Page 64 of Bold Encounter
"I've been thinking the same thing," Cadie said, her eyes lighting up."I've been studying indie marketing strategies, and with social media and streaming platforms, we don't need a major corporation to reach our audience."
Mickey nodded."The profit margins would be better without a music company taking their cut."
Bennett looked stunned."Genevieve, I understand your concerns, but this is a major opportunity.Are you sure you want to turn it down?"
"I'm sure," Genevieve said with conviction."But Bennett, I'd still like to work with you.We'll need booking help, contract negotiations—all the business side.We just don't need a big company controlling our decisions."
Bennett was quiet for a moment, then smiled."You know what?You're absolutely right.After seeing what Jason put you through, I understand why you'd want to maintain control.I'd be honored to help you build an independent career."
As they discussed the logistics of going indie, Genevieve felt a sense of freedom she hadn't experienced before.She was choosing her own path, on her own terms, with people she trusted.
And she would take the band with her.The success she achieved would be their success too.Plus, the creative decisions would be for the fans.The band would play the music they loved.And that was what it was all about anyway.
*****
The following evening, Genevieve sat at a corner table in Jasper's Bistro with Abe beside her.Since her situation was resolved, he'd returned to duty.
But he'd also assured her that he wouldn't miss the special dinner.Brooke and Gabriel celebrated her recovery and the resolution of the case with them.The cozy restaurant felt like a warm embrace after everything she'd been through.
"I still can't believe it's really over," Brooke said, reaching across the table to squeeze her sister's hand."When Gabriel told me you'd been kidnapped, I thought my heart would stop."
"Mine too," Gabriel said."But Abe rescued her."
Abe put his arm around Genevieve."And she bravely delayed her captor, giving me the chance to find her in time."
Genevieve thought of Abe's arrival."You saved my life."Then she looked at her sister."Frankly, I was terrified."
"Anyone would be," Brooke said.
"But I kept thinking about Abe and about everyone I love, especially you two.That gave me strength."
Gabriel lifted his wine glass."To family.To survival.To the future."
They clinked glasses as Jasper appeared at their table with a plate of his famous bread pudding."For the brave ladies," he said with a grin."On the house."
As they shared dessert and talked about lighter topics, Genevieve felt the last pieces of her life fall into place.She planned to start performing again.And she was surrounded by people who loved her, pursuing a career on her own terms, and enjoying life with a man who understood and cherished every part of her.
*****
Only weeks after the ordeal, Genevieve stood backstage at the Blue Moon Saloon, adjusting her microphone pack and trying to calm her pre-show nerves.These weren't the anxious, fearful nerves she'd experienced for weeks.These were the good nerves, the ones that came from anticipation and excitement about sharing her music.
"Are you ready for this?"Cadie said before sitting at the piano.
"More than ready," Genevieve said, meaning it completely."I feel like I'm performing for the first time in my life."
The Blue Moon wasn't a large venue, but it was packed with loyal fans who'd been waiting for her return.Word had spread through the New Orleans music community that Genevieve Dumas was back, and the response had been overwhelming.
As she walked onto the stage, the warm applause washed over her like a healing balm.She could see Abe at a table near the back, and his proud smile gave her strength.She was exactly where she belonged.
"Good evening," she said in the microphone in a strong, clear voice."Thank you for being patient with me.I'm ready to make some music."
The opening chords of her first song filled the room, and Genevieve felt pure joy.Her voice soared with the melody, rich with emotion.She moved across the stage with confidence, engaging with the audience as if each person was a dear friend.
Between songs, she caught Abe's eye and saw the love and admiration there.He wasn't just watching her perform.He was witnessing her reclaim herself, her art, her power.
"This next song," she said to the audience, "is about surviving the storms and finding yourself stronger on the other side."
As she sang, Genevieve realized that Jason's campaign of terror had indeed changed her, but in ways he never could have anticipated.Instead of breaking her spirit, the challenge had forged it into something unbreakable.Instead of making her dependent, it had taught her the value of independence.Instead of destroying her music, it had given her new depths to explore.
