Whiskey Bent & Hellbound *AU*

Chapter 2

Six weeks later

Chase's POV

I paced anxiously in the lavish waiting room, reciting my speech in my head. Ryan was being released from rehab in a week and it had taken me all of this time to formulate a plan for after his release. This had to work because I was running out of options.

As expected, news of Ryan being in rehab did not go over that well with the record label, although it wasn't as bad as I expected. Some things I had omitted, like the DUI and my paying off officials. That was for my protection more than anything. But I did admit that Ryan had been picked up for reckless driving and charges were dropped when he agreed to enter a rehab facility to get his life back under control.

Jimmie Johnson, CEO of Victory Records had expressed his disappointment, and I actually felt a twinge of guilt. Jimmie was a good guy who truly cared about his artists and wanted nothing more than for them to succeed, especially considering their success meant success for the label.

Denny Hamlin, senior Vice President, on the other hand wanted Ryan let go immediately. His contract terminated on the spot. Denny had no room to talk because his vices were way worse than Ryan's. Denny liked the white powder. He also had a thing for high priced escorts and some weird kinks. I knew about this because I had helped to supply some of his habits after he had fired his last supplier in a fit of rage because the last escort the guy had picked up for him was a redhead and Denny flat out didn't like redheads. The guy was a prick, but he couldn't fight too hard for Ryan's dismissal because I had so much dirt on him and he had nothing on me. Another reason I kept my little bribery to myself.

Joey Logano, Junior Vice President was adamant that the label stick with Ryan. Not surprising, because Joey and Ryan were buds. Joey was also very laid back and personable. Probably because he had a thing for weed. He said it kept him happy. I had so much dirt on these guys, except for Jimmie, who was clean as a whistle.

After some discussion, Jimmie agreed with me that Ryan should have another chance, but he was now on probation and Jimmie had made it abundantly clear that he was my responsibility. I had to keep him in line or he was out on his ass and Denny didn't hesitate to let me know that he would personally blackball Ryan with every other label. Jackass.

Ryan needed a girlfriend. Not just any girl, but a squeaky clean girl. Someone who could help him turn his image around because there were already rumors floating around that Ryan was in rehab, despite his statement of being on doctor ordered vocal rest. Further rumors were fueled by Ryan's absence from an industry party where he was not even going to be performing. I diffused the situation by saying that in addition to vocal rest, Ryan was taking a much needed break between tours and was writing a new album, but he would be ready to go when the next leg of his tour began and we were busy lining up some new opening acts. I even fabricated some "updates" from Ryan, by posting some pre recorded material since I had access to all of his social media accounts. What can I say...I'm very good at my job. I had prepared for this.

That leads me to why I am here in the reception area for a very well known, very well respected figure in the country music industry.

The idea had come to me when I was scouring the country music gossip sites for any damaging information on Ryan. The headline quickly caught my attention.

Country music sweetheart Madison Page and longtime watermelon farmer boyfriend call it quits.

Normally, I would have scrolled right on by, but this could be big. Madison Page was exactly what I needed. What Ryan needed. There was no one more pure. More respected in this town or business than Madison Page. Not only was she squeaky clean, but she was a do-gooder. Her crusade was homeless animals. She volunteered at various shelters in the area. She ran fundraising campaigns, ads urging everyone to "adopt don't shop." Her social media pages were filled with pictures of animals seeking homes. She even offered to pay adoption fees for prospective owners.

The only problem was she and Ryan despised each other. The label attempted to capitalize on their mutual popularity and have them record a duet together. It didn't go well. Ryan had shown up late and hung over. And Madison, who had an impeccable work ethic decided she couldn't work with Ryan who could care less about work ethic. I was fairly confident that I could smooth things over. Madison was a female after all. I'm sure I can charm her into agreeing.

"Mr. Elliott, Mr. Harvick will see you now." The receptionist spoke, bringing me out of my thoughts. I took a deep breath, and reminded myself who I was going to be speaking to. I've got this. I stepped through the door that the receptionist had opened.

"Chase. Damn it's good to see you son. How have you been?" Kevin Harvick greeted me with a warm handshake and a brief hug before turning to his receptionist. "Caroline, hold my calls. I'll be a while."

"Of course sir." Caroline replied, shutting the door behind her.

Kevin Harvick and I went back a long way. Actually, Kevin, Ryan and I went way back. Kevin had just been starting out in the business, and Ryan and I were just kids, more like toddler's when Kevin was hired by my father, and Ryan's father, only one of the most successful duos in country music history, to be their manager. For as long as I could remember, Kevin had been like a member of the family. The cool uncle. I thanked my lucky stars that he was the guy who was managing the lovely, and now single Madison Page.

"I'm doing good. What about you? Delana and the kids?" I asked, responding to his question, wanting to be polite, but get the small talk out of the way.

"She's good. Kids are growing like weeds. How's your dad enjoying retirement?" Well, so much for getting through the small talk.

"Dads good. Him and mom have a place in Vail. They absolutely love it." I replied.

"I know it was hard on him after Dave's passing a couple of years ago. I'm sure it's still hard on Ryan. I know he's had some...ugh...troubles. Is that why you're here Chase? Don't get me wrong, I love catching up with you, and I really should have tried harder to reach out to Ryan. I just...no excuse. I should have...Anyway, I just hope he knows I'm here for him."

I honestly hated the guilt I heard in Kevin's voice. It's not his fault in any way, shape or form that Ryan is so unreachable. Absolutely nothing Kevin could have done. It's no big secret that Ryan's spiral began after the untimely passing of his father, but it's Ryan's own damn fault that he withdrew from everyone, including me to an extent.

I hesitated for just a moment because damn I needed someone to talk to and Kevin was just the one to unload this burden on because of how deeply he cared about Ryan.

And did I ever unload. I told him everything, including the DUI, my bribes and the fact that Ryan was in rehab. As expected, there was no judgment from Kevin, just concern and understanding.

When I finished, I felt immensely lighter. Kevin placed his hand on my shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly. "I wish you boys would have come to me. Well, you at least because I know Ryan won't. That boy is just like his father. Too damn proud. Will never ask for help or admit he needs anything, although I know he relies heavily on you, and he's wrong to put so many of his burdens on you. What can I do Chase? I want to help. I feel a responsibility to Ryan. I know his dad would want me to look out for him, and I owe Dave that much. I'm sorry I've done such a shitty job, so please tell me what I can do to help."

I now had Kevin exactly where I wanted him. I pushed my guilt aside because I had to look out for Ryan. "I'd like to talk to you about Madison Page. I think she can help. Ryan is going on tour in a couple of weeks. He needs a new opening act. He also needs someone to act as his girlfriend. Someone who would be a positive influence. Someone who could help him get rid of the bad boy, problem child image and I think that Madison would be perfect for the job. I would like your help in getting her to accept the offer. Whatever she wants, however much it costs, we need her. Will you help me out in this Kevin? Please. I'm begging."