Destroyed (Lost in Oblivion, #3)(48)
“I hope it translates to sales for them.”
“Oh, it did. We actually rebounded from the top twenty on Billboard to top five again.”
Margo swallowed. “That’s great. I’m happy for them.”
“You know what it also sparked?”
“No, but I have a feeling you’re about to tell me.”
“Don’t look so glum, Margo. This is a good thing. We’re releasing the video from the Los Angeles show this week as a fan club marketing tool. I have a feeling it’s going to go viral.”
“And what does that have to do with me?” She set her mug down carefully.
“Tell me, what exactly do you have planned for this summer?”
“Studio work. I’ve gotten a lot of great offers because of the work I did with Oblivion.”
“You should have. I put your name out there as the one to call for violin work.”
Surprised, Margo gripped her knees. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. I wish I hadn’t.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t want there to be any reason for you to turn me down.”
“I—what?”
“The band is heading to Saratoga, New York to rehearse for their summer tour. I want you to go down and rehearse with them. See if that magic is still in effect.”
Margo stood. She tapped her thumb with her middle finger as she paced the little square of shale patio. “Why?”
“Would there be a personal issue as to why you wouldn’t want to go?”
Margo stopped and met her gaze. “Why would you ask that?”
“Because you two are damn sexy and that usual translates to naked time.”
“It’s not an issue.”
“Now why don’t I believe you?”
“That’s not my problem.”
Lila groaned. “You f*cked.”
“Excuse me?”
“Your face. There’s no love stuff but definitely sex stuff. I know the signs. It’s happened a lot recently.”
Margo pushed her hair out of her face. “We have history,” she agreed.
“Which means you’ve had sex a few times. How recently?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“So, at the bar?”
“Ms. Shawcross—”
“Wow. It must have been good.” She held up a hand. “Look, I know what Simon is. Don’t get your panties in a twist. Whatever you two do after the show is none of my concern. Unless it becomes trouble for the show.”
“This is not a done deal, Lila. I’m not one of the members of the band that you can railroad into doing your bidding.”
Lila snorted. “Keeping these guys in check requires a firm hand, but it also is about knowing what they need. They are an awesome unit already, but since adding you to the stage, they’ve reached another level.”
“I’ve only played with them a handful of times.”
“Which is exactly why I want you to go to the rehearsals.”
“Have you talked to the band about this?”
“No.”
The decisive way she said it made Margo turn. “Why?”
Lila sighed. “Because they don’t know what they need until they make the decisions for themselves.”
“You know that doesn’t make any sense, right?”
“It does for them. Nick would rather cut off his leg than bring a new person into the band, but even he was looking for ways to layer in the sound with his own. Deacon is our resident composer and he came to me asking if we could add you to the whole show for the Los Angeles performance, not just the three songs you were scheduled to do.”
Margo lowered to a metal chair on the far side of the patio. “That was him?” She’d wondered why Deacon had been so adamant about getting her to learn the songs.
Not that she had to do much.
She’d been listening to them on a loop since she’d gotten an advanced copy of the album. She knew them all. “And Jazz and Gray?”
“They’re mostly in the clutches of baby fever, but they are also most open to collaborations.”
“Simon?”
“I think you can answer that question.”
Margo laced her fingers together and sat forward. “The summer is when I make most of my money. Now, more than ever, that’s an issue.” She met Lila’s direct gaze. “I’m not sure how you found out about the Philharmonic, but my current job situation also means that the studio work I’d miss out on would be detrimental to my livelihood.”
Lila tipped her head and rattled off a number.
It was only because of years of training that Margo’s jaw didn’t drop.
“And that’s per show.”
“Per show?”
Lila nodded.
“When do I leave?”
Lila smiled. “Tomorrow.”
* * *
Simon dropped onto the carpet of green grass and rolled onto his back, his chest heaving.
Deacon turned around, running in place. “C’mon, Simon. You’re never going to survive the summer if you don’t get some cardio training.”