Chart Toppers (Star Maker Book 3) Read online

  “It’s hard to get up in the morning. I’m drinking more than I probably should. I fight with my brother daily. Danny’s good at what he does, and he’s an asset to our team on the tour, but it’s just like we’re kids all over again. Jimmy and I keep fighting too. He’s having problems with Diana. Tony and Amy are getting a divorce, so he’s been a real peach to deal with. Remo’s partying like there’s no tomorrow with a constant line of groupies at his disposal. And on top of all that, the fans want a piece of us at any cost.

  “I’m away from you. I’m away from my family. It’s too hard. It’s all too much. It’s never been this bad before. I feel really unstable like I’m gonna crack, babe. I don’t like that feeling.”

  She got up and sat on his chaise lounge in front of him, taking him into her arms. He buried his face in her the crick of her neck and sobbed softly. She stroked his back. She’d seen him exhausted before but never to this extent and she was concerned. “What do you want to do, babe?”

  He finally looked up at her and put his sunglasses back on hastily in hopes of masking his tear filled eyes. He sighed. “I dunno. I honestly do not know. We can’t cancel dates. All I know is that each one of us feeling it, and it’s not good. We’re getting along, but barely. The tension is mounting more and more every day. They hate me.”

  Kit frowned. “They don’t hate you.”

  “Ok, then. They’re jealous of all the attention I’m getting.”

  She chuckled and stroked his cheek gently. “Babe, you’re the frontman and the frontman always gets more attention. You run the show for them; you’re right out front in the spotlight. You’re more visible to fans because you’re engaging with them every night. You’re the one telling them to sing along to the song.

  “The average fan is not a musician like we are, baby. They’re not going to be vibing with the musicians in the band. They’re going to be vibing with you. They’re not blown away by that super cool, difficult riff that Remo just played or that interesting, unique chord progression that Jimmy wrote and plays brilliantly ever night. They’re just thinking, wow, Sully is cool. He’s making this fun, it’s entertaining and the band sounds good. That’s all that’s going through their minds, babe. That’s how it works.”

  He shook his head. “Try telling them that.”

  She put her hands on his arms to brace him. “Babe, you’re going to get through this. You’re a superstar. It’s only five more months. You can do it. I know you can.”

  He chuckled. “Is this the whole ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,’ speech? Have we reduced ourselves to overused clichés?”

  She sighed. “Baby, you are never going to be able to live with yourself if you decide to half-ass it for the rest of the tour, or even worse, back out. I know how you are. You’re a perfectionist. You push hard to make your performances the best they can be, and you succeed. Why do you think every show is sold out? You and the guys kill it every time because of your leadership. Yours, ok? Each tour you’ve gotten stronger, and now you’re at the top of your game. And we both know that getting to the top is the easy part. Staying there is the challenge. That’s where you’re at.”

  He lay back down and shook his head. “I want to stop being Sully Foxx for a while.”

  She teased. “So… you want me to start calling you Patrick, babe?”

  He chuckled. “That’s not what I meant and you know it. I want to escape from this rock star world for like a year or something and be able to go to the supermarket without bodyguards or a clever disguise or being fully accosted.”

  She shook her head. “Those days are way over, baby. You’re going to have to suck it up and ride the wave while the tide is in because one day, the tide will go back out. You’ll be wondering why some other band or singer is getting all the attention. Be careful what you wish for. Be grateful for how things are right now, honey.”

  He nodded. “I know. I want to expand creatively beyond this rock star thing. I feel like it’s only one dimension of me. I really liked those bit acting parts that I did before we started recording ‘Triple Tango.’ I was studying with that acting coach I met through Dahlia years and years ago.”

  She grinned. “And you did well with both those parts. In fact, you have a lot of offers for stuff like that. I haven’t mentioned it because you’re tied up for the next five months. If that’s something you want to do, it’s out there waiting for you. Because you’ve been working with that acting coach for a long while now, you’re probably ready to take on some meatier roles.”

  He shot her a look. “I don’t want to play a rock star. Anything but.”

