Page 112 of Time Out

“Because your natural talent is unparalleled and with the right amount of extra coaching and teaching, you could be a star, Maggie. Unless that’s not what you want? Unless you’d rather squander your gift?”

“No, I don’t want that. But I guess I wanted to do it on my own.”

Next to me, Davis huffed. He’d been very vocal about how very few came to success without any help.

“Your effort alone is yours to give. The depths of how far you want to go is your decision alone. But your talent? That deserves to be shared and if it’s your dream, it is well within my abilities to help you reach it. Why wouldn’t I?”

He said it so matter of fact as he sipped his bourbon, not seeming to realize he was completely knocking me off my feet.

“You want to get me on stage?”

“As soon as possible. I’ve made some calls, talked to some people and we can get you on stage doing covers within the next couple of weeks. Which I would recommend seeing as how those viral videos will slow and people will forget. You know the saying ‘strike while the iron’s hot?’”

“Yes, sir.”

“That’s what I’d like to do. I understand, though, if the timing with your pregnancy isn’t ideal. But if you take off as quickly as I believe, we could have you releasing an album before you deliver, on tour as early as next year.”

An album. A tour. On stage, singing music.

He might as well have slid a silver platter across the table toward me with my dreams piled on them and said, “Here. Take it.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Think about it. Let me know when you’re ready. We’ll get the wheels moving then, but in the meantime, I’d like you to at least meet with some of our agents. I think Brianna would be the best fit for you. If you want someone else, though, that’s fine, like I said. I want to sign you, get to helping make this happen, but if you’re not ready, we won’t force it.”

“Thank you, Christian.” My eyes welled with tears and I sniffed them back. I brought my lemon water to my mouth and practically drained it. I was ready.

And terrified.

So would it be smart to wait?

There were so many things to consider. Davis’s schedule. The pregnancy. My sister.

“I’ll give you time. Let me know whatever you decide, but in the meantime, tell me about this sister of yours? Belle said your family might pose some problems?”

His dark brows puckered on his tan face.

“Her father’s a monster,” Davis said, face pinched with anger, and I didn’t blame him, but…

“Davis—”

He glared at me. “No. You’ve lived this and have hidden it and spoken of it enough. Someone needs to be protecting you and Ruth, and if it’s me from saving you the pain of talking about it, I will.”

“Tell me everything you’re comfortable with,” Christian said, and his grip had tightened on his glass along with his lips.

I nodded to Davis, giving him the go-ahead.

And then I clenched his hand while he told the most horrific of stories I’d shared with him, what Ruth had said on the phone. Other things I’d talked about since that morning of her phone call. The beatings. The strictness. How overwhelming all of this was for Ruth and why.

Christian’s face was bright red with fury. He held up a hand, halting Davis in the middle of a story where Ruth had told us yesterday morning about how dad had locked her in the shed for twenty-four hours, only water and bread, because she hadn’t had lunch made on time for the younger kids which had made them whiny and difficult.

“Stop. Right now.” He grabbed his phone, stabbed the screen so forcefully it was a wonder it didn’t shatter in his grip, and put it to his ear. “Michael? Yes. Not good. I’ve just learned information I need you to know.” He went on to tell him my father’s name, the church, the connection to the television show, and my uncle’s name.

I was almost impressed with how much he remembered without having to ask for any clarifying questions but was stunned.

What was he doing? And who was Michael?

“I want a goddamn report on my desk by Monday with all the details of everything. I don’t care how it needs to happen, but this asshole is going to be stopped, and I’m going to enjoy throwing him in prison where he belongs.”

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