Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 100441 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100441 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
The longer I’m here, the more chance of being spotted.
I glance up at the tunnels and remind myself that Kaylee doesn’t get to do this type of thing often. She should get to play for as long as she wants without her famous father ruining everything for her.
I turn back to Lyric. “So, you’re a nanny?”
One of Lyric’s eyebrows rises, and it amazes me how people can do that. Kaylee can do it too, but it’s like I have an invisible monobrow or something—like my eyebrows are attached to each other—because I can’t separate their movements.
“Umm, you don’t look like a typical nanny,” I say. “Kaylee used to have nannies when I was on tour.”
“I’m technically Chase’s nanny, but I’ve really gotta find a gig that’ll pay me. Though they do let me crash in their pool house for free.”
“Have you thought about teaching or something?”
Something like sadness fills Lyric’s eyes. “Teaching is a backup. Music is my first priority.”
Wariness replaces the warm, happy feeling I’d had while sitting here with Lyric. If this ends with him asking for help connecting with a label, I’m going to be disappointed.
It’s not every day I meet someone where the conversation flows and they make me laugh. Like honest to God laugh.
I direct the conversation away from music. “I’m sure you’d make a great teacher. Better than the one Kaylee has right now. Then again, a turtle would be better than the teacher she has now.”
“She’s having trouble at school? Already?”
“First year. She’s in pre-K, and it’s not going well. I’ve been getting back into working on music, and I need someone to look after her, but she’s coming home with bite marks and an attitude, and it’s supposed to be the best school in LA. What are the shitty ones like?” Why did all that just fall from my mouth? I don’t know this guy, and he could go and tell anyone.
“What school is it?”
I hesitate.
He holds up his hands like he’s a busted perp. “I won’t tell anyone where your kid goes if that’s what you’re worried about.”
It’s not, but I also don’t want to get into how paranoid I am. How paranoid I always am.
“I worked at some of the best schools as a teacher’s aide during college. I’m wondering where she’s going.”
“It’s, uh, Vista Point.”
“Whoa, dude, no.” Lyric shakes his head. “Most expensive doesn’t mean best. I can give you some names of actual good schools.”
“Really?”
“Really. But hey, if you don’t want her in pre-K at all, I’m available.” Lyric’s so confident in his delivery, it makes it hard to shut down the idea immediately.
“That was really subtle.”
“Like a sledgehammer. I really need a paying job so I can stop mooching off my brother.”
It’s tempting, but again, I don’t even know this guy. “I was told she needs to socialize with other kids.”
“I practically act like a kid, does that count?”
I laugh. “I don’t think so.”
“In all seriousness, kids do need socialization, but there are playgroups and other ways to achieve that than sending them to a terrible school where they’re all brats.” He catches himself. “Not saying Kaylee’s a brat. She’s adorable, and, umm, oh God, forget I said anything. No way you’ll hire a guy who calls you lazy and cliché and then says your daughter is a brat. I’m on fire today.”
“You really are. Are you this disastrous during auditions? Because I’m starting to see where you may have a problem.”
Lyric leans back in his chair. “I don’t know. I sometimes think I’m overconfident. They tell you to go in there and own the auditions, but when I do that, I come across as—”
“A pretentious musician who thinks boy bands are lazy and cliché?”
He groans. “I thought we were even. You’re not playing fair.”
I pretend to think about it. I may not be playing fair, but it’s definitely fun playing with him. “I might drop it if you give me the names of those schools.”
“I can do one better. Give me your number and I can text them to you. Then you can call me if you have any questions.”
Ah. There it is.
The industry connection he’s after.
But even though he’s using me, one look at his breathtaking smile and I know I’m going to cave.
What can I say? I’m a sucker for a pretty man.
Chapter Two
Lyric
Ryder Kennedy.
The cap he wears is old and ratty denim. His jaw is unshaven.
He’s not the stunning, put together man he is in the media. Although, he’s definitely, without a doubt, stunning. Just rougher around the edges than I’m expecting.
It’s weird. Sitting here with him. It’s like an out-of-body experience.
And did I really ask for his number?
What is wrong with me?
I’ve seen my fair share of celebrities. I live in LA. It’s impossible to live here and not run into someone famous occasionally. Having an entertainment lawyer for a brother makes it easier too. But I’ve never had a legit conversation with one.