Shooting Stars: Last Moment Book Series, #2

By Clara Fox

This is NOT a standalone novel, you must first read Destiny (Last Moment Series Book 1) to understand where this story begins and takes place.

Alexandra "Alex" Walton and the members of her band were given an amazing opportunity when Destiny brought them together. 

Now that Last Moment has proven their talent, Alex has caught the eye of none other than sexy rock star Noah Dreagan, the lead singer of Carnal Imagination. Regardless of the fact that she has a boyfriend, Noah is determined to do whatever it takes to keep her around.

The music industry is an overwhelming place. One side can be fun and exciting, while another can be shady and dark. Craziest of all is that careers can be made or broken overnight. 

What is in the cards for Alex and Last Moment? Will the fans and industry welcome them with open arms? Or will they struggle to even be heard, just trying to get in the door?

When your band is flaming hot one minute, you can end up ice cold the next. Fame can have you soaring high, then falling fast and fading away, just like Shooting Stars.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clara Fox
• Release date: Jun 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393675310

Book preview

To my children, always reach for the stars.

This is NOT a standalone novel, you must first read Destiny: Last Moment Series Book 1 to understand where this story begins and takes place.

There is a great and extensive playlist of current and past hits for this book. To get the full emotional effect and feel of each scene with music, I highly recommend listening to each song as they are being performed. To make things easier I will put the entire list on this page and at the beginning of each chapter I will list the songs that are specific to that one.  Enjoy!

Spotify playlist link: http://spoti.fi/2aXyn53

Sad-Maroon 5

Amnesia – 5 Seconds of Summer

Do you wanna touch me -Joan Jett

All that she wrote – Default

Amnesia – 5 Seconds of Summer

Fat Bottomed Girls – Queen

More than words can say - Alias

BO$$ - Fifth Harmony

Confident - Demi Levato

Gibberish - Max/Hoodie Allen

Yeah - Usher, Lil Jon, Ludacris

The Hills - The Weekend

Levels - Nick Jonas

Hit me with your best shot – Pat Benatar

So Far Away – Stain’d

Do you wanna touch me – Joan Jett

Kissed a girl – Katy Perry

Porn Star Dancing – My Darkest Days

Lay Me Down – Sam Smith, John Legend

Dangerous Woman – Ariana Grande

Scars - Papa Roach

Ain’t it Fun - Paramore

Wanted-Hunter Hayes

50 Ways to Say Goodbye – Train

Secret- Maroon 5

Almost is never enough – Ariana Grande, Nathan Sikes

Need You Now – Lady Antebellum

Here’s to never growing up- Avril Lavigne

Feelings – Maroon 5

I love Rock and Roll – Joan Jett

Bad Reputation – Joan Jett

Without you – Hinder

I hate it when you see me cry – Halestorm

Do you wanna touch me – Joan Jett

I hate myself for loving you – Joan Jett

Lost – Michael Buble

Dedication

Note to the Reader

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Epilogue

Coming Soon

Acknowledgments

About the Author

My life routine has quickly gone back to what it was before all of the Last Moment rehearsals.  Since there’s no upcoming performance for the group, there is no immediate need to rehearse.

Feeling lost each day after work with nowhere to be; I can’t seem to find joy in my favorite pastime of karaoke. I opt to spend nights in with Paige or having dinners at home with Ryan. I don’t feel like going out and feel extremely anti-social.

It’s only been a few weeks, but all of us from the band keep in contact through texts either as a group or individually on a daily basis. We miss seeing each other and are making plans for weekly lunch dates so we can all get together.

Sitting in my office, I’m going over some mindless technical paperwork that is spread all over my desk in a messy pile to review when my office phone rings. I don’t recognize the number on the caller ID. I’m out of motivation and ready to leave for the day and contemplate not picking up the phone.

Thinking it’s a client, I answer. Hello, this is Alex.

Hey Alex, it’s Amber.  How are you today?

Good, good. How are you? I answer calmly over the phone but on the inside, I’m excited at the sound of her voice.

I’m doing fantastic. I’ve been busy. But I’m great, Amber responds with warmth that I can hear through the phone.