  She giggled. “Ok. Then you’ll play a porn star?”

  He laughed and raised his eyebrows. “I’m flattered that you think I even can. I’m gonna have to pass on the porn star thing. I have no desire to have sex with anyone else, first off. And also, that wouldn’t be good with the fans under eighteen.”

  She chuckled. “I agree.” She met his eyes. “Want me to give Simon a call?”

  He propped himself up on his elbows and stared at her blankly. “You have got to be kidding me right now. Call your ex-boyfriend? Why?”

  She shook her head and giggled. “Because, he had told me ages ago when you did have a bit part that he could get you hooked up for bigger roles. And, baby, Simon and I were never that serious. Remember, I dumped him for you and he knew it was coming.”

  Sully raised his eyebrows, suddenly intrigued. “He knew it was coming? How?”

  “Babe, is this really important? It’s in the past. Let’s leave it there. I thought we were talking about your possible acting career.”

  He shook his head. “Hold on that for a minute and answer my question.”

  She sighed. “Simon said when he saw us together backstage at the Madison Square Garden show in ‘89 he knew that his days with me were numbered. He noticed our connection. He was cool about it when we broke up. And besides, he’s engaged right now, babe. He’s totally happy. He was at our wedding y’know.”

  He nodded slowly. “Oh, I know that. I remember seeing him there. He’s engaged now? How do you know that? Do you guys still talk all the time?”

  She chuckled. “No. I ran into him, and he mentioned it. I’m sure we’ll be invited to the wedding, and if it happens after the tour, we’re going. It will be a good networking opportunity for you. He has major connections. And don’t forget that Lew is heading up Diamond Pictures. Don’t worry, baby. We’ll work it all out. These upcoming five months are going to fly right by and before you know it, we’re going to be right back out here catching some rays together. You’ll be figuring out which roles you want to take on.”

  He grinned. “Mmm, I like that idea.” He pulled her toward him, and she glued herself to his side in hopes of not falling off the chaise lounge that wasn’t built to accommodate two people.

  She nodded. “I like that idea too. You’re a good actor, babe.”

  “Thank you.” He laid there with her in his arms, thinking back over the last few years, specifically the last two. “Kind of crazy to think that we’re approaching our two year wedding anniversary. Best day of my life.” He planted a kiss atop her head.

  She snuggled closer to him. “Me too. Two years sure have gone by quickly.”

  He nodded. “Two amazing years and it just keeps getting better.”

  CHAPTER 18

  Kit and Giselle were both frantic, answering and returning calls plus managing faxes that were pouring in. Kit had recently hired another assistant, Lila, to help Giselle direct the workload that had quadrupled. They were headed into Grammy week, and everything had reached a whole new level of crazy.

  Because of all the nominations, Kit was on everyone’s radar. She had invitations to every Grammy party known to man, gift baskets a plenty and champagne galore. Lila struggled to keep up, answering the door to bring in gifts and grabbing any overflow calls that Kit and Giselle weren’t able to field.

  Since the band was on the road, Kit had
planned to accept the award for them if they won and she hoped they did. Spencer and Giselle planned to accompany her to the awards show and upon receiving her tickets, she realized that Lew Diamond, Pete Lundy, and Jonathan Diamond were all sitting behind her. She felt more secure with the extra support.

  Getting a recap on the latest from the radio station in Alabama from Bill Sykes, Gypsy Tango’s attorney, didn’t delight her. They were suing for damages, and the station was completely unwilling to settle. She could feel her normal calm, cool demeanor slipping away and immediately refocused on being rational.

  As she was pitching another negotiation strategy to Bill, her stylist walked in holding her gown with Giselle in tow. They stood there staring at her, waiting for her to finish the call. When she learned Bill had already tried that approach, her anger peaked. The last words out of her mouth were curt, “Ok then, we’ll see them court. I gotta go.”

  She slammed down the phone, huffed and turned to face the stylist, instantly shifting her attitude to a positive one and putting on a smile. “Hello, ladies. And how can I help you?”

  The stylist laughed. Giselle chuckled. “Strip. You need to try this dress on and make sure it fits for Wednesday.”

