“Babe,” Braxton yelled once more down the hall, “call and make sure they didn’t get lost.”
Alissa slammed the cabinet door so hard the sound echoed through their home. “Get off your computer, make the call yourself, and stop yelling at me.”
“Can’t, babe. I’m in the middle of a contract. Can you please just do it?”
Another cabinet door slammed, mumbles of a few select cuss words filled the air, and then he heard her talking to someone. Braxton smiled at how much she loved him, as evidenced by her finally giving in and making the phone call. He smirked—she was willing to put up with his shit daily.
“They’ll be here in ten,” Alissa called out. “Now stop bothering me.”
Braxton re-read the most important part of the contract.
COMMISSION: as compensation for Manager’s services, Management will receive a commission equal to twenty percent (20%) of the gross income with respect to any and all engagements, contracts, and agreements contemplated hereunder, reasonably related to Artist’s career in the entertainment industry.
When he was satisfied everything was in order, he hit the send key. The contract was on its way to his admin so that legal could review it. He’d been trying to lock Jason Josephs into his new contract with the firm for a year now. He mentally made a note of how much he’d make from this contract and wondered why again he wasn’t doing this on his own. The company he worked for made 20 percent. He was lucky to get 3 percent of that. The amount of money he’d made for the company over the last two years was significant.
Braxton knew that his first year in the business was all about learning the ropes and getting his feet wet. However, he’d made a name for himself in the industry, and it was becoming like taking candy from a baby when he met with new clients. They understood he was sincere in his words and actions from the get-go. And, in the end, they knew he always had their best interests at heart and wouldn’t steer them wrong. Now he looked back at his career and couldn’t help but desire the profits.
He’d followed Paisley’s career as well. More often than not, he heard his peers talk about her and what a name she had made for herself.
It was the same thing when he spoke with colleagues on the east coast. Paxton had become well known in the industry. Braxton couldn’t help but wonder how dynamic the three of them would be together, which was why he’d been on edge, awaiting their arrival. He was ready to pitch them his idea over lunch. He was confident that together, the three of them could give this town a run for its money. The only piece missing in his plan was working capital and Paxton being open to the idea of moving back to the west coast.
The chime of the doorbell had Braxton pushing away from his desk and retreating from his office chair. His heart began to race—his childhood friends had arrived.
He stood at the entrance to his home office and breathed in, counting to ten, and then slowly released the air from his lungs. He did this a few times to slow his racing heart and get his emotions under control. His eyes closed for a moment as he silently begged the universe to help him seal the deal with his friends.
Braxton strolled around the corner, he found Alissa embracing Paisley. It had been a while since he’d seen the two of them together. Both wore smiles that stretched from ear to ear, the kind that radiated joy. Beside Paisley stood a man he’d never seen before. He was short, probably about five foot four, trim but not too thin, with red hair cut high and tight on the sides. Braxton froze in his tracks and his posture became defensive. Bet this guy has a napoleon complex. Braxton was already forming an opinion in his head about the man and it was that he was not worthy of his butterfly.
“Alissa, I’d like you to meet Peter.” Paisley stood aside. Peter reached out to shake Alissa’s hand, but she didn’t accept it. She reached out and wrapped her arms around him.
“Hugs.” She giggled as she pulled away. “I’m a hugger. Sorry about that.”
Peter's face was slightly pink. He glanced up briefly and met Braxton’s glare. If looks could kill he’d be dead already.
“So, you’re the infamous Peter.” Alissa pulled Peter’s attention back to her. “I’ve heard so much about you from Paisley. I’m so happy to meet you finally.”
Braxton decided it was time to introduce himself. His breathing quickened again as he walked over to the group. He stood a bit straighter, making sure that when he finally reached the newcomer he’d tower over the little guy. He was determined to intimidate this latest man in Paisley’s life.
“Without thinking, he moved closer to Paisley and wrapped a protective arm around her. “So, how long have you been dating my girl?”
Paisley stepped out from under Braxton’s hold. “I’m not your girl.”
Paxton walked through the open front door, popping into view. Braxton’s anger quickly subsided at the sight of his best friend.
“DUDE! Finding parking around here sucks.” Paxton’s voice echoed through the condo as he closed the gap between his childhood friend and him. “I can’t believe it’s been two years.
“If you’d come home for the holiday’s it wouldn’t have been an issue.” Braxton chortled back.
Both men stood there looking at each other, unsure of what should come next. A handshake? Maybe the bro hug? After a few moments, Braxton was done with the awkwardness and reached out and embraced his friend in a manly hug, then slapped him on the back. He didn’t want to look like a pussy in front of Paisley’s puny boyfriend.
“I’ve missed your face, Paxton. Who’s the douche with your sister?” Braxton whispered in Paxton’s ear as he
