Free Something True by Malia Mallory Page A

album.” Liam hid his irritation, hoping to minimize Rob’s reaction.
    Rob slammed his bottle down on the table. “What? No freaking way. What’s going on? Who told you that?”
    “David. David told us,” Sean said.
    “You two talked to David. Without me. What the hell?”
    Liam moved the bottle out of Rob’s reach. “Don’t get all paranoid. We’re telling you now. He let us know what the label is thinking—their concerns about the album.”
    “That’s bullshit. There’s nothing wrong with the album.”
    “I know. I know. It is, but making a few changes will go a long way toward reassuring them about the tour.” As soon as the words left his mouth, Liam knew he’d said the wrong thing.
    Rob’s head jerked. “What reassurances do they need about the tour?”
    “There are some concerns,” Liam said.
    “Who has concerns? What concerns?” Rob looked ready to explode.
    Liam took a step back. “That you are ready to tour. Ready for the pressures of a tour.”
    “Where the hell is this coming from?” Rob demanded.
    “Don’t get upset. You just came out of rehab. It’s only natural that there would be questions.” Liam exhaled, searching for the right words that would take the sting out of the situation for Rob.
    “You’ve been to rehab.” Rob stabbed his finger in Liam’s direction.
    “Yeah, but I didn’t just get out. Plus, you’ve been partying pretty hard since you got out.”
    “There is no way we’re pushing off this tour. I need the money, man. I could lose my house.” Rob flopped back on the sofa.
    “How is that possible? No, wait. I don’t want to know.” Rob had blown eight figures on a ten bedroom house, which he’d promptly turned into a huge man cave.
    “I’m depending on the money. I got guys I have to pay.”
    “Guys? Rob …”
    Rob held up his hand. “Don’t push me. I don’t want to talk about it. We didn’t all get to make a successful solo album.”
    Liam rubbed his forehead. Rob still hadn’t let go of his resentment over Liam making an album by himself. “Rob, we’re letting you know. I know you’re good.”
    “ You’re letting me know. Sean hasn’t said a damn thing. Sean?”
    Sean shrugged. “The stuff about the tracks is BS. We all know it. The suits are trying to exert control. As for the other, I don’t know.”
    “You don’t know?” Rob snapped.
    Sean took a swig of his beer. “That’s what I said. I don’t know.”
    “I don’t need this shit.” Rob moved toward the door.
    Liam swore. “Don’t go. That’s exactly the kind of thing that makes people nervous, man. You fly off the handle and no one knows what’s going to happen.”
    Rob turned toward Liam. “You want me to go, don’t you? You guys want to replace me.”
    “No. We don’t. Dude, just stop. Pull yourself together. Show everyone they’re wrong. Do that .”
    Rob straightened. “Fine. I will.”

Chapter 7
    His neck itched and Liam ran his finger under the collar of his shirt. His attorney insisted on suit and tie. She said it would look better and score points with the judge.
    “All rise.”
    Liam’s mind wandered as preliminaries about the case were hashed out. His attorney touched his arm and he looked up.
    “So, Mr. Smith. Your attorney submits that you reached a settlement with the restaurant owner and it’s been paid. Is that correct?” The judge looked right down her nose at him, her disapproval was palpable.
    “Yes, Your Honor.” Shit. Had David been right? Was he in bigger trouble than he thought?
    The judge tapped the paper in front of her. “I see you’ve also been engaged in charitable work?”
    “Yes, KC’s Kidz is a charity which brings music to kids in the hospital.”
    “All right. Tests show you were free of alcohol and drugs at the time of the accident. Cause appears to be excessive speed. Is that correct?”
    Liam hesitated and his attorney nodded. “Yes, Your Honor.”
    “I see you also wrecked a very nice car. A Porsche. I imagine