I’m so glad; it’s great to hear from you. I keep my voice low as I speak into the receiver since my office door is still open.

It’s great to talk to you too, Alex. Listen, I’m here with my boss, Trent Phoenix. Do you remember him?

Yes, I’ve met him, but only briefly. I instantly see his shiny suit and slicked back hair from StellaNova in my mind. I suddenly start to get a bit nervous.

Well... he would like to talk with you.  Would you mind if I put us on speaker?

Oh, really, right now? Okay, sure.

The butterflies in my stomach are fluttering like crazy. I hear the speakerphone engage on the other end of the phone line.

Alex? Are you there?  Amber says making sure the connection is clear.

Hello? Yes, I’m here... Can you hear me? Good Afternoon, it’s a pleasure to speak with you, Mr. Phoenix.

Removing the receiver from my mouth for a second so I can exhale.  I’m so nervous.  I would rather that not come across over the phone with whatever they need to talk to me about.

Good Afternoon Alex, this is Trent.  Thank you for taking our call.  I wanted to talk to you about an opportunity. We think your group is amazing, and all of us here at SATB Records believe you would be an obvious addition to the Carnal Imagination tour as one of the official opening acts.

Oh really? I manage to squeak out. Have you called...

Amber interrupts me. No Alex, you are the first person from the group we’ve called. But we’ll be calling all of them as well.

No? Okay. Steadying my nerves, I attempt to take in all that I’m hearing, and it’s a bit shocking.

Trent continues, We’ll be emailing you a contract for you to look over and put your physical signature on.  You’ll need to bring it in here to our local office so we can make sure everything is in order.

Wow, so you are sending an email now?

Just then, my computer chimed there was a new email in my inbox.  I glance quickly at the email itself to see if it’s in fact from the same people that I’m talking to on the phone and not just another work email.

I just got your email.  Thank you for letting me know about everything I really appreciate it. I’ll need to review everything you sent.

Feeling like I’m about to throw up, I glance at the documents on my screen.

Alex, keep in mind you have signed non-disclosure documents in place that are active, and all of this information is confidential, Trent says in a somber tone.

Yes, I remember about all of the non-disclosure documents I previously signed. I’ll review everything you sent and get back to you as soon as I can.

Thanks, Alex. We appreciate that. Amber says, If you have any questions be sure to let me know.

I take a sip from my water bottle on my desk to help calm my nerves a bit, but it does not seem to help.

Thank you, I will.  Goodbye. The line goes dead, and I hang up the phone.

Standing up, I close my office door because I need to make a call of my own.  Dialing a number I know by heart, I smile warmly when I hear the voice on the other end.

Ryan Stewart’s Office, can I help you?

Hi Aubrey, it’s Alex. Can I talk to Ryan please?

Oh, hey there Alex. No problem. Hold on a second.

Great, thanks, I say as she places me on hold.

For the first time, I’m annoyed with on hold music because I just want him to answer.

Alex, are you there? I hear Ryan answer with a bit of tension in his voice.

Hi, sweetheart. I know I don’t usually call you at work, but—

Is everything ok?  Do we need to cancel our plans for tonight? he interrupts me sounding almost frantic.

No, I’m not canceling our plans for tonight I—

Interrupting me again with an audible sigh I’m glad everything is ok. I’ve missed you so much.

I’ve missed you, too, but there’s some—

I have an idea for tonight. How about fondue?

I’m already nervous and worried, and now I’m getting frustrated because he keeps interrupting me and won’t let me get in a word edge-wise.

So I do the only thing I know he will understand. Raising my voice slightly, I interrupt him, Mister Stewart?

His side of the phone goes quiet, so I continue, Good Afternoon, my name is Miss Alexandra Walton, and I need an attorney.

What? I thought you said there’s nothing wrong?

No, no sweetheart. I’m ok. I needed to get your attention because I just got a phone call. I’m nervous, and I really need your help and legal advice.

Talk to me, Angel. What’s going on?  Do you want to come to the office?

I think that would be ideal.  I’ll explain everything as soon as I get there and be over as soon as I can finish up my work.

I’ll be waiting.  My afternoon is not busy. I love you, Alex.

