Free Light My Fire by Abby Reynolds

The fantasy was sick and perverted but I couldn’t help it. I wanted to be with Prudence, the woman I loved.
    When I was finished, I laid in the darkness. My breathing was deep and heavy. Then the depression hung on my shoulders. I was alone. I had no idea where Prudence was, she had no idea I loved her, and I wasn’t sure if I’d ever see her again. And that was enough to make my eyes burn with tears.

Chapter Thirteen
    ♬
    Prudence Clearwater
    As the weeks wore on, I enjoyed spending time with Dean. He was a godsend. I felt a million times better living with him than I would anywhere else. And he made me feel safe and respected. It was a rare feeling.
    “We have a few things to do to get the ball rolling.”
    “Like what?” I asked. I ate my pancakes then poured more syrup on top.
    “Well, you need to have a try-out.”
    “What?” I looked at him quizzica lly. “A try out for who?”
    “The record company.”
    “But you’re the owner…”
    Dean rolled his eyes. “It’s politics.”
    I didn’t like the sound of that.
    “We need to have you sing for some of the board members. After that, we need to head to New York and meet the people in the office there. Believe me, you won’t regret it later. You need to make nice with everyone. It makes life easier to live.”
    “Dean, I’m horrible at politics.”
    “Which is why you have me.” He gave me a reassuring smile. “I’ll take care of you, Pru. No one will take advantage of you, not under my nose.”
    I believed him.
    “Which brings me to my next question.”
    I hoped it was a good question.
    “Traditionally, you have a separate agent. I work directly with them and they organize all your events, your concerts, publicity, all the boring stuff. I was hoping I could be your agent and manager, as well as your record producer.”
    Wow. That was a lot of responsibility. “It sounds like a lot of work.”
    “I know. I wouldn’t offer that to just anybody.”
    I hoped his request was genuine. What if he was taking advantage of me?
    He eyed me. “You still don’t trust me.” He looked hurt.
    “No, it’s nothing like that.”
    “Then explain.” The joy in his voice was gone.
    “I—I hear my brother’s voice in my head.”
    Dean rubbed his chin, looking confused. “I’m not following.”
    “Sorry. My brother is a business investor. And he’s wary of money. Any time money is involved, it changes people. Unless someone really loves you, they can’t be trusted.”
    “I can understand your hesitance.” He pushed his plate away. “I’m one of the wealthiest men in the country. This house is just one of the few I own. I summer in New York, and I have houses along the coast, as well as in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Italy and France. I’m not desperate for money.”
    My brother’s voice returned. “He said being rich makes you greedy. Why settle for less money when you can have more?”
    He eyed me. “Your brother is extremely wise—and right. But I can assure you, that’s not my intention. And you know what I think you should do? So you’ll st op questioning me at every turn?” His voice was somewhat cold.
    “What?”
    “Involve your brother. Have him read all the contracts, meet me, and get involved in your career. He can advise you on your decisions.”
    That wasn’t a bad idea…if I hadn’t called him practically sobbing on the phone. And he had his own life in London. I couldn’t just pull him from that. “Uh…”
    “What?”
    “My brother doesn’t live here.”
    “London?”
    “Yeah.”
    He nodded. “Let me know what you want to do.”
    I sighed. I wished I never met Cash. This would be so much easier. I wouldn’t be so damn depressed. He would be a perfect person to ask. He worked in this line of work on a daily basis and I knew I could trust him. He’d understand it was purely business. I don’t know. I’ll think about it.
    “Pru, what are you going to do?”
    That brought me back to reality. “I’ll