Page 56 of Legendary Rock Star
“We’ll talk soon,” I said. I decided that if the Christmas music made money, then I’d give this a new shot.
I worked on another round of edits and part of me hated every syllable and every note I heard from every instrument. But then I picked up my phone and took a break.
No one had called. No one would. I texted my agent and said,Mark, I’ll finish up this song but I want you to split 20% of whatever I earn from it to my cousins that I grew up with.
Are you sure?he texted back.
They are the closest family I ever had. And can you have the bank set up an account for my mom and dad? I’m going to drip them monthly money to see how they handle it before I set up a plan for them.
Get me the new songs and let me work my magic for you.
Look for this one by the end of the day.
This wouldn’t make up for kicking them out of my life, but maybe it was a start to ensuring they were secure in their old age. Maybe I wasn’t cut out to love my parents the way Maggied loved hers, but, for better or worse, I could help my parents.
16
Maggie
Goodbye Phoenix.
How had I said those words last night? I splashed cold water on my face from the sink and wished it could wash away what I’d done.
Phoenix still starred in my dreams. If he was on the level, maybe I was a fool.
He said he loved me.
I didn’t make that up. I wish I knew what to do.
I walked out of the bathroom and toward my assigned practice room with the band.
Today felt like the worst day in my life already, and it hadn’t even started.
But I warmed up as the band rehearsed. The love song they’d given me just made me think about Phoenix, but it didn’t matter.
When the band and I broke, I intended to get breakfast. But the nice judge came in and said, “I just came to your rehearsals to talk to you.”
I grabbed my now-lukewarm tea with lemon for my voice that the staff had delivered an hour ago and asked, “Yeah?”
He took a seat on my chair and said, “The show’s ratings were through the roof when you kissed Phoenix.”
That kiss and that moment came back in vivid color in my mind, but I finished my sip and said, “I didn’t kiss him for that.”
He stood up and walked over to me and said, “And last night you were the clear winner. You’re good.”
“Thanks.”
“You know my wife?”
“Everyone does,” I said quickly. He was married to a superstar.
“Our marriage works because we balance our careers and come home to each other. Because we’re not just in love, we also trust each other.”
His words struck deep. My stomach was in knots and my skin had pins and needles from those words. I blinked, and then asked, “Why are you telling me this?”
He came closer and took my hand like we were friends as he said, “Because you’re talented. I enjoyed watching you shine. And you and Phoenix remind me of my wife and me. Youcanhave it all if you have trust.”
Should I trust him? I lowered my head as I asked, “Why aren’t you more vocal during the judging?”