I love you too, Ryan. Bye. Hanging up the phone, I instantly feel better knowing I’ll be seeing him soon.

I’m able to finish up my work projects quickly before the afternoon and print a hard copy of the contract that was emailed to me.  Before leaving my office, I’m able to quickly scan over the paperwork I was sent, and I’m completely confused by it.  I’m grateful I have Ryan to trust and explain these things to me.

Stepping into the law offices of Cartwright, Brown, Sermon and Associates, where Ryan works, since my visit is official business and not a simple social visit I feel nervous flutters start. The documents I’m carrying for Ryan to review could be the start of an entirely different course for my future.

Good Afternoon, Ms. Walton. Bethany, the receptionist, smiles kindly from behind her impressive mahogany desk.

Hello, I’m expected by Mr. Stewart.  I have an appointment.

Taken by surprise with my formality compared to usually calling her by her first name and asking her about her pets at home, she straightens her posture and looks at her computer screen. Yes, he is expecting you.  Please head on back.

Thanks, so much.

When Ryan’s secretary, Aubrey, spots me walking down the hallway, she shoots out from behind her desk, wrapping me in an unexpected tight hug. Alex, so good to see you! Ryan’s waiting for you; he’s been on pins and needles since your call. Are you ok?

My smile falls and is replaced with a nervous one. After this meeting, we’ll know for sure or not.

Oh, okay. She quickly looks around us and with more of a hush to her voice, Well, let’s get you in there.  Would you like some water or anything else to drink?

Water would be just fine.  Thank so much, Aubrey.

Knocking on his office door, she opens it.  Ryan is on his feet and around his desk, literally dropping everything he’s previously doing to greet me as I enter.

Thanks, Aubrey. I’ll let you know if we need anything.  Please, no calls until we’re finished, he’s speaking to Aubrey, but looking directly at me inquisitively.

Handing Ryan the large yellow envelope I brought with me.  Aubrey’s eyebrows shoot up for a moment seeing the handoff, but she simply answers, Of course.

Once the solid door clicks shut behind me, I’m standing in front of and looking up into the amazing green eyes of my heart’s only desire. I exhale audibly and step into his warm embrace. Are you all right, Angel?  I’ve been so worried since you called.

I’m okay, just nervous.  I want to make sure what is outlined in these papers is legit, and they’re not trying to pull anything over on the group or me.

What?  Okay, tell me what these papers are exactly.

Both of us sit on the two red leather chairs that are in front of his desk as he opens the yellow envelope.

Amber called me and put me on speakerphone with her and Trent Phoenix, her boss.  They asked if Last Moment would be interested in going on the remainder of the Carnal Imagination tour as the second opening act.

The moment I mention Carnal Imagination, Ryan looks up at me with his mouth opened in awe. Wow, that is amazing, sweetie.  Congratulations.  What did the rest of the guys say?

That’s the thing— I was the first one they called, but all they said to me is that they want our group as part of the opening acts on the remainder of the tour.  Trent emailed me the contract, and I told them I would get back to them.  I know better than to give an answer to something like this without talking to everyone, and also having someone like you take a look at the fine print of what they sent.

Listening to me and giving a nod of approval, "You made the right choice sweetie.  I’m really glad you called me.  From what I can see this is a standard touring contract, but what I’ve noticed right away are some major clause changes in it that I really don’t like.  But my first question to you is, how do you feel about this?  Do you want to go on tour as the opening act?  Don’t think about the guys for a moment, ask yourself first."

Meeting his eyes and knowing he’s right, I’ve already confirmed what my head and heart feel. I think I want to do this. But I don’t want to be taken advantage of, and if something goes wrong on tour we’re not held liable, and I’m not interested if there’s something wrong with that contract.

Smiling at me, then looking at the papers in front of us spread out on his desk Ryan continues, Don’t worry about this contract.  I’ll make sure you guys are getting your fair share.

Audrey pokes her head in after knocking on the office door.  Excuse me, Ryan; Alex asked for some water when she arrived.  Bringing it in, she sets it on the desk beside me.  Would you like anything Ryan?

No, but thank you for asking.

Not at all, just let me know if you need anything, she says, then closes the door behind her on her way out.