  Kit laughed and promptly started taking off her clothes. She looked at Giselle. “I’m sure you just heard my last comment with Bill. As soon as we have a court date, Sully’s doctors need to be there, and there’s a good chance we’ll have to get him there for the day. I’m not sure how that’s all going to work logistically, but it will somehow by the grace of God.”

  Giselle nodded in acknowledgment as she rushed over to her desk to answer the phone. The stylist followed Kit out of her office and upstairs to her bedroom where there was a full-length mirror. She was pleased with her reflection and had a brief conversation with the stylist before she jumped onto another phone call.

  Kit finished the call and hung up the gown in her closet. She was about to put a new set of clothes on when she heard Giselle come through on the intercom. “Kit! Sully on one and Sean on two.”

  She grabbed her bathrobe, hastily threw it on and sprinted down the stairs. She ran into the office and looked at Giselle. “What’s going on? What happened?”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “I dunno, but they’re both saying it’s urgent.”

  Kit sighed. “Dammit! Ok. I’ll talk to Sully on one, and you pull info out of Sean on two.” She hit the button for line one and played everything off like the mania of the day didn’t exist. “Hey, baby. What’s up? Is everything ok with the London shows so far? G said it was urgent.”

  His voice sounded more gravely and hoarse than usual after a show, and Kit instantly felt a pang of concern in her gut. He sighed. “Babe, something’s wrong. I need you here.”

  “Honey, tell me what’s going on. I can’t just drop everything and come out there. Talk to me.”

  “See, that’s the issue. I’m having problems with my voice and my throat. I shouldn’t even be talking right now.”

  “Does your throat hurt?”

  “Yes, like hell.”

  Kit forced herself to remain calm. She hoped it was only an infection or strep throat. “Have you seen a doctor? Do you have a throat infection? Remember when that happened to you in Tallahassee that one time? Maybe it’s just that, baby.”

  He spoke flatly, annoyed at her lack of understanding. “It’s not. I know. I can feel the difference. I want my doctor… and I want you here too.”

  She sighed. “I’ll talk to Sean about getting Dr. Franklin out there for you.”

  “And what about you?”

  “Baby, you know I would love to be out there on the road with you, but I can’t right now. I have to go accept your Grammy in a few days.”

  He chuckled and backed down. “I like the sounds of that. Ok, babe. It was worth a shot. You know I’d love to talk to you all night, but I have to rest my voice. We’re only halfway through the Hammersmith Odeon shows, and I have no idea how I’m going to make it. I think I should stop talking.”

  “That’s a good place to start. It’s worked for you in the past. I love you so much, honey. You know that I would be there if I could.”

  “I know, babe. I love you too.”

  Kit hung up the phone and looked over at Giselle, who pointed to her to signal she was sending Sean’s call over. She answered immediately. “So, Sully’s voice is going. What’s happening exactly?”

  “He called you even though he wasn’t supposed to, huh?”

  “Of course he did. Think of who were talking about here.”

  Sean sighed. “Kit, it’s not looking good. He’s in bad shape. It’s worse than how he was the last time. Can you get his specialist out here?”

  “Yeah. I’ll get his specialist and a voice coach out there.”

  “Can you come out?”

  She frowned. Sean very rarely asked her to join them on the road. “What? Did I just hear you correctly? You want me to come out? Why? Sully’s a big boy. He can handle this. Is his back bothering him again too?”

  “No, his back is doing quite well. Kit, the wheels are starting to come off. The gents aren’t getting on well.”

  Her frustration was increasing by the second as she shook her head. “So? They always fight once we get deep into a tour.”

  His tone was somber. “Not like this, Kit. This is a personal request from me to you. Can you please come back out on the road? You’re their lead manager and to be perfectly frank with you, they need you right now.”

  She sighed. “Right now? Their timing is impeccable. I can’t leave today. I’ve got the Grammy’s. They’re up for an award for chrissakes! I can’t just blow off the awards ceremony. I already committed to accepting the award for them. I can’t flake on it. I’m well known in this industry and if I’m a no show it will look really bad for everyone.”

