Spite Crush (Rock Hard #2)

Chapter Twenty-Six

~Kellen~

“Did Zak Dempsey’s cock fuck you absolutely senseless?” Ford yelled. “Because this might actually be the stupidest thing you’ve ever done. And that is really fucking saying something.”

“Ford, that’s enough!’ Craig slammed his hand on the table so hard we all jumped at the sound. “You signed the fucking contract. Kellen has every right to end the partnership. ”

When I’d asked them to meet me at my place, I sort of expected them to know what it was about. They’d all been aware that I had a meeting with the head of the label.

Had Ford really believed I went to talk about a new album?

Honestly, I wasn’t shocked by his reaction. I knew he was going to be pissed at me. But the fact that he didn’t see it coming was a little surprising. Hell, he didn’t even like me anymore. Why wouldn’t he want to be free of me ?

“We started HSF together,” Ford said, glaring at me. “You can’t just take it away from us.”

“Yes, I can,” I reminded him. “You’ll still receive royalties for album sales. And you’re free of me now, too. All you do is complain about me. I honestly thought you’d be glad it’s over.”

“We’re the biggest rock band in the world!” Ford let out a humorless chuckle. “Why would I want that to end?”

“This conversation is pointless,” I said. “I wanted to do you guys the courtesy of telling you in person instead of having my lawyer contact you. Maybe that was a mistake.”

“No, we appreciate you talking to us yourself,” Craig said. “I know this isn’t easy for you.”

I wish I knew if he was being kind to me because he actually cared, or because he knew there was a chance I’d be able to use him again in the future and he didn’t want to screw up his chances.

Craig Casper was the ultimate manager. He knew how to move chess pieces around a board better than anyone I’d ever met. Which had been great for our business but left me confused and unsure if I could ever truly trust him.

“I don’t appreciate shit,” Ford said. “You’re fucking us over and acting like you’re doing us a favor. God, could you be any bigger of a prick? I always thought you were just stupid. But maybe you had us all fooled.”

Tim was oddly silent through all of this. He was sitting in a chair with his arms on his knees, staring at his hands clasped in front of him. He hadn’t looked at any of us since I’d made the announcement, and I couldn’t tell what he might be thinking. But I was just glad he wasn’t yelling at me, too.

“Ford, you should leave,” Craig said calmly. “I think it’s time you went and started your podcast now.”

“That…is an excellent idea,” Ford said. He pushed away from the wall and walked out, slamming the door shut behind him.

“Kellen,” Tim said softly, finally looking up at me. “That was a mistake. ”

“Look, Tim, I’m sorry. I know you probably think this isn’t fair.” I was so relieved that when he finally spoke he wasn’t screaming. I wasn’t sure I could take a round two of that.

“It’s not that,” Tim insisted, getting to his feet and walking closer to me. “I totally understand why you want to finish this. I’m not even mad about it. I feel bad that you didn’t think you could come to me, but that’s my fault. I let Ford drag me into his bullshit and we weren’t supportive of you. But he’s…I’m worried about what he’s going to do. ”

“What can he do to me now?” I asked. “We’re done.”

“Maybe you are a little stupid,” Tim said, but there was no bite in his tone. “It’s not about what he can do to you.”

Oh God.

I was stupid.

“Well, do I run after him?” I asked, just as all of our phones started chirping with notifications. “What did he do…call a reporter from my fucking driveway? ”

Craig went for his phone first, swiping it open and scrolling for a minute before looking up at me with the most apologetic look I’d ever seen on his face.

“I’m so sorry,” Tim said softly as he scrolled a finger over his screen. “Kellen, I should have—"

“No, this is on me.” I opened my own phone and read Ford’s social media post. “Well…fuck.”