So, tell me what you saw so quickly. I’m really curious.

I think the record company was counting on you just signing these and turning them in.  Because they are declaring complete control over your sound, image, wardrobe choices and hair styles for the entire group. Ryan reads the last part of the contract, as to not leave any part of it out.

Seriously? I blink a few times and let it all settle in then I get a little angry. I can’t believe they want exclusive and absolute control of our image like that.  We’re not even a major act or a primary opening act.  Why would they do that?

I’m not sure.  Maybe they believe you all have star potential, and they want to rein in the control now. He declares while still reading.

I found another, Ryan announces while marking the passage in the contract with his pen, They want exclusive control of the group’s diet.

What the hell?  They’re out of their minds if they think they can get away with that.  My level of anger is starting to make me see red.

Sometimes they do Angel. But they won’t with you.  I also noticed they have inflated their percentage numbers on how much they get from your share of the sales.  I’ll negotiate on your behalf as well because you all should at least start out at the standard rate and not an elevated one. Ryan says glancing up quickly from the pages and now jotting a few notes on a blank pad of paper then making a few notes on the contract itself.

Alex, could you send a text to everyone in the band to see if they have heard from Amber as well?  I think maybe we should all meet tonight.  Maybe at your place, would that be okay with you?

That would be a great idea.  I’ll send a text right now. I grab my purse looking for my phone.  When I find it I send a group text:

Last Moment: Hey everyone, it’s Alex!  Band Meeting at my apartment tonight 7 p.m. We’ll talk about the call we got from Amber today.

Okay. Text sent.  I’m assuming Amber called everyone, so I mentioned the call in general. Let’s hope they all can make it. I hear my pulse beating in my ears, and my eyebrows crinkle inward and slightly up looking at Ryan in my anxious state.

Don’t worry Angel, it’ll be ok. He reaches across and squeezes my knee.

A few seconds later the office is filled with the loud noise of my text message chime. Picking up my phone I see a response from Avis;

Av: Great, see you at 7 p.m. Can you please send your address?

Al: Of course, see you then.

It’s Avis. He’ll be there. I tell Ryan as I text my address while the sound of my text prompt fills the room again and my phone shakes in my hands.  

Parker: I’m there, see you at 7!

Al: Great.

That was Parker—he’ll be there too.

I notice he didn’t ask for the address, and I smile as I’m now extremely suspicious of my best friend. But then I remember the rides home after the night of Stella NoVA.

I place my phone down on Ryan’s expansive desk and take a sip of water.  The phone and office remain quiet as Ryan keeps reading and making more notes on his notepad.

Did you find anything else? I look on as he continues writing.

Just more numbers stuff.  I think the record label is trying to scam all of you out of your well-deserved money, or at least get away with every penny they can, but I’m not going to let that happen. You’re all going to get your appropriate share for a multi-million dollar tour like this.  I’ll do some research before meeting up with everyone tonight and make sure I have the correct numbers and percentages.  When do you meet with Amber?

I told her I would call her.  But I’m not going to wait too long. Tilting my head to the side, I try to release the tension in my shoulders as I look over at him.

Eventually, I receive text messages from Shane and Riley both saying they’ll be there as well.

Everyone arrives at my apartment promptly at 7 p.m., sharing our immediate disbelief over the lucky situation we’ve found ourselves in. We sit scattered in my living room as Ryan walks around the room greeting and talking to everyone before he gets started.

I told him he should be comfortable and casual talking to guys, so when we got to my place he changed out of his suit into a dark pair of jeans and a black polo shirt from his drawer of clothes that he keeps at my apartment. When he begins, I sit on the floor next to where he’s standing and face the guys. I’m here so I can support Ryan but mostly because I want to see how everyone seems to be feeling about this new development. So far with the exception of Shane looking excited and having a smile plastered from ear to ear the other guys are not really giving up much.

I’m so glad everyone agreed to come tonight.  I know you’re all aware that you’ve been offered the chance to be one of the opening acts for the remainder of the Carnal Imagination’s tour.  Trent Phoenix emailed Alex a contract, and she had me look over it. Ryan pauses looking down at me. I found many concerning items in it, and that’s why we’re all meeting tonight.  As I told Alex when we reviewed the contract earlier, upon first glance this is a standard touring contract.  However, upon careful inspection, I noticed some major clause changes that I don’t understand.  Especially if your group is only an opening act. I’m going to bring them all to your attention, and I think as a group you can discuss how you want to handle everything.