  “I know. The timing is shitty. Stay in town, get the award and then get your ass out here.”

  Kit raised her eyebrows. She had never heard Sean be firm with her. “Ok. Giselle and I will fly out after the Grammy parties. I can’t blow those off either. I have to make an appearance. It’s part of my new duties at Diamond, and it benefits the guys in a lot of ways. We’ll make sure to have a jet gassed up and waiting. I’d imagine we’ll probably be in the air by two or three in the morning.”

  “Which puts you here about ten or eleven p.m. local time. Works for me. Thanks, Kit. This is going to help more than you realize. How long can you stay out on the road?”

  She shook her head, trying to deny this was happening while knowing full well it was and completely out of her control. “How long do I need to be? If it’s as bad as you say it is, I’d imagine a week won’t cut it.”

  “No, ‘cuz they’ll be on their best behavior while you’re here. If you can stay a month, that’ll give you enough time to see the cracks and hopefully circumvent world war three.”

  She sighed. “Ok, Sean. You got it. G will call you later with details. See you soon.”

  “Yeah. Good luck at the Grammy’s. Hope we have a win.”

  Kit nodded. “Me too.” She hung up the phone and looked at Giselle, who was waiting in anticipation. “G, we’re going to London after the Grammy’s. Pack your bags. We’re out on the road with the boys for a month.

  “We’re finishing out the London shows, doing the South American leg and the beginning of the final leg. And yes, we’ll be in Rio for five days. I’ll need you to be our lead translator for press conferences, interviews, fans backstage, and etcetera. Also, we have a week long break in the middle of those shows so call your family ‘cuz you’ll be able to see ‘em if you want.”

  She nodded, still jotting notes, yet grinning from ear to ear, excited to be going back to her home with time to see her family. She finally looked up. “Ok. Anything else?”

  Kit glanced at the schedule on her computer screen. “Oh damn.” She shook her head and then shifted her attention back to Giselle. “Call Moira, please. Tell her I’m sorry,
but I have to cancel… again.”

  She frowned. “Cancel?” She pulled up the schedule on her computer and nodded. “Ok. This doctor meeting thingy? You put this in here on your own, didn’t you?” She wagged her finger and joked. “Don’t do that!” She giggled and noticed the saddened expression in Kit’s eyes. Her grin faded as she gently inquired, hoping Moira wasn’t ill and seeking a specialist in Los Angeles. “What is it?”

  She sat down and sighed. “A meeting for the foundation. Moira made mention a while ago that a local doctor, I think he’s a surgeon or something, made a very generous donation to our foundation. They started corresponding, and he offered to start doing introductions to others in the medical community in hopes of helping her expand the foundation.”

  Giselle nodded and approached Kit’s desk with her notebook in hand, taking a seat. “Ok.”

  She continued. “At the time, Moira was flattered but didn’t have the bandwidth to act on it. She was in Chicago, and the L.A. office hadn’t opened yet. Fast forward a few months, and we get Tabitha on board and settled in. She and Moira finally meet with this doctor guy and things start moving forward in a big way. He’s well connected. Contributions and support are pouring in from every direction, even beyond the L.A. area. We have that office in Palo Alto now because of him.”

  Giselle was intrigued and tilted her head to the side. “Who is this doctor guy? You said he’s local. Is he private practice or does he work at one of the big hospitals?”

  Kit frowned and rolled her emerald eyes upward, desperate to recall what Moira had told her months before. She drew a blank temporarily and then was only able to recall a few small details.

  She grinned and pointed at Giselle. “He works at one of the big local hospitals in L.A. but don’t ask me which one, ‘cuz I have no idea.” She cringed trying to jog her memory and shook her head knowing she was at a loss for any additional details.

  She chuckled. “The guy’s a surgeon. Can’t remember what kind. Anyway, they meet once a quarter. According to Moira and Tabitha, the foundation has gained close to seven figures in six months, and they attribute it to this doctor guy using his pull in the medical community. Their next quarterly meeting is Tuesday.