233. Do What's Right

Warning: language

Bridgeport, present day

Despite all his attempts to get out of his little arrangement, Krisis found himself at his brother-in-law's house. It was the last place he wanted to be, but he'd promised Lily he'd speak to Devon about finding him a job at O+ Records. There were a few positions open, but on the administration side. Krisis doubted Devon would accept his offer. To be honest, he hoped he wouldn't. It was awkward enough at family functions and now if Lily had her way he'd have to put up with Devon's resentment at work too.

"This is fucking ridiculous!" Krisis growled in his seat as he stared at the house. He was so tempted to drive away, but he'd given his word, and he didn't want to let his eldest down. And so he found himself walking up to the front door on legs that felt pretty much like lead, weighed down by the events of the past few weeks.

He rang the bell, and he wasn't really surprised when it went unanswered, it would be hard for anyone to hear anything over the loud music thumping through the walls. It was a catchy tune, a club remix, and it reminded him of his former life, his partying days when he’d drink himself to a stupor and wake up in whichever groupie’s bed he’d gone home with the night before. He didn’t miss those days. 

Krisis knocked again and when Devon still didn't hear his knock, he tried his cell phone; it was obviously close by because his brother-in-law answered almost immediately.

"What’s up?" 

"I’m downstairs, open up!" Krisis told him.

"What do you mean you're downstairs?"

“Exactly that! We need to talk!"

Devon cut the call and the music. A moment later Krisis saw him through the glass on the front door as he ran down the stairs. His hair was a little longer than Krisis remembered, and he guessed the sudden growth had a lot to do with the change.

Devon opened the door, but didn’t invite him inside. “What do you want?”

"Can I come in?" Krisis ignored his question, and without waiting for his response he pushed past him and strolled inside.

Devon closed the door with a little more force, emphasizing his irritation.

"I think you know why I'm here. Everyone’s worried." 

"About?" Devon frowned darkly at him, he could see where this was going and he didn't like it.

"About you and your employment prospects!” Krisis cut to the chase, the sooner he delivered his offer, the sooner he could leave. "There are a few vacancies at O+ Records, give them call and set up an interview-" He'd barely finished his speech when Devon cut him off.

"I don't want your charity," he said in an icy voice, belying the anger burning hot in his eyes.

"I'm not a charitable guy, Devon. Take the job, don't take it, I don't give a shit. But Leigh does and she's worried about you!"

"Tell her not to! I'm fine! I can take care of my family!" Devon crossed his arms and straightened his frame as he glared at Krisis.

"No one doubts that you can-"

"I just told you I've got things under control!" And with that Devon held the door open.

Krisis hesitated for a second or so before he slowly shook his head and walked out. They were more alike than either wanted to admit. He knew if the roles were reversed, he would have reacted in the same manner. They were both proud, and sometimes stubborn as mules too.

"If you change your mind-" Krisis tried again, but Devon shook his head, he wouldn't…

Devon didn't know what made him tell Eloise about Krisis' visit. And he regretted it the minute he did.

Eloise thought he was being selfish, allowing his pride to get in the way.

She was right, of course, but he honestly couldn't bring himself to accept Krisis' offer, especially after Krisis had put in a good word for them with Thornton. He didn't want to be over indebted to the man.

"I just wish for once you could swallow your pride and do what's right Devon!" Eloise hissed as she prepared their supper. Even though Blake was upstairs in his room, out of earshot she was conscious not to raise her voice; the last thing she wanted was to scare their son again.

Devon pulled her close to him and held her, "Look. We'll be fine. I got my severance package; it will help with the bond repayments."

"Until when, Dev? Until it runs out? We need a permanent solution.”

"I know, and I'm working on it-" Devon assured her. And when she still didn't look convinced he went on to tell her about the interview he'd lined up for the following week. He felt pretty confident about it. Granted, it was a small company, one of the few that had survived O+ Records takeovers. He'd have to take a pay cut, but he was determined to prove himself and rapidly make his way to the top.

Eloise took a long, deep breath, trying her best to keep calm. She was happy for him, glad he finally had an interview, but his overconfidence scared her, an interview didn't always guarantee a job.

She was about to tell him this when they heard Blake's door open. Moments later their son bounded into the room, stopping any serious discussion Eloise had hoped to engage in before supper.

Later, after they'd tucked Blake in, Devon went to his studio and Eloise followed him. She wasn't done with their discussion.

"Why didn't you give Krisis the demo then?" She asked as she sat down. 

Devon tensed up behind the recording equipment, his whole face clouded up. His demo was...Private. Personal. Not something he wanted to share with the world.

"Drop it, Eloise. I'm not going to work for Krisis," he growled as he swiveled around in his chair and glared at her, his eyes flashed yellow briefly before they returned to their normal hue.

"You'd be his artist, not his employee, there's a difference." Eloise argued.

"I said no. And that's final!" Devon glared at her for a while and when she wouldn't back down, he got up from his seat.

"I'm going for a run," he said as he left the room.

Eloise listened to his angry footsteps rapidly descend the stairs, moments later she heard the front door bang shut. When she was sure she was alone, she dashed to his desk. She knew he’d be gone for a while so she took her time and looked through his things, careful not disturb too much. If he wouldn't send his demo to O+ Records, then she would...