Parker clearing his throat gets our attention, I noticed something when I was reading the contract.  But I honestly thought it must be normal. Then I realized I didn’t know what to do if I had questions or problems with what they sent me.  So I’m glad we are doing this.  Thank you, Ryan.

I’m glad to help out, Parker, Ryan says giving Parker a chin up acknowledgment.

Does everyone have a copy of the contract?  I ask holding up a folder. If not, I have copies. So speak up.  

Once Ryan confirms everyone has a copy in front of them, he starts again.  First thing I noticed is that the record company added a clause stating they wanted complete creative control.  Which means they want control of your sound, your set lists and what you write in the future.  I don’t like that they have this in there, and I’m going to ask to have that particular clause revised immediately.

That’s just bullshit! Riley says while reading and shaking his head. The sleeves of his shirt ride up from bulging his upper arms, and his tattoos seem to grow from his obvious frustration.

I agree, Riley. So I will have them edit this clause to say the group has control of the sound and creative flow of original music for the group.  The label can have input as to approval and make suggestions but nothing more.  Especially since the current sound you have is what brought you to where you are, to begin with. Ryan adds glancing at each one of us.

Hey, Raising my voice slightly to get everyone to look up at me. What do you all think of making Ryan the band’s official attorney?  I asked him to be mine, but I really think all of us need someone to represent us as a whole.

Avis clears his throat and runs his fingers through his slightly longer brown mop top while getting all of our attention, but his blue eyes looking directly at me. Listen, love, I don’t want to play devil’s advocate here but what if something was to happen between you and Ryan? How would that work then? Where would that leave us as a group?  I really like the idea of someone representing us, especially Ryan because we know him, but I want to make sure everything has been thought before we make any hasty decisions.

Glancing up at Ryan, he’s smiling warmly at me.  "I’m glad you brought this up.  Alex and I discussed this earlier, and I was going to bring this up if no one did. I’m more than happy to represent everyone but if anything were to ever happen between Alex and I— say, our relationship were to end— I have a few of my best friends at the firm who have offered to step in and take over at any time if needed. Last Moment is already an established client; I took care of all of the paperwork this afternoon.  But if you feel that I have rushed this and want different representation, by all means, you have every right.  Just let me know, I’m always here to help all of you.

Avis nods and continues, That addresses my biggest concern. I don’t know ‘bout the rest of ya; I’m okay with him representing all of us.  In fact, I feel much safer knowing him personally.  Thank you, Ryan, for helping us like this.

My pleasure and really, this is what I do, don’t mention it. Ryan gestured with a slow shake of his head as reassurance.

Works for me, Parker says looking between Ryan and me with a content grin, and then back to the copy of the contract he is holding.

After a brief awkward silence, Shane asks as Riley looks up from his copy of the contract with a questioning glance, So, what else did you find?

The next clause the label changed was they want to have complete control over your image, including hair and wardrobe choices; on and off the stage. But the craziest part is the sub-clause to this.  It’s about controlling your diet and exercise. I’m having this changed as well; you should be able to choose whatever you want to wear when you are not onstage. For the stage, I think you should still be able to choose what you want to wear, but we can negotiate some kind of approval process.  I can understand them wanting you all to look a certain way onstage, but wanting to control what you look like not during your personal time or at an official function, that’s absurd.

Ryan exhales loudly while looking at his copy of the contract to keep on track of what to discuss next, Don’t even get me started on how crazy I believe the diet and exercise clause part is.  I understand that all of you need to be fit and healthy, but you’ve all done pretty well to maintain how you look so far.  We will have this stricken from the contract.  If at any time there seems to be an issue with someone’s health due to diet or exercise or heavy exertion on stage, please let me know right away.  We have the right to modify this contract at any time since the record label does as well.

