Page 83 of The Wiener Across the Way

Holy shit. I knew Kelsey was a gazillionaire, but to just lend some music company founder that kind of money was... she really could afford to buy the Mustangs, or at least several of our top players. That was more than my five-year contract extension, plus Chris’s, and maybe even Everett’s and Hayes’s too.

“Are you saying Big Marine owes me money or something? I mean, royalties sure, but Skeeter implied I was going to owe them over this breach of contract thing.”

“No, no. Kels.” Her dad finally leaned forward in his chair and looked like he was the cat who’d eaten the partridge in the pear tree. “We bought your masters.”

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE

KELSEY

My dad’s words bounced around in my mind, a surreal symphony of disbelief and elation. “You bought my masters?”

The concept felt too grand, too empowering, to fully grasp in the moment.

“Yes, kiddo,” my dad confirmed, his eyes twinkling with a mix of pride and mischief. “When I saw how the industry was treating artists, I knew I had to protect your interests. So, when the chance to secure your masters presented itself, I pounced. They’re all yours.”

I sat there, stunned, the magnitude of his revelation sinking in. Owning my masters meant control over my music, my legacy. It was a game-changer. “This... this changes everything,” I managed to say, my voice a mix of awe and excitement.

Declan gave me a puzzled look. “I’m sure I’m happy for you, Kels, but I don’t quite get it. What does owning your masters actually mean for you?”

I laughed, giddy with this knowledge. “Owning my masters means I own the original recordings of all my songs. It’s a big deal because it gives me complete control over them. I can decide how they’re used, reissued, or licensed. Most artists don’t get to own theirs, record labels do. It’s pretty standard to sign away the rights to masters in a recording contract. It was a part of mine, and I never imagined I’d have the chance to own them myself.”

His eyes widened in realization. “So, you’re saying you have full control over your music? Like, everything?”

“Exactly.” I could hardly believe I was saying this. “I can release them how I want, when I want. It’s the ultimate freedom as an artist.”

Declan whistled, impressed. “Wow, that’s huge. You can basically be your own boss now, can’t you? Screw your label. Who cares if they want to cancel your contract. It sounds like it’s better for you if they do.”

A laugh escaped me, a release of tension and disbelief. For years, I had danced to the tune of Big Marine, but now, I could compose my own life. “Yeah, it is.”

“We need to figure out what to do about Skeeter,” my dad said, his tone serious now. “There’s something hinky going on there.”

“Yes. Very hinky, Scooby Doo.” I had a feeling when we pulled off the bad guy’s mask, Skeeter would be the old man inside. “I need to confront her. She’s been avoiding my calls, and I have a feeling she’s behind all this mess with Big Marine.”

My dad nodded, his expression hardening. “Skeeter has been too quiet through all this. Let me call your lawyer and get her involved now.”

“You have no idea how glad I am to have you, Dad. I really let a lot of my business slip through the cracks because I thought I had the right people working for me. But this has been alearning experience in who I can trust and what I should allow to be handled for me and what I shouldn’t.” It was time to take control, to face the challenges head-on.

He smiled, a warm, fatherly smile that filled the room with comfort. “We’ve always got your back, pumpkin. Always.”

Armed with the knowledge that my career was going to not only be fine, but that I could take it even farther than I ever imagined, I was ready to reclaim my power. And it was all going to be even more delicious with Declan by my side.

On the jet ride back to Denver, the tension was palpable as Penelope, Declan, and I brainstormed ways to track down Skeeter. We were a team on a mission, united by a common goal, bringing Skeeter to justice for her deceit.

Penelope tapped away on her tablet and turned to me. “Your live streams were really impactful. We could harness the power of social media again, but this time to find Skeeter.”

I nodded thoughtfully. “But I don’t want to make it too public. We don’t need a witch hunt or to put Skeeter in any danger. Is there a way to keep it just within a group of dedicated fans?”

“How about the Bestie’s Besties FaceSpace group?” Penelope suggested. “They’re incredibly active and loyal, and the admin team has their own chat. We can ask them for help discreetly.”

“Does that group include my little sister?” Declan asked.

“Umm…” Penelope looked between the two of us. I gave her a nod. “If I tell you KingmanPrincess has been a mod in the group for several years, is that going to get her in trouble?”

Declan put his head in his hand and groaned. “I knew that screen name felt a little too familiar. She’s probably already grounded for being on social media when she wasn’t supposed to be, so I don’t think I’ll add to her trials. But do me a favor and tell her Kingman98 knows, and she’d better watch her step.”

Pen made a grimace and nodded.

“That group has been amazing,” I mused. “Actually, if I’m going to start my own label, I’d love to have someone like that Mz. Bestie’s Bestie on my team. Pen, could we try to reach out to them personally? I’d love to meet them and maybe do something special for being such an amazing fan all this time. I’m pretty sure they’ve been with me since the beginning.”

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