Page 57 of Movers and Shakers

Chapter Eleven

Lila

Barry: You deserve someone who can make you smile a real smile.

Lila: Thank you. I’m guessing you saw photos from the premiere.

Barry: Yes. You looked miserable.

Lila: It was. But the fans loved it.

“This line won’t work,” Mia said, shaking her head. We sat in her office, reviewing the album I’d recorded. I dreaded every second of this meeting and I was right to. Sasha had tagged along for moral backup, but I didn’t know how she would fare against the hurricane that was the woman who curated every aspect of my life. “I knew you shouldn’t have recorded them without my approval first. Do you know how hard it’ll be to change it now?”

Very. But not because nothing else would fit.

The song seemed perfect as is.

All the relaxation I’d felt was gone now that she was in front of me. It was made worse by the fact that Blaze was still at my house and showed no signs of leaving.

“All the love songs are set inNashville,”Mia continued after my silence. “You two have never been there, not for any meaningful time. Not only that, but these aren’t the pop hits your fans expect.”

“Theyarepop hits,” Sasha said. “Just not mindless ones.”

Mia glared at her and I jumped in.

“We’ll figure it out.”

“Blaze has been covering for you formonths.And this is how you repay him?” Mia shook her head and stepped away. “I can’t believe you.”

“He’s the one who sent me to Nashville! And I did what was asked. I made an album.”

“An unmarketable one. God, I can’t believe you’re letting down my dad because of one measly kiss.”

I winced. Rick’s death a few years ago had taken a toll on her.

And me, if I were being honest.

Things hadn’t been the same since Mia stepped into his place.

“I knew you were harsh, Mia.” Sasha’s voice was cold. “But that was too far.”

She only rolled her eyes, completely unfazed. “Whatever. I’m going to go blow off some steam. Take these and make them into a number-one hit.Now.”

I slowly nodded, no words coming out of my mouth. She slammed the door behind her, which made me jump.

“She’s a piece of work,” Sasha remarked.

“Yeah, she is,” I muttered. “But her dad gave me my big break.”

“And you owehersomething for that?”

“He taught her everything he knew. And she’s been good at what she does. My last two albums—‍”

“Did well, but were repetitive.”

They were, and it hurt seeing some of my fans call it that. It wasn’t my best work—even I could admit it—but it was what the majority of everyone seemed to want.

“Lila,” Sasha said, walking toward me, “I say this only because I care about you. Nashville was where you were happier. This music is the best you’ve ever made. And you shouldn’t have to change it.”

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