Page 2 of Christmas in Mistletoe
“Thank you.” Ruby scanned Fran’s face.
As Fran stared right back, her gaydar pinged, but she ignored it. Ruby’s sexual preference had nothing to do with tonight or what she was here for.
“I wondered if you’d like to come in for a meeting. We’d love to work with you, have you put out a new album with us. Gigs, album, touring. The whole package. We’re currently lining up our Christmas gig schedule, and I could see some venues where you’d be perfect. I know Christmas is seven months away, but it comes around quicker than you think.”
Ruby gave her a weird look. “Happens every year, apparently.” She paused. “You’re offering me the chance to gig and make an album?”
Fran nodded. “I am.”
Ruby swept her cool gaze around the room, before settling it back on Fran.
Fran kept her smile in place. She couldn’t read Ruby.
“As you can see, I already do that. You’re here at one of my gigs. I have an album out, too. People come to see me, they buy my music. It’s already happening.” As if to prove her point, Ruby broke off to sign an album for four fans, chatting with them and taking selfies.
Fran gave Ruby’s band a tight smile. She felt more like a spare part than she had in a long time.
Eventually, Ruby turned back to Fran, giving her a‘see-my-point?’smile.
Fran picked up the baton. “I totally get that you’re an independent artist, one with a great platform. But what I’m offering is the chance to do so much more. Build on that. Really get your name out there. You’re on iTunes now, right? All the streaming services?”
Ruby nodded. “Of course.”
“We could make sure your streams go up exponentially. Give you the exposure you richly deserve. We have press contacts, venue contacts, we could put you in touch with terrific songwriters to work with, too.” Fran paused. “I bet you don’t make a full-time living with your music yet. That you do other jobs on the side, just to make ends meet?”
Ruby tilted her head, her striking green eyes clouding over.
Fran didn’t want to see that.
“I do a little more than make ends meet. Yes, I do some voice coaching on the side, but I’ve built my music career and platform organically, and I’m still very much in the game seven years down the track.” Ruby drew back her shoulders. “Which is why I don’t need you to swoop in and save me with promises that may or may not come true.” She waved an arm around the venue. “I’m not a star, but I don’t want to be. Enough people know me and come to see me. I do just fine.” She put a finger to her chest. “I’m my own boss, and I like it that way.”
Fran gulped, no idea what to say.
A hint of contrition crossed Ruby’s face. “Sorry, you just pressed a button. I’ve been down this road before with a former label and I don’t intend to do it again. It’s not personal.”
Fran stood up straight, a blush crawling up her cheeks. It certainly felt personal. She knew Ruby had been with a label in her early years, but had no idea why the relationship had broken down. She’d certainly never had this sort of reaction before. A record label seeking out an artist after a show was normally a thing to be pleased about.
Ruby O’Connell was not most artists.
“How about just an hour of your time? Just to outline what I can offer. You may have been burned before, but I promise you, I’m a fan. I came here tonight to see you play live. I know you’re special and I want the rest of the world to know it, too. I’ve helped a lot of artists before including The Grab Band, Trisha Star and Delilah, so I know what I’m doing. I’m sure you’re well aware of how incredibly Delilah’s career is going in particular.” Delilah had blown up Fran’s life, too. But that was on a need-to-know basis.
Tonight was about Ruby O’Connell.
Nobody else.
Ruby assessed Fran, as if running a lie detector down her body, seeking the truth. “You did a great job with Delilah, I’ll give you that. But we’re hardly the same market. She’s pop. I’m not.”
She wasn’t going to budge, was she?
“I appreciate everyone who comes to see one of my shows. But my stance hasn’t changed. I’m an independent artist doing my own thing.” Ruby smiled to soften the blow. “But I’m glad you enjoyed the show. It’s always what I want to hear.”
Fran ground her teeth. “You were sensational. Is there anything I can do to change your mind? I can make you as famous as Delilah. Maybe even more so.”
Ruby shook her head. “Not everybody wants that, though. But, thank you. It’s nice to be asked.”
Chapter 2
Four months later.
