Chapter 1
**Audrey’s P.O.V**
I am sitting in my first business meeting as the mystery woman behind “The Disciples” grand come back. To say I am nervous, is probably sugarcoating it. However, I know better than to let my emotions get the best of me and let the bloodthirsty sharks eat me up alive. *Wouldn’t they love it!*
I put on my “bad-ass” façade and look at every single person sitting around me straight in the eyes, including “The Disciples”.
“Welcome aboard, Miss Michaels!” the middle aged, overly dressed woman offers me a fake smile, if I’ve ever seen one.
“Thank you Lucy! Audrey will do, though. I prefer a first name basis, since we’ll be working closely, won’t we?” I return the smile and she forces a nod. I swear I can feel Drew chuckle across from me, but I don’t pay him any more attention than necessary.
“Very well then.” She proceeds handing out files to everyone. The boys don’t even bother to open it, watching me expectantly like I hold the answers to the universe.
In case you’re wondering how I ended up here, let me go back two months ago and quickly sum it up for you. Drew came to my door the night of the album release. The clock ticked midnight and he handed me my birthday gift. I was in no position to play hard to get, so I accepted the offer, but I didn’t do it out of selfishness. I did it for the band and I did it for my son. They all deserved a better future and here I am, the manager of “The Disciples”, working as a full-time babysitter for five rock-stars, while they volunteer as full-time babysitters for my son.
As for Drew and me, we still haven’t worked out our differences regarding our relationship, though we are both adults and know how to separate personal from professional. We are on talking terms, but as a manager and her client. Maybe sometimes I may be willing to stretch it a little on the friend side, but I am not ready to go beyond that.
“Lucy,” Drew’s voice makes me raise a brow, not knowing what to expect from him. “We are trusting our manager with the decision on this one.” He hints at the contract renewal sitting in front of each of us.
“Of course you are.” She tries to smile, but can sense our lack of interest in her offer.
“I’m going to break it to you straight, Lucy. We are all professionals here, so let’s rip the band aid fast.” I raise from my seat, not bothering to take the file with me.
“The Disciples are not renewing the contract with you. They are rebranded, top trending and unfortunately, sticking to the same old clauses I see here, won’t do it for them this time. It was a pleasure doing business!” I offer her a nod and head for the door. The sound of chairs scratching the floor fills the room as the boys follow suit behind me.
“But…” Lucy’s voice gets muted by the door closing behind our backs. Way to make an exit!
“Oh my fucking GOD!” D.D declares ecstatic once we enter the elevator. “Did you guys see her face? It was priceless!”
“I can’t let you settle for that. Not on my watch!” I smile heartily at them.
“I can’t believe it took us so long to realize this.” Jeremy circles his finger indicating them and me.
“Yeah! We were putting up with that asshole for longer than necessary.” Bono chimes in
“Thank you!” Drew tries to rub my arm, which I tactfully avoid with a smile.
“Just doing my job.”
“Of course” he does nothing to hide the sigh escaping his lips.
The doors of their “freedom” open and we walk outside, heading across the street to the glass building towering in front of us. **“Paradise Records”.** The place I’ve been avoiding like the plague is going to become an important part of my life and this time, I walk inside willingly and with my head up high. I steal a glance behind my shoulder, not able to ignore the heart beating loudly in my chest. My boys walk closely behind me, entrusting me to lead them. The only thought that occupies my mind is: *They are my family. I am where I belong.*