When Ryan told me about the diet clause of the contract I about lost it, to tell you the truth.  If they insist upon enforcing that type of rule upon us that would be a deal breaker for me, I’m sorry guys.  Looking at the understanding male faces staring back at me I know in the pit of my stomach how they feel.

You’re not the only one who feels that way Alex. No one tells me what I can or can’t eat with the exception of my mom, but she’s not here. Parker jokes as laughter immediately follows from the rest of us.

Keeping on track with the conversation, Ryan moves along. The rest I found mainly contractual percentages and costs, but even that is troubling to me.  The label inflated their percentages so high that they almost take close to fifty percent of what you are slated to make overall. You are a secondary opening act, and your numbers shouldn’t be like this at all.  I’m going to force them to address this and bring them back down to basement pricing as far as standard contracts go.

I got confused with all of the numbers and didn’t know what they meant.  I’m glad you were able to explain them. Thanks, man, Shane says stroking his chin, raking the stubble slightly. I can see the frustration clearly in his brown eyes.

Yeah, the numbers add up to different percentages if you know what you’re looking at and read the legal terminology.  This is a multi-million dollar tour, there is no reason they should want this much control over you so soon. Unless they already have plans for your group or see potential. Looking back at his notebook and then up to the guys, Ryan checks to see if everyone understands.

My cell phone vibrates in the pocket of my jeans alerting me to an incoming text message.  I stretch my legs out from underneath me and retrieve my phone.

Paige: Have someone open the apartment door. Just got here with the food. A lot to carry.

A devious smile and a slight blush covers my cheeks knowing what I’m about to do.  Hey, sorry to interrupt, would one of you guys open the door?  Paige is on her way up, and her arms are full.

Chuckling under my breath, I watch Parker jump to his feet and run crashing for the door. Avis stands and walks behind him to help.  I notice Riley watching on and grinning in their direction and shaking his head as he returns to reading the contract. Yep, I’m not the only one who can see it.

Hey, guys!  I hear Paige say at the door, Thanks for your help.  You don’t need to take everything, from me.  I made it up the stairs carrying all of this; a few more feet to the table won’t make that much of a difference.

We insist, Paige.  Thank you for bringing food. The pizza smells delicious.  Always the gentleman, Avis lets Paige in before closing the door behind her while holding a few bags in his hands.

You’re too sweet Avis.  Kissing him on the cheek, she turns to walk toward the kitchen passing the rest of us still in the living room area. Food’s here; get it while it’s hot. Paige blows a kiss in my direction.  

Joining her in the kitchen, I get a stack of plates, and she grabs a pile of napkins, a few pizza cutters and utensils. We set everything up for grab and go in the adjoining room and just plan to bring our food back in and eat sitting down in the living room.

Paige and I walk into the dining room with what we’ve grabbed while everyone continues to dive into the food, taking a break from the intense contract talk for a little while. I step back and let the guys attack the pizza.  

It has been so long since I’ve seen all of them, the Verizon Center show was a fantastic night for all of us; I’m taking in this new memory because I’ve missed them.  

Parker looks as if he just recently got his haircut, so his normal blonde spiky is still the same just shorter.  His ice blue eyes catch me looking at him, and he winks at me while he grabs some pizza then goes into the kitchen for something to drink.  Riley and Shane are talking about something intensely, and I’m marveling at how tall they are even from across the room.  I’m not short by any means but compared to my 5’11 height, Riley at 6’2 and Shane at 6’, I still feel short.  

What has you two so animated over there? I inquire while standing in the corner.  Riley’s green eyes and Shane’s brown ones look at me as if I interrupted something major.

I hold my hands up in front of me in surrender, My mistake, sorry guys.

No, no, it’s okay, Alex. We were just talking about quitting the other band we’re in, that’s all. And when to tell them.  Riley confesses with a guilty but sad look in his eyes.

I think we should wait until after we talk to the record label, Shane says looking from Riley to me.

I notice that Riley is now looking at the floor contemplating.  When he looks down, I see that his usual clean military cut short blonde hair is now a little more grown out.  I shift my gaze back to Shane and with exception to his goatee being gone and just more of an overgrown five o’clock shadow in its place, he looks the same.

