Page 2 of Scandal
“At all.” Lauren gestures with her hands. “I tried to set her up with my cousin once ’cause I thought she might just be too shy to tell us she was into girls.”
My cheeks heat. The way she tells the story makes her sound incredibly magnanimous, but it was actually a bit homophobic. She was just jealous that some guy hit on me instead of her and thought hooking me up with her cousin would get me out of the way. Not that I was really an obstacle in the first place.
I decide to change the subject. “I am working as a sound manager at Creed Soundlab and?—”
“Your dad’s studio?” Her sculpted eyebrow arches, as if she has any room to talk. Her parents are both lawyers and own a fancy firm in New York. I highly doubt there will be any question about where she’ll end up after law school.
“Yes.”
She lets out a long, exaggerated sigh, twirling her drink with a straw. “Must be nice. Hanging out with hot rock stars all day. Probably doesn’t even seem like work most of the time, does it?”
I gape at her. Does she really think I just sit around all day and flirt with hot guys? Before I can defend myself, to tell her about my twelve-hour days and endless nights alone in the studio, Lin, across the table, perks up and asks, “Wait, doesn’t your dad represent Asher Knight?”
Dammit.
I really hoped to get through the night without his name coming up.
“Um…yes,” I answer honestly. Because what am I supposed to do? Lie? It isn’t a secret. Anyone can look it up and find a list of my father’s clients.
“Has he…” Her cheeks pinken as she fidgets with her napkin. “Do you know where he is? Has your dad told you?”
Once again, all ten sets of eyes turn to me. I gulp down a bundle of nerves.
Have I mentioned I hate being the center of attention? It’s kind of inconvenient when you’re part of the family I was born into.
I also hate gossip.
“No. That’s not exactly something he would go around telling everyone,” I answer sharply. “Even to me.”
“Well, what about your brother?” Lin persists, unwilling to let this go. When I see the black Manic Fanatic bracelet aroundher wrist, I suddenly understand why. She’s a fan. “Surely he knows a thing or two since he’s in the band.”
The band they’re referring to is Manic at Midnight. One of my older brothers, Hendrix—I have three—joined almost a year ago when their bass guitarist, Evans, needed some time off. We all thought it would be a temporary gig, but the band made headlines when they asked him to stay and share the responsibilities with Evans.
Now the band is making headlines again for a completely different reason.
And Asher—their lead singer—is at the forefront.
“He hasn’t told me anything,” I tell her with a casual shrug.
“I heard he’s in rehab,” LuAnn says, interjecting herself back into the conversation. It’s almost impossible for her not to be the center of attention for more than a minute or two. “That’s why no one’s seen him in weeks.”
“What kind of rehab?” Lauren asks. I can’t tell if she’s genuinely curious or just wants to soak in LuAnn’s attentive gaze.
Honestly, it’s all exhausting—their games and antics.
It’s why I never lived in the sorority house. I paid my dues, went to the monthly meetings, and occasionally showed up to whatever social activities I thought I could stand, but that was the extent of my commitment to this sorority.
Some people say Greek life was the best part of their college experience. For me, it was just a social experiment I clearly failed. Because after four years, I didn’t even walk away with a single friend to show for it.
“Sex rehab,” LuAnn answers with a cruel smile.
“You’re kidding!” Lin giggles, covering her mouth with her hand.
LuAnn is practically beaming from the reaction she’s caused around the table. “I mean, it’s not exactly a surprise. Did you see all the women in those photos?”
“Well, he is a rock star.” Lauren shrugs. “They are notorious man whores, right?” Then her eyes widen as she turns to me. “I’m sorry, Merc. I didn’t mean all rock stars. I’m sure your brother is different.”
My brotherisdifferent. He’s in a monogamous relationship and is head over heels in love with his girlfriend. I wouldn’t be surprised if he proposes soon.
