Why do mums always speak so much sense? What if she’s right? What if Cal and I could make this happen for both of us? I smile to myself then answer, “Time will tell I suppose, but my love life isn’t the reason I called. I hear the solicitor has been in touch.”
“Oh, no. Did you speak to him? He promised not to get in contact with you until I’d spoken to you first.”
“No Mum, but Dani enjoyed telling me how he thought our deal was solid. She’s been badgering him.”
She sighs. “That bloody woman. I wanted to be the one to give you the good news but no; she had to get in there first. Well, I might as well tell you what I know. Obviously, I sent the paperwork over to Mr Bovey.”
“Yup,”
“So, when all is said and done, he couldn’t see a reasonfor you not to take it. Apparently, it’s a much better deal than the one you’d get with a bigger organisation. You get a higher percentage rate, and because they’re covering a lot of your overheads, you wouldn’t be obliged to pay them back from your royalties. Mr Bovey also said he’d take you through it all beforehand and would join you on signing day if you wanted.”
“He sounds like he knows his stuff, but what’s worrying me is the cost. I told you I’d take care of it, yet I still haven’t seen the bill. I don’t want Dad to hold you to ransom over this, so can you please tell me what I owe?”
“Before you get on your high horse young man, it was more of a favour. I clean for the Bovey family, and I happen to know Mr Bovey did a lot of work with musicians. The amount of picture frames I clean showing him and all these superstars is frankly ridiculous. Anyhow, I was chatting to Mrs Bovey one afternoon. I told her how proud I was of you and everything you’ve achieved with your band and—” she pauses before blurting out, “I might have mentioned the deal they have offered you.”
“Oh, Mum. You didn’t.”
“If you don’t ask, you don’t get in this life, Ashton.”
As if my mum couldn’t surprise me anymore. I swear she’s grown stronger without my dad around.
“To cut a long story short, Mrs Bovey asked her husband if he could look things over at a very reduced rate. I was all ready to settle the bill, but Mr Bovey said I could have the initial consultation for free. Anything after that will have a substantial discount. Your father has nothing to complain about, and anyway, it’s the least he can do for you. He’s done little else in your lifetime.”
She can’t see my eyebrow raise. “You promise you’re not saying that to make me happy?”
“Would I make it up? Anyway, that’s irrelevant.”
“It’s not irrelevant Mum, I don’t want you forking out your hard-earned cash for me. Whatever you have outstanding, I’ll cover it, okay?”
“Ashton, you’re my only son. Let me do this—actually no. I’ll rephrase that. Let me and your father do this, okay? You’ve never asked us for much help in the past, and it would make me so happy. Please, Son?”
I sigh and with reluctance agree. “Okay Mum. I’ll make it up to you somehow.”
“There’s no need, so let’s move on. How do you feel about signing with Election Records?”
She can’t see my chest fill with air at the thought, then blow it out. “Nervous and excited, but also apprehensive. Don’t get me wrong, I want it, Mum. I’ve always wanted it, but at the back of my mind, I feel I’m letting you down. I know how hard you fought against Dad when I said I wanted to go to uni. Dad always said it was a waste of money and I wouldn’t see it through. Now I’m proving him right.”
“Ashton, remember you told me if the band didn’t work out, you could go back to university and complete your course? I don’t see any reason why you wouldn’t do that. There may never be another opportunity like this one, and if things don’t go the way you want them to, you have a back-up plan. You’re so young, extremely talented and have time to try everything life offers.”
“Are you giving me your blessing?” I hold my breath until she finally says,
“You don’t need my blessing, Son. But if it makes you feel better, I think you should follow your dreams. A chance like this may never come again. Grab it while you can.”
I smile to myself, “Yeah, I will. Thanks, Mum.”
She pauses before adding, “And maybe it’s better if wedon’t update your dad until it’s settled. Your father is going through his own issues at the moment, so I’d leave it for your own sake. I know I’ll be staying out of his way.”
As she’s brought it up, now is a good time to ask her a tough question. “Yeah, about that. Once the deed is done, it means we move to London pretty quickly.”
“I know Ash. It’s an exciting time for you and the boys.” I go quiet and her instincts kick in. “Are you worried about me? Because you shouldn’t be, I have a fabulous holiday to look forward to, and then… well, I’m sure I can sort something out.”
“What about if you came up to London when you get back from Spain?”
“Oh my love, you don’t want your mother hanging around, I’m sure,” she laughs.
“I mean it, Mum. I don’t want to leave you here with Dad being the way he is right now.”
“Oh Lord, Ashton, I don’t know. What would I do all day while you’re working?”
