Page 122 of Ambiguous
Well, they should.
With a bow of his head, he waves, and we walk off stage together.
“I’ve never been more proud,” I whisper in his ear in the wings. “And when we get home, I have ideas of things I want to do with you that don’t involve any politics or labels. Or clothes.”
“That’s an excellent plan.”
My phone buzzes.
Emily: OMG OMG OMG
Sam: He’s brave, isn’t he?
Emily: When can I have the “don’t hurt my best friend” talk with him?
Sam: I’ll ask.
Emily: It will be the new highlight of my life.
CHAPTER46
Jules
After my press conference, Sam and I are walking along the beach when he starts humming a song.
“What is that?” I ask.
“It’s a song by this indie band I like.” He pulls out his phone and plays it for me, the noise somewhat muffled by the crash of the waves.
“That’s what I should do. Just post my songs direct,” I say. “I made the music. I’ve cut checks to repay the label and the band.” I paid Lighthouse back for everything they requested: all the studio time and the fees for the producers and studio musicians. The whole advance. I didn’t want to owe them anything.
“Have they signed over the rights to the tracks?”
“They have.” I trace a half circle in the sand with my toe. “If Loren can’t find a smaller label to go with, I’m gonna do this on my own.”
“I believe in you,” is all he says.
I grab him in my arms, electricity buzzing all over my skin, and kiss him.
I have nothing to hide anymore.
* * *
A few months later, early in the morning, my phone rings. I mute it, not wanting to disturb the beloved man in my arms. He snuggles in closer, and I sigh.
But I can’t ignore the call, much as I want to. Only a few people ever call me, and one of them is lying next to me. So it must be important.
Yawning, I hit the button to return the last call. “Hey, Loren.”
“Have you seen the latest streaming numbers?”
I rub my face. “No.”
“Check them. Because you’re number one in so many categories right now they may have to create a new category just for you. Everyone on social media is talking about your album. They love it. The Hillions are starting to create all these ‘Face your fears with love’ things. You did it.”
Blinking, I stare at my phone. “Are you telling me that the album Lighthouse said would never sell is selling?”
“It’s selling faster than anything we’ve seen in decades. And people are so excited about the cover art that they’re preordering the vinyl.”
