Page 13 of Broken Harmony
“This changes nothing. And honestly, as much as I like to sing and write music, we enjoy playing more than anything.”Skyler shrugs. “We’re going to keep going as a band, find out what works for us, and go from there. That’s what our next step will be. A new adventure is just ahead. And all that inspirational bullshit,” he chuckles.
“You're going to do great things.” I smile. “I know it. You three are amazing.”
“We know.” Ryker brushes off his shoulder. “But thanks for the reminder.”
“Oh fuck off.” I laugh, punching his arm.
“Ouch!” he pouts. “You’re mean.”
Rolling my eyes, I grin. “And you're a big baby.”
I’m an only child, but if I had to guess what it might be like to have big brothers, I think it would be how it is with these three. Sure, they’re hot as hell, but I’ve never felt anything more for them than brotherly feelings. But the bond we’ve built over these past five weeks it’s a one-of-a-kind thing. Something I’m grateful to be blessed to have.
It doesn’t take away what I had with Lulu. But I don’t have her in my life. I may never have her again. And while that thought literally takes my breath away, making it nearly impossible to breathe, I’m glad that I have these three to add a little bit of light to my darkness.
“Go, do all the professional bullshit you gotta do.” Skyler waves me off. “We’ll meet up later. Text when you’re done. We have some celebrating to do.”
“Okay.” I nod excitedly, reality starting to set in.
The guys leave, and I turn to Becky. “Congratulations, Ally,” she says again. “We have a lot to do.”
“Yeah,” I breathe out, nodding. “Ahh, like what?”
She laughs. “Well, first, we need to have a chat with your parents. Our lawyers, with yours, make sure everyone knows what's to come and what's expected. However, with you turningeighteen next week, if you’d like, we can hold off signing anything if you're worried about your parents' acceptance."
I shake my head. “That won’t be an issue. They are on board and accept whatever I’d like to do with my life.”
“And is this what you really want?” she asks. “Is this something you think you’re ready for?”
I roll my lips together, biting down on them and nodding. “Yes.” It’s partly a lie. I’m honestly a little terrified of the unknown right now. But also thrilled with everything that's about to happen.
“Because your life is about to change. The competition was for one album. But I have a feeling that you’re going to be so much bigger than that, Ally. This could become a full-time career; money and fame. It’s a big responsibility. Are you sure that's something you can handle?”
“I think with the help of the people I have in my life, I’ll be okay.” I nod. “Plus, it helps having an uncle who knows all the ins and outs of this industry." I laugh awkwardly.
Her brows furrow as she tilts her head to the side. “You do? Who?”
Shit. “Ahh...” I laugh again, rubbing the back of my head. Lying isn’t the best way to start a new business venture. It was one thing to keep it to myself while being in the competition, because who was I hurting if I didn’t win? No one needed to know. But now that I have—something I still don’t think I've fully processed yet—I think it’s better to let her know, just in case it could cause future issues. I’d rather them know now than get blindsided later. “Chase Thornton.”
She snorts out a laugh. “No, really. Who?”
“Chase Thornton,” I repeat again. “He’s my uncle. My mom’s brother.”
She blinks at me. “As in the owner of this entire label?” she asks, not sounding convinced.
“Yes.” I nod slowly.
“You’re fucking with me,” she breathes out, looking a little panicked.
“No?”
She shakes her head and scrambles to grab her phone from her pocket.
“Is everything okay?” I ask, starting to panic. Fuck. I should have just kept my mouth shut until I locked in that contract and they were stuck with me.
Well, it was fun while it lasted.
“Chase?” she asks into the phone. “Our lovely new winner of the competition says she’s your niece. Wanna shed some light on this for me?”