I agree with you, Shane. Just wait this negotiation out and don’t make any final decisions until everything is signed.  Don’t worry Riley, it will all be fine.  I walk over to him and place my hand on his arm as he looks up at me and gives me a halfhearted smile and a nod in silent agreement.

Get some food before Paige and I eat it all, I joke, wiggling my eyebrows up and down.

Once all of us have our fill of the food, we get back to business and Paige sits down in the kitchen to listen.

Ryan jumps right back in. Okay guys, first things first.  Do you all want to go on tour with Carnal Imagination? Do you want to do this?  If not, then there is no reason to even negotiate this contract.

When he asks that my stomach drops because all of the guys look directly at me as if my answer is determining theirs.  Looking up at Ryan I keep my face neutral, and I gain strength from the warmth in his eyes as he smiles to me.

"I know how I feel about all of this.  But have you asked yourself what you want? Not thinking about the group for a minute? Do you want to do this? I did, and I know my answer.  I don’t want you to depend on me for yours."

My bandmates nod and understand what I’m saying to them, and all of us take a moment.  I see Paige in the kitchen, and she flashes me a thumbs up as I puff out my cheeks with my silent exhale.

It’s a big commitment to take on, but I would feel more comfortable knowing where you stand if you don’t mind, Alex? Avis asks breaking the silence first.

I don’t mind telling you at all.  I just want to make sure everyone makes the decision for themselves and not for the group.  But I want to do it.

I’m in! Parker speaks up not even a split second after I’m done causing me to exhale a small audible laugh.

Bloody right, so am I.

Let’s do this, Shane says with renewed enthusiasm.

When it’s quiet for a second all of us look at Riley for second in a bit of a silent panic.  He looks up at the guys and then at me with a dismissive look on his face, Oh, you know you’re not going anywhere without me.

Thank goodness. Paige sits down next to me on the floor nudging her shoulder with mine, and I realize something, Guys, as much as I love all of you, being on a bus full of guys is not going to be easy for me. Looking in her direction, Would any of you object to Paige coming with us if arrangements can be made?

No objections here, Alex, Avis says first followed by everyone else voicing their agreement.

Feeling her shift closer to me, I hear her whisper to me. You really want me to go with you?

Are you kidding? Of course, I do. I’ll go out of my mind if I have to be on a bus with just guys for six months by myself and no other females.  Please say you’ll consider it?

Damn right I will, she says as she grabs my hand and squeezes it. I hope all of the negotiations go smoothly, and my dad will be okay with my working remotely all the time.  I’m sure it won’t be a problem.

About fifteen minutes later, I send a short email to Amber asking if we could meet the next day at the SATB offices, also asking what time was good for them.  Not five minutes later, I get a message back from her stating that 10:00 a.m. is perfect and that all of them are looking forward to seeing me.  What she doesn’t know is that all of us, with the exception of Paige, will be there to see them.

We meet in the parking garage where SATB Records has their DC offices, a quarter before 10 a.m.  Everyone dressed to impress in business attire.  If you took one look at us, you would never guess we are a rock band by night.

Our ride in the elevator to the sixth floor was direct. When the doors opened, we are greeted by the sight of a large reception desk and name of the record label on the wall in gleaming silver.

Welcome to SATB Records, how can I help you today?

Good morning, my name is Alexandra Walton; I have an appointment with Trent Phoenix and Amber Wesley at 10:00 a.m.

The receptionist looks at my entourage behind me, and then glances at her computer, then back at me, Yes, Miss Walton.  I will let them know you have arrived. Will you and your guests please have a seat; someone will be here to escort you in shortly.

Thank you.

She picks up her phone and makes a call as we sit down in the lobby.  We are all quiet with our thoughts while waiting to see what could happen next when a familiar voice rings out.

Well, I knew Alex was coming, but I didn’t expect to see everyone.

Turning around I give a smile that I can feel across my entire face. Amber, great to see you.

Good to see you too, Alex, and the rest of you, too, as always.  She spots Ryan beside me and for a quick second I notice a small amount of tension in her shoulders, but she hides it as quickly as she shows it.  Ryan, so great of you to come and be a support to everyone.

Ryan stands up, offering his hand. "Of course, I’m always here to support Alex with whatever she does or doesn’t choose, as