"Who says I want it back?"
"Of course you want it back. Why wouldn't you? You can't spend the rest of your life rebuilding guitars," he said, tipping his head toward his workspace. "You're far too talented as a musician."
"A musician with a tarnished reputation. The things that have been said about me…" He shook his head. "It went beyond anything I imagined."
"That will change when Wren comes clean."
"Why would she do that now? And how far is she even willing to go? I've known her longer than you, and she loves to create a narrative that makes her look good. She doesn't care about anyone else."
"She can't do that this time. Not with everything that happened. She wants to apologize, to make amends. Didn't you read her lyrics?"
He shook his head. "I read them. It's a nice start to a song. The lyrics would probably resonate with a lot of people, but I don't know that I believe them."
"She hurt you."
"It's not that simple, Clay."
"You're right."
"Look, if Wren wants to perform again, she can do it on her own. She can find any number of musicians to back her up. She's the star. She always has been. She will be a very successful solo artist."
"You're wrong. You might think you were in the shadows, but you were the reason why she could be so bright, so good. Her songs had depth and meaning because of you. You made her great, and she made you great. Most importantly, your fans want to see you together."
"What about what I want?" he asked.
"Do you know what you want?" Clay challenged.
Silence followed the question because he couldn't find the right words. He had some thoughts that were taking shape now that he'd finally woken up, but he wasn't ready to talk about them.
"You shouldn't make a final decision without talking to Wren," Clay said when he remained silent. "Maybe that will give you the clarity you need."
"I told her we were done months ago. Nothing has changed."
"She's changed."
"Has she?" he asked doubtfully.
"I think this time is different."
"Do you know how many times I've told myself that, Clay?"
Clay let out a frustrated sigh. "I know she's said that before, but I've talked to her, and I've seen a change. I know the two of you have a long history that I may not understand. But it's the present and the future I'm more concerned about. You're both my clients, and this is a great deal. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't force you to at least listen to what is being offered."
"You did your job. You told me. Now, you can go back to LA."
"Not without you promising to at least think about it and to consider talking to Wren. If not her, talk to Silverstone. I can set up a meeting any time. But this offer won't be on the table forever."
"That's a risk I'm willing to take."
Clay gave him an exasperated and confused look. "I don't understand your hesitation. You have a chance to make everything right, to get your life back on track. Look at where you're living. Think about that luxury apartment with the river views."
"I've got a beach outside my door."
"You're blinded by anger. But I can see past all that. I can see you playing incredible music and making so many people happy. How can you just walk away from your calling?"
"I already walked away," he reminded him. "The better question would be—why would I come back now?"
"Because of everything I just said. You love music. You're the best version of yourself when you're doing what you love." Clay paused. "You know who told me that?"
