He doesn’t hesitate. “Of course. You can always ask me anything. No more secrets.”
“I know your label was awful, and it sounds like your manager was too. Did you do all right or did they screw you over financially?” I’m scared to hear the answer.
“I didn’t do great on the first album advance, but luckily, the merch and tours were a different story. I knew they would do well, and I leaned into that when negotiations happened because I’d already been burned on the album. I may not be the smartest guy in any room, but I learn from my mistakes. You only fuck me over once. Between that income, product endorsement deals, and the second album advance, I’ve done well. I don’t spend a lot of money, but if I never wanted to work again, I’d probably be okay. I feel like such an ass saying that, but it’s true. Money isn’ta gauge of success for me, but imposter syndrome is still loud because I feel like I have more than I deserve.”
Lifting his hand, I kiss the back of it. “I know it’s hard for you to talk about your success, and I get it, so thank you for sharing that. And thank you for talking this through with me. I think I know what I need to do. Mabel told me a little while ago that I need to start raising some hell. She was right then, and it still applies. Taking the job as a director feels like choosing them. Working with you and Jess feels like choosing me. I choose me.”
His thumb brushes the back of my hand. “You’re sure?”
I nod against the pillow.
“I promise to do everything to shield you from the worst of it,” Ev says.
“How about you promise to share the worst of it instead? We’re a team. The good with the bad, we take it on together?”
He pulls me on top of him. “Deal.”
thirty-eight
“Mr. St.Clair, I think we’ve arrived at an acceptable resolution. I just hung up with the label’s counsel, and they’ve agreed. I’m awaiting signatures.”
My cell is in the middle of the dining table on speaker, and Soph, Jess, Lola, Benji, and I are all gathered around it. Benji and Lola insisted we make beaded bracelets while we waited for the call. Surprisingly, it’s been a good distraction.
“That’s great news.”
“There was a bit of back and forth, but their counsel quickly learned that I do not participate in pissing contests. Their claims were baseless, simply scare tactics. I threatened with a countersuit to sue for damages related to past and present treatment, including but not limited to mental anguish. They stood down.” She’s to the point and concise.
“And you have this in writing? That they’ll leave Sophie, my brother, and me alone?” I’m holding my breath while I wait for her answer.
“Yes. They’re signing now, and then we will email the documents to you for your signatures. As long as you adhere tothe original contract and do not release any new original music until after January 3rd of next year, you will not hear from them again. Use these next six months to work behind the scenes and keep a low profile. After that, the world is yours.”
I’m so relieved. It feels like I’ve been running a marathon for years and can finally stop. “What about the new recording contract we’re looking at for Thicker Than Water? Since the band and associated company are in my brother’s name, is there any conflict there? I mean, we wouldn’t release an album until after the January 3rd expiration day anyway, but you’re sure it won’t cause any problems?”
Jess is staring at the phone as intently as I am. His future is on the line too.
“I’m positive. I’ve looked over that potential contract, as well, and I would like to revise some of the wording for an added level of protection, but there is no conflict.”
Jess and I both nod and blow out a breath.
“Perfect. Thank you. I can’t begin to tell you what this means for all of us.”
The gratitude doesn’t faze her. “Very well, we will email the documents for your signatures within the hour.”
“Sounds good. Thanks again. Bye, Ms. Banks.”
“Goodbye, Mr. St. Clair.”
And just like that, we’re free.
“It’s over?” Soph asks in disbelief.
When I stand, she does too, and I don’t think either one of us has ever hugged or been hugged as hard. It’s the release of the past and hope for the future.
“Fuck, I’m glad that’s over,” I whisper so quietly only she can hear.
She nods against me. “Me, too. You’re free.”
When I release her, Jess is there. It’s like being hugged by a grizzly bear. He slaps me on the back when he says, “It’s over, Ev. Thicker Than Water, here we come.”
