Garret moved into the group, glass in his hand. I noticed Jeremy’s shoulders stiffen.
“You’ve been really helpful,” I said, trying to keep the discussion light and friendly. “I have a lot to learn, but I felt very comfortable today and that means a lot when you’re the new guy.”
“I bet he made you feel comfortable.” Garret took a swig of his drink and flashed a goofy smile at me. “He’s good at that. He’s the kind of guy everyone enjoys, if you catch my drift.”
Jeremy’s mouth dropped open and Laura stiffened against me. Inspired by the silence, Garret pressed on. “Maybe we should promote him from social media manager to welcome committee. He’ll flirt with anyone,” he paused. “Apparently.” Finger pressed to his chin pensively, he quickly waved the air in front of him with a flourish that was mocking. “Wait, I guess that’s a demotion. What about welcome mat? That seems like a good job for him. Tell us, Brian. Do you feel welcomed?”
Laura, recovered from her shock, straightened her spine, but I was already springing into action. I stepped forward and leaned in really close to Garret. My words cut him off mid chuckle. “I suggest you knock your shit off or you’ll have me to answer to. Laura might think you’re brilliant, but I could hire ten of you in the blink of an eye and make sure you’re blacklisted forever.”
“Chill out, man,” he said. “It’s a party. I was just teasing, anyway.”
“And you’re not that drunk, Garret. Now walk away and find something else to do. Jeremy isn’t your personal punching bag.”
He squared his shoulders as if he was about to argue, but I stood my ground. When his gaze went over my shoulder and he paled, I knew Laura was giving him the look. A thrill went down my spine. I’d seen Laura reduce more powerful men to puddles with that glare, so it was no surprise when Garret’s posture softened in defeat and he turned, walking away so fast he was nearly running.
“He’s cut off for the night,” Laura said, then turned her attention to Jeremy. “I’ll talk to him about his behavior tomorrow. I’m sorry. Some people can’t hold their liquor.”
“That’s no excuse,” I said.
Jeremy’s eyebrows shot up and he looked at me as if I’d grown a second head. “Can I talk to you for a moment, Brian?” he asked.
“Of course.” I followed him through the ballroom, past the little cluster of tables near the buffet that smelled of curry and sweet rolls. My mouth watered, but I was focused on the luscious mop of dark curls that just brushed the edge of his shirt collar.
Jeremy shoved the side door open and we were in a hallway just a few feet from the stairwell. He turned the handle and yanked, the tiny space echoing with every step we took.
“What was that about?”
“Garret? I’m not sure what his problem is, but he’s clearly jealous of you.”
“I’m not talking about Garret. Brian, I’m talking about you jumping in to defend me when he’s insinuating there’s something between us.”
“I was trying to help.”
Jeremy pursed his lips, then sighed. “I know, but I think you just made it worse. Now he’s going to be sure that there’s something going on between us.”
“What should I have done instead? Just let him go on like that while everyone stood there in silence?”