Page 96 of Love Deep
Riley laughs. “Don’t be silly, Mommy. You’ll be in New York, too. You’ll move with me when I go to college, won’t you?” She stares into the mirror, waiting for my response.
“Sure, honey.” She’s got a decade to change her mind, but in this moment, I’m very grateful Byron’s designer bought so many of my paintings for the Colorado Club and I have the money from that tucked away in a college fund for Riley. I’m going to need it if she sets her sights on NYU.
“It will be an exciting adventure,” she says. “Dad left Star Falls, and he likes it a lot where he lives. We’re going to have the best time in New York!”
My heart crumples a little at her mention of her father. Is that part of why she’s talking about college in New York? She wants to know what’s so exciting past the mountains of Colorado that would keep a father away from a daughter? Maybe. Maybe she’s just caught up with the fantasies of a new friend. Either way, it’s good to see her happy.
“Fisher’s in New York too, right?” she asks, and my stomach falls through the floor.
“Right,” I say, trying to fake a breezy tone.
“We could see him then.”
“Who knows,” I reply, trying to keep my voice light.
“And they have a lot of concerts there. And there’s a big park and I’m sure there are trees to climb. Maybe even a lake.”
I sigh as she chatters on about New York. I’ve never heard her even mention a place outside of Star Falls. This place has been her world for her entire life. It’s strange to hear her talking about spreading her wings. She’s still so little. I still have the desire to shelter her and keep her safe. But maybe that will never change. Maybe this is the nextstage of pretend play. She’s moved on from baby dolls and is seeing herself walking down Fifth Avenue with pretty hair and fancy clothes.
“When we get home, can I tell Grandma that we’re going to live in New York? If she’s upset, we can tell her we’ll visit. We’ll come back every holiday.”
“Right,” I say. “Every holiday.”
Star Falls will always be her home, no matter how far away she is.
THIRTY-FIVE
Fisher
Listening parties are part of the drill as a record company executive. But I haven’t ever enjoyed a listening party like I have tonight’s. Vivian’s new album—her first with Right Records—has been played in public tonight for the first time. Kinda. There have been a couple of “leaks” on YouTube to try to create buzz. People have gone wild for what they’ve heard so far. My gut tells me it’s only going to get better. I think this is the album of the decade. Tonight will only fuel the buzz.
The party should have finished an hour ago, but it’s still in full swing. The excitement in the air is palpable. I’ve been to a number of listening parties where you know from people’s reaction that the album is going to bomb. Tonight has been the exact opposite of that. Judging by people’s reactions, this is going to be the album of her career. And that’s saying something. Vivian’s already a global superstar.
“Hey, Fisher.” Tommy, Vivian’s manager, comes up andslaps me on the back. “I heard you got a producer credit on this album?”
I chuckle. “Maybe. I was in the studio a little. Couldn’t resist giving a little bit of input here and there.” I don’t know if it was something in the air in Star Falls. Maybe it was spending time with Juniper. But I really enjoyed getting back into the creative side of the music industry. That was the part I always loved, but over the years, as I’ve gotten more and more successful, that side of things has become further and further away. This album brought me back to my roots.
“Well, it sounds great. It’s a more mature sound from Vivian,” he says. “It suits her, and I think she’ll widen her audience with it.”
“Her audience is pretty wide already,” I say, as I spot Jack on the other side of the room. I didn’t realize he was coming tonight. All my friends were invited, but Jack never comes to these sorts of things. He’s standing with Byron and Rosey. It’s nice to have them here, supporting me. Just like they always do.
Someone taps me on the shoulder, and I snap my head around.
“Hey, super-producer,” Vivian says, grinning at me.
“Congratulations, Vivian,” Tommy says.
“Thanks, Tommy. As you know, I had a blast recording this album. I think it shows.”
“It feels very authentic,” he says. “It’s going to be huge.”
She smiles, and I can tell it’s forced. I don’t think Vivian cares much what people think of her music. She knows she enjoys writing, recording, and performing.
Someone approaches Tommy, leaving Vivian and I to speak. “You should be proud of yourself. It’s a great achievement.I think you’re going to see critical and commercial success with this one. Tommy’s right.”
She smiles again, and this time it’s genuine. “Yeah, I hope so. Although, you know, getting to make the record that I want to make, with good people. The fact that these lyrics are lyrics I’ve written—sometimes with help, but even so… It feels so good. I finally get to have the careerIwant. And you know what? That only happened when I met Beau. He gave me the confidence to go for what I wanted.”
“Sounds like husband material,” I joke.
