“So you’re more hands-on with the established acts,” Sienna said.
Mick nodded. “Once a band has been signed by a label, most then hire an agent who takes care of a lot of the responsibilities of finding new gigs for the band, arranging shows, and working with record labels. I then work with the agent to ensure that all activities are for the benefit of the band, all decisions and materials created support the band’s desired image, and all contracts delivered are in the band’s benefit.” Pausing, he finished his water. “I do have an entire financial department because we also handle band finances, and sometimes counsel band members on both professional and personal decisions. I wear many hats.”
Across from him, Jason nodded. “You’re the agent for Shaughnessy, aren’t you? Besides being their manager?”
Another nod. “I am. They were my first act that I signed, and I did everything for them. Once they got their first record deal, we all sat down and I told them I’d be okay if they wanted to hire a real agent, but they said they trusted me and wanted me to be the guy handling everything for them.” He smiled at the memory and at how young and naïve they all were.
“Oh, my goodness, I am a huge fan of Shaughnessy!” Bree exclaimed with a wide grin. “I’ve been crazy about them ever since that first album and, ask Jason, the kids all groan when one of their songs come on while we’re in the car. I always turn the volume way up and sing at the top of my lungs!”
Jason laughed. “Sadly, she’s not kidding.”
“Are they were coming to New York anytime soon?” Bree asked. “Or anywhere in the tri-state area? I don’t mind driving!”
He couldn’t help but laugh. “We’re working on the next tour after the New Year,” he told her. “The guys are all married and have kids now and wanted to be home for the holidays.” He took a sip of wine that Jason ordered for the table that had finally been served. “They’ll go back into the studio first to record new music and the team will start on the tour dates.” Smiling, he added, “And I’ll be sure to get tickets and backstage passes to you.”
“Oh, my goodness!” Bree exclaimed happily. “Thank you! Did you hear that, Jason? Backstage passes! I’m going to be the envy of all my friends!”
Jason looked over at him with amusement. “I’m not sure if I should thank you or not. There will be no living with her after that.” Then he chuckled. “And you might regret letting her meet the guys. I’m not saying that she’s overzealous, but...”
Normally it bothered him when people hit him up for tickets, but... right now he was feeling grateful for them saving him from himself tonight.
“So, Sienna,” he finally said when the topic of his job hit a lull. “What are you doing with yourself these days?”
Ugh... how lame of a question was that?
She gently cleared her throat and gave him a small smile. “I’m a neuropsychologist and doing research at Duke University. Our annual conference was this week, and that’s why I’m in town. Today was the last day.”
“A... neuropsychologist?” he asked and was too embarrassed to admit that he had no idea what that entailed. “That’s... that’s... holy shit.”
Across the table, Jason nodded. “I know, right? Here I am working a fairly normal job in finance, and my baby sister is a brilliant neuropsychologist!”
Beside him, Sienna laughed. “Jason, I highly doubt anyone would call being the CFO of a multi-million dollar corporation a fairly normal job!”
“Still,” he countered, “it’s nothing compared to be a neuropsychologist!” Turning to Mick, he went on, “You probably don’t remember how my little sister here skipped several grades because she was so smart. She could have even skipped more, but my parents wouldn’t allow it. Then she blazed through college in half the time it would have taken a normal person, and now she’s a neuropsychologist! How crazy is that?”
“Okay, can we all just stop saying neuropsychologist?” Sienna said with a laugh. “I’m a professor. It’s not a big deal.”
“Oh, please,” her brother said with an amused snort. “It’s a huge deal. Mom and Dad still put it on every holiday card.” He sat up a little straighter. “And our brilliant daughter, Sienna, is still at the top of her field, making us the proudest parents ever!”
“Jason...” she whined.
“And then it ends with a less than stellar mention of their not-so-brilliant son,” he went on. “Meanwhile, Jason and Bree are doing well and raising our beautiful grandchildren.” He gave an overly dramatic sigh. “I wouldn’t mind if they boasted about being proud of my accomplishments.”
“And it still makes him pout every year,” Bree teased.
Beside him, Sienna laughed, a sexy, throaty sound that had Mick stopping himself from doing something stupid—like reaching over and touching her to make sure she was real.
Because... yeah. He was still a little shocked that she was here and sitting beside him.
Gently clearing his throat, he asked, “Duke University? That’s in North Carolina, right?”
She nodded.
For years he’d teased the guys in Shaughnessy about how most of them made their permanent homes there or purchased vacation homes, but suddenly, he was seeing the appeal.
“Do you spend any time in North Carolina?” she asked.
Reaching for his wine, he nodded. “As a matter of fact, I do. Riley Shaughnessy, Julian Grayson, and Matt Reed all have houses on the coast there. Last weekend, they did a small show there, and I was in town for it.”
“Too bad you’re not closer to the coast,” Bree said to her sister-in-law. “Just knowing the guys of Shaughnessy live there would have me visiting you constantly!”
“Good grief, Bree.” Sienna laughed. “Aren’t you a little old to be stalking rock stars?”
“Never too old,” she replied with a wink. “Besides, it’s not like I’m really stalking. I’m just someone who loves their music and wants them to know how much it’s meant to me over the years!”
“But from a respectable distance, right?” Sienna said with a wink of her own.
“I know you think it’s weird and you’d never do anything like that, but...” She shrugged. “I don’t see anything wrong with gushing over someone or a group of someones who are incredibly talented and whose music brings joy to millions of people.”
Fortunately, the conversation moved on after that as they all finally looked at their menus.
They ordered appetizers and dinner, and the conversation flowed. It was great catching up with Jason and hearing about his work in the finance industry, his life with Bree and their three kids. He was about to ask if Sienna was married or had kids, but...
“And they love their Aunt Sienna,” Bree said. “You are their favorite!”
“Well, I adore them,” Sienna replied. “And they let me be the fun one without all the responsibility! I get my baby-fix in, and could get them all sugared up and wound up and then leave.” She winked at her brother. “You’re welcome.”
“I would just like to note that if I was the single one, and you had kids, that I would not do that to you,” Jason teased.