Page 78 of Her Filthy Mistake

“He’s not changed his mind.” She crosses her arms over her chest and glares. We were supposed to meet with him last week, but with my work schedule, settling into my condo, and going out to celebrate with Everleigh and Victor, there was no time to fly back to Kansas City.

Last night after we made it back to Kansas City, we’d gone to dinner with my brother and Carly. Zayden had also stopped by, sharing with us the progress in the case against Fletcher.

It probably won’t lead to a prison sentence, but it’ll cost him money to fight and get the word out that he’s shady. Not that it’ll come as a surprise to anyone in the business. But maybe some young musicians will see the allegations against him and go in a different direction. One can only hope.

Before I can say anything else, the doors slide open and Ethan’s outer office is on full display–white walls, marble flooring with gold and black swirls, and records encased in frames adorn the walls, boasting of his brilliant success at taking talented musicians to the top.

The receptionist opens her mouth to speak when the door on the right opens, and Ethan steps into the waiting room. “Hello, Zoe.” He nods at her and shifts his gaze to mine. “Jace.”

“Good morning, Mr. James,” Zoe says in response.

“Ethan. Please can me, Ethan.”

“Ethan.”

I swallow over the lump in my throat. I’ve been to too many of these offices and had doors slammed in my face to be at ease. Rejection after rejection flashes before my eyes. My knees wobble as Zoe grasps my hand and drags me forward.

It shouldn’t matter if he rejects me. Everleigh and Victor have provided me with an amazing and lucrative opportunity. Between the tours and my saved earnings, we’re set for the foreseeable future.

But a record deal? My mouth is so fucking dry that my tongue is stuck to the roof of my mouth. A record deal would solidify my future. Zoe and I’s future. Our children’s future. It would…. Fuck it. It would mean the world.

It would prove that the 16-year-old kid who dropped out of high school wasn’t a complete idiot. That the guy who fought so hard to lay the booze and drugs down was worth something. That the love in Zoe’s eyes is for a man that’s deserving of that love. Shit. I’m going to get sick.

She squeezes my hand and gives me a reassuring smile.

“Let’s go in, shall we?” Ethan steps aside and waves his arm toward the office behind him.

My feet itch to go the other way and disappear. I don’t want Zoe to witness another of my rejections. To see my humiliation.

“Sit.” He nods at the two black chairs across from his desk and slides into his executive chair, tenting his hands on the wooden surface.

After we’re seated, Zoe says, “Thank you for allowing us to change the meeting date. We had a lot going on.” She crosses her legs and rocks the top foot up and down.

“I’ve heard.” Ethan leans back into the seat, causing it to squeak. He studies me with a solemn expression and clears his throat. “I’m sorry.”

Fuck. Here it comes.

“I’m sorry that I listened to a bunch of bogus lies about you and didn’t question what I heard. I knew Fletcher was a snake, so I should’ve–” He jerks his attention to Zoe. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t.” She waves her hand dismissively toward him. “Do not feel guilty about insulting my father.”

“Okay.” He nods and continues, “I shouldn’t have listened and used my own intuition to guide my business decisions. You were that good then, and you’re even better now.”

I lick my lips. “Thank you.”

“No….” He lifts a stack of papers. “Thank you for the opportunity to sign you. I’m not beating around the bush. I want you signed to my label.”

My hands shake until Zoe reaches over and grasps the one closest to her. The second my hand is in hers; it’s like a soothing balm, and the shaking stops.

“I’ve prepared a solid offer, that I’m sure Zoe will consider fair compensation. My goal is to produce your first album by next spring.”

“Next spring?” I arch an eyebrow. I was foolishly hoping it would happen sooner. “Like in another year and–”

“No….” He shakes his head. “Like in five months.”

“Woah.” I fall back into the chair. Am I ready to put out an album that quickly? Do I have the songs? Yeah, I probably do. Once the dam burst that was blocking my creativity, the words gushed out of me.

“Can I see the contract?” Zoe lifts an outstretched hand toward him.

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