Page 96 of Starstruck
Colt takes his seat next to Levi again, and I shoot Baxter a look that tells him to move. He pouts momentarily before getting up and joining his friends at the side of the room, and Sadie takes his seat.
“So…what’s up?” she asks, a nervous lilt in her tone.
I lean forward, placing my arms on the glass top of my desk. “Well, I wanted to ask you how you would feel about me extending your set by thirty minutes so you can go on later in the day…right before Isa. We have some time to fill, and I know this is your first big show, so I can totally ask one of the other new signs instead, but I wanted to ask you first.”
Her eyes widen slightly. “W-why me?”
I smile. “Well, all the established performers are already slotted for forty-five to sixty minutes, so I’d rather use theextra time to boost some of the newer signs—and Jeremy would rather I do that, too. I’m asking you first, because a) I’m trying to make sure I have a good mix of genres spread throughout the day, and you’re one of only two country artists I have, and b) you’regood,Sadie. Like, really good. Your EP has been doing great since its release a month ago, and your next album is going to blow up. Having you go on right before the two biggest performers of the night will make sure of that. Plus, this is my show and Jeremy gave me free reign to do what I want, and you’re my friend, so I want to help you shine.”
She shoots me a watery smile as her shoulders fall. I can tell she’s terrified, and I don’t blame her at all. Performing at the end of the day would be a big deal for any of the new signs, because it makes them one of the last acts people see and usually results in a bigger crowd. And it’s a big shift from the lunchtime slot I originally scheduled her for.
But I know she can do this. So I reach across the desk, placing my hand on hers, and tell her just that.
“I know you’re scared, and that’s okay. I would be, too. It’s normal, I’m almost certain everyone is scared for their first big show?—”
Baxter clears his throat from across the room, interrupting me. We glance over, finding his arms crossed over his chest and his eyebrow raised, as if to sayreally? Everyone?
I shake my head, looking back to Sadie, and a laugh bubbles out of her. “Okay,almosteveryone, present company excluded, clearly. But still. If you really don’t want to, just say the word, but youcando this, Sade. It will be good for you, and you’ll be amazing.”
She takes a moment to mull it over, probably trying to find a way to believe the words I’m saying to her—just like I would be. But then she looks at me with a small smile and nods. “Okay. Yes. I’ll do it.”
[41 ]
WAIT FOR YOU THERE
BAXTER
“LIKE A STONE” BY AUDIOSLAVE
Itake my seat in the conference room on the seventh floor, just like I did all those months ago when we first started working on my album. Except today, it’s to discuss putting the finishing touches on it and get everything finalized and ready to go for release in November.
Matthew worked his usual magic with mastering, and with each listen-through I do, I’m convinced even more that this album might just be my best one yet. Though I haven’t let Lennon listen to it all the way through yet—there’s one song in particular I’m not ready for her to hear—and until she does, I won’t know for sure whether it truly is or not.
She is my biggest critic next to myself, after all.
She’s here with me now to talk with my publishing team. I’ve always had the same people take care of publishing, but now that I have Lennon on my side, I wanted her input, too. I’ve already told everyone we don’t need to do another listen-through of the album, though, partially because I’m not ready for her to hear it all andalso because if I listen to it anymore, I’m going to start finding things I want to change—like I always do. Right now, I think it’s perfect. I want it to stay that way for as long as possible.
I’ve also already decided on potential album art—something else I’m not ready for Lennon to see. I’m not sure how she’ll feel about it when I show her, so I plan on waiting as long as possible. In the meantime, we’re using a filler image for marketing and promotion purposes.
So far, people have been going crazy over the news of my upcoming album. As much as delaying the dates for the remainder of my No Promisestour was necessary and being away for those five weeks sucked, I do think it was a great way to get people talking about me again. It left people wanting more, so the buzz around my new album has been incredible.
We discuss plans for the singles’ releases, and Jeremy gives me the great idea to surprise people by performing two of the songs offRockstars Never Dieat the benefit concert in a few weeks. After finalizing plans for that, we also discuss the plans for a music video for one of them. Lennon takes the lead on my publishing plans, and Maria sets me up with a few interviews to help spread the word. Before I know it, we’re wrapping up the meeting.
At least until my touring manager enters the room, as late and as douchey as usual.
I grind my teeth. I know he’s here to start discussing plans for my RND tour, but seeing as I haven’t even been back for two weeks from my last one, talking about going out again is the last thing I want to do right now.
“Hey, Bax.” Nick grins in my direction, though he’s not looking at me. His eyes catch on Lennon. And she’s shooting her classicfuck meeyes right back at him.
I already don’t like the guy, but seeing the way Lennon is looking at him right now…that makes me hate him even more.
“Sorry, I don’t think we’ve met…” He holds his hand out to her, and she takes it, shaking his hand. “I’m Nick, Baxter’s touring manager.”
Lennon clears her throat. “Lennon. I work in publishing.”
“Ah, that explains it.” He smirks at her, holding her hand for much longer than necessary. I grit my teeth, balling my fists on the table as I fight the urge to punch the stupid grin he’s shooting at Lennon off his stupid face.
MyLennon.
