Diva (Ironclad Bodyguards Book 2) (25 page)

I won’t write again, unless you write to me.

Ransom

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Lola M. Reynolds

([email protected])

May 21 10:32 AM

Ransom,

I haven’t really felt like writing to you. I kind of still hate you, but I miss you too.

Things here are okay. I played a small venue last night, the first show since Barcelona. I thought I’d be more nervous but once I was up there, everything got easier. My bodyguard stood on the side of the stage, like you used to. He’s very chill. His name is Caleb and we’re NOT sleeping together. I know that will make you proud.

Lola

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Ransom Gutierrez

([email protected])

May 22 3:52 PM

Dear Lola,

I am indeed proud to learn you’re not sleeping with Caleb. Is it your willpower keeping you apart, or his?

Just kidding. I know you’ve grown past your bodyguard-seducing stage. I still remember what you talked about on the plane, about being different. Hope you’re staying true to yourself. Are you working with any other bodyguards? Maybe I know them.

I’m glad to hear your first gig back went well. I knew it would. I try to keep up with you in the news, not in a stalker way, but because I always enjoyed watching you perform. I know, I know, I hated the music, but you were so energetic. Are you still energetic? Getting enough sleep? Taking care of your health? My soul singer could take a few lessons from you. I can’t gossip about clients but she’s a hot mess. I’ll leave it at that.

Are you still playing your guitar and writing songs? I’m waiting for my track.

Ransom

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Lola M. Reynolds

([email protected])

May 26 12:01 PM

Ransom,

The only bodyguard I ever tried to seduce is you. Just sayin. And the other bodyguards are William and Aaron, but it’s usually Caleb, since he lives closest to Hollywood Hills. William’s okay, kind of bug-eyed, like there’s danger around every corner. Aaron is built like a bulldozer and wears light blue suits. My friends call him Great Blue Aaron. Get it? Like Great Blue Heron?

I’ve started going out again to parties and nightclubs, but I behave myself. No drugs. I get panicky now in big crowds. When I see people getting wound up during dance sets, I run for the outskirts because I don’t want to get caught up in it, or if I’m playing the set, I feel like I have to dial things down. It kind of sucks. I can’t believe I used to jump into the audience and crowd-surf. Why did you let me do that? Haha.

I still miss you. I’m still angry you left. I guess I’ll get over it. What does the ‘J’ stand for in your name? Just curious.

I haven’t recorded any guitar songs yet.

Lola

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Ransom Gutierrez

([email protected])

May 29 2:03 AM

Dear Lola,

The J in my name stands for Javier. And I know Aaron, he’s exactly as you describe. The other two are new to me. As long as they’re keeping you safe…

I’m happy to hear you’re being careful. I’m sorry about the nervousness. I expect you’ll feel a little anxious about rowdy audiences for the rest of your life. Did you see that MadDance and Danzamia are suing each other? The whole situation is sad. I hope you, at least, are happy. Write again soon.

Ransom

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Ransom Gutierrez

([email protected])

June 5 1:45 AM

Dear Lola,

Haven’t heard from you in a while. Hope everything’s good in L.A.

I miss you, kiddo.

Write again soon.

Ransom

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Lola M. Reynolds

([email protected])

June 21 3:37 PM

Hi Ransom,

Sorry I haven’t written in so long. The thing is, I got really busy. NOT fucking my bodyguard, I promise. What happened was that I finally did what you suggested and recorded some of my songs, and played them for some friends. They liked them!

Then I thought, hey, maybe I can do both. Maybe I can put out some techno tracks and then some folksier albums. I’ve been writing a lot of emo shit. I know, big surprise, but I think the songs sound okay.

So THEN I re-recorded and remastered them and uploaded a few to a secure site. I’m going to see if I can put together some kind of album concept and pitch it to the folks at my label, you know, like “The Other Side of Paradise.” My agent says I’m crazy but I’m going to try.

And I know you asked me so many times for some recordings so here you go. Maybe you can listen and let me know what you think. Here’s the link: Lola’s Emo Shit

Lola

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Ransom Gutierrez

([email protected])

June 22 10:47 AM

Dear Lola,

Your songs are amazing. The world needs them. Don’t listen to your agent, just follow your heart.

And upload more music for me. Three songs aren’t enough.

Ransom

P.S. Happy birthday. You can legally drink now. But don’t.

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Lola M. Reynolds

([email protected])

June 25 1:07 PM

Hi Ransom,

I have more songs recorded, just haven’t uploaded yet. Do you really like them? Thanks for the birthday wishes. I haven’t been drinking, because I’ve been too obsessed with songwriting. It’s so different from organizing beats! It’s like opening up the other side of my soul. I still like the first side, but this side needs air too sometimes. Does that make any sense?

And you know, I think my pop would have loved this music. He loved anything with feeling in it. God, I’m so excited about these songs. I have an appointment with the brass at Vanguard this Monday at noon, just to sound things out.