Page 23 of Starstruck
Now not only will I have to do a duet, I’ll have to do a duet with some woman the label selects—some woman who isnotthe one I’d choose. But whatever. If it’ll get this album recorded, then I’ll be a damn team player for once. Not like I have much of a choice, anyway.
I know Revolution has my best interest at heart—that’s why I signed with them. But fuck if I don’t miss being an independent artist and doing thingsmy fucking waysometimes.
“Fine.”
Jeremy rears back slightly, as if caught off guard that I actuallygave in. Kevin’s eyes go wide, and without looking, I know Levi and Colt have the same surprise written on their faces.
I roll my eyes, chuckling. Nobody was expecting that.
I don’t acknowledge their shock. Instead, I move on to the more pressing matter: who I’m doing this godforsaken duet with. I know a few of the women signed to Revolution, but no one I’d be willing to share the stage with comes to mind.
Except Lennon. Her voice at the funeral was ethereal; the mezzo-soprano range she carried still haunts my dreams.
But she’s not an option. I don’t even know how we would make that work. Jeremy is going to want to feature another Revolution artist, and there’s simply no way Lennon is signed. I’d know her music if she were.
“We have some options,” Jeremy explains, interrupting my daydreaming.
I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “I’m listening.”
“Well, there’s Sage Whitma?—”
“No,” I state firmly, shaking my head. Definitely not. Sage is talented, but seeing as we have history (not the good kind—she hates me for being, in her words, a womanizer), I don’t think she’d respond too well to the idea of performing what is essentially alovesong with me. Jeremy narrows his eyes at me, and I motion for him to continue. “Who else?”
He sighs. “Harper Grace?”
Levi coughs at the mention of his ex’s name. They didn’t end on bad terms—they were more of a fling than anything, as is common with Levi’s relationships—but they also haven’t really spoken since things ended over a year ago.
I chuckle and give Jeremy a look, my brows raised. He gets what I’m saying without me having to say it. He lists off some more names, all of whom I say no to for various reasons—women I’ve fucked, women who hate me, women I’ve never heard of, women who just aren’t the right match musically. By the tenth name, I can tell everyone in the room is getting seriously frustrated.
I may have agreed, but no one said I’d make it easy on them.
“Bax, you have to pick someone.” Kevin frowns at me from across the room, clearly unimpressed with my antics.
I sigh, rubbing a hand down my face. It’s not like I’m trying to make things difficult, but if I’m going to do a duet, then I’m going to make sure my partner is a good fit.
Eventually, Colt pipes up. “What about Isabella Cordova?”
My brows pull together. Isa Cordova is insanely talented—likely the most talented woman signed to the label at the moment, and I don’t know how I didn’t think of her beforehand. Or why nobody has mentioned her until now. She and I have had a few run-ins—professional only, much to my chagrin—and her style of music vibes well with mine.
Plus, I know from seeing her at the funeral reception I wasn’t supposed to be at that she’s close with the Thorne family. Maybe I can get some more information about Lennon from her.
I glance back at Jeremy. “Would she do it?”
He shrugs. “Isa has never been known to turn down a collaboration opportunity.”
“Then why didn’t you mention her?”
He barks a laugh. “Because you’re both extremely stubborn and opinionated. Your music styles fit, but personality-wise, you’re a match made in proverbial hell. You guys will butt heads, and knowing your thoughts already on a duet, I didn’t think she’d be a good match.”
But that’s where he’s wrong.
I’ll make sure we’re a good match just for a chance to get close to Lennon again.
“I think it’d be good. Set up a meeting with her,” I demand without so much as a please or thank you.
Jeremy rolls his eyes at my audacity but reluctantly agrees. The worst thing that can happen is she says no, and then the hunt for a duet partner will continue. But it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Besides, who would turn down the chance to feature on myalbum?
