Page 7 of Broken Melody
“Maybe,” Jace shrugs and looks at me hard, “But that’s not the case here. Not anymore.”
“So, back to the compromise. Thanks for pushing that in our favor, Jace. We appreciate it.” Rocco says getting things back on track.
“No problem. I hope that this record is a smashing success, that we break all kinds of records and hit the top ten on the charts. I’m feeling confident that a change will help us get there. A tour with the new songs, and a female lead that will help bring a softer side that we could use right now. But moreover, she’ll help create a much-needed distraction. Then, at the end of the tour we reevaluate things, see where Rick stands and go from there.”
“Understood,” Henley says and we all agree.
“Besides, like I said before, but I’m not sure you heard me. There’s one thing you may not have considered,” Jace says.
“What’s that?” Nixon asks.
“Maybe you’ll love her and she’ll fit right in and you won’t want her to leave.”
“No chance of that happening,” I mumble.
“Stranger things have happened. And to be clear, Rick also plans on being upfront with her when she signs. She’ll know it’s a trial basis and at the end of the trial we’ll determine where to go from there. Truth is, this is a great opportunity for whoever signs. Should she choose to do so, or we do, she could go on to have a successful solo career – who knows.”
“So really, we’re doing her a favor,” I say.
“No, Maddox. She’s doing us one. Don’t forget that.”
I don’t respond, not sure that I agree but whatever. This all sounds like shit I can live with. I still don’t like it, but like Jace made clear, we aren’t in a position to argue.
“So tell us honestly, Jace,” Nixon says.
“Yeah?”
“Do you have a favorite?”
“A favorite?” Jace asks, confusion in his tone.
“A favorite woman that’s auditioning,” Nixon clarifies.
I’m surprised when he breaks out into a smile. “Looks like he does, boys,” I laugh softly. “Is she hot?” I can’t help but ask and that was the last thing to say.
“Don’t even think about it Mad. This is a business arrangement.”
I hold up both my hands in a gesture of surrender, “Look, I’m just asking. It’s a fair question.”
“There is one that stands out from the rest, actually. But, she’s a bit of a wild card.”
“What does that mean?” Rocco asks. “I thought you want someone with a soft side, not wild.”
“She’s a wild card in the sense that I’m not sure if she’ll show up. I haven’t heard from her since we extended the invite. We hope so, but we’ll see.”
“Who wouldn’t show up for an opportunity like this?” Nixon asks.
“This girl,” Jace says with a smile and a shrug that makes me much more curious than I’d prefer. Tomorrow should be interesting, that’s for sure.
