Between Songs

by N. Kognytao

  “I’ll call you?”

  He nodded, but as she was getting out of the car, he reached for her hand once more, leaning over the center console and pressing their lips together just as Leah turned back to him. She smiled into the kiss, pressing one more peck to his lips as they parted.

  She hurried with Aaron toward the front doors as Braydon let out a long breath and leaned his head back against his seat.

  “What the hell are you getting yourself into, Braydon?” he hissed.

  * * *

  Leah took her seat at the long table and looked at the other musicians, Jay, and a few other directors of the company, but they were all looking around silently, waiting for the man at the head of the table to start the meeting.

  Dressed in his expensive, high-fashion clothes, Tim Gracie seemed to exude power and confidence, which commanded the air in the room. Without realizing it, Leah found herself feeling very powerless being so near him.

  Finally looking up from his tablet, Mr. Gracie leaned back in his chair, smiling.

  “Well, we had the stats run this morning,” he said, nodding to Leah. “You’re already a hot topic.”

  “Really?”

  “Some reporters at the concert wrote about you as the opening act and you received rave reviews,” Mr. Gracie said, taking his tablet and turning it around, sliding it down the table to the singer. “Those are some of the comments.”

  Nervous with all the eyes in the room on her and lost in the seat of words on the screen, she only managed to pick out words such as “promising talent” and “raw charisma.” Aaron smiled at her side, reading over her shoulder.

  “Hey, for a debut stage as an opening act, that’s amazing,” he said, nudging his friend in the arm.

  Aaron took the tablet and passed it around to the others of Leah’s team as Jay turned to Mr. Gracie.

  “So, what are we looking at here?” he pressed.

  Mr. Gracie took a deep breath.

  “First step is the single. I say let’s retouch the song and finalize it for release as a digital single. We’ll get some interviews, release the video on our social media channels a week or so before release, start getting his name in the press.”

  “A single already?” Leah gasped.

  “The song is already done, the resources have been utilized,” Mr. Gracie affirmed.

  “What sort of promotion are we talking about?” one of the other higher-ups in RM Entertainment asked, flipping over his own tablet to take notes. “Are we talking photoshoots? Interviews? Or more aggressive marketing?”

  “Are we already discussing styling? What about image control? Social media platforms?” a woman added.

  Mr. Gracie lifted his hand and they fell silent. He turned his attention to Leah once more.

  “Ms. Dillon,” he started, “something I like to pride myself on is respecting the wishes of my artists. Judging from the song you composed for the opening act for Glaring Nights, I have a feeling you would rather be seen as an artist, rather than just another singer.”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Then I don’t want to hinder her,” Mr. Gracie said, looking at the others around the table. “Styling, image control…all of that can be figured out once we see how the public responds to her and what music she produces.”

  “If you want her to be successful, then you need to start getting her marketed,” a woman pressed.

  “I need to get her a manager, first,” the CEO said with a raised eyebrow. “Jay,” he turned to the producer, “how is the progress on Nadia’s next album?”

  “Nearly done.”

  “Excellent. I want you to start devoting more time to Leah and her group.” Mr. Gracie turned his eyes back on Leah. “I would like to release a digital single of the song you composed to open the concert last night. We’re going to push on it very quickly while your name is still out there. We’ll handle a basic marketing strategy. Kelli, if you can put that on the agenda for tomorrow’s marketing meeting, and please send an email to move that meeting up to three.”

  She nodded, typing into her tablet.

  “In the meantime,” he continued, nodding to Jay, “I would like you start laying down some tracks. Get some things down, and I will find him a manager.” He looked at Leah. “Once I decide on your manager, he will be in charge of getting you performances, interviews, radio programs, and anything else he can to get your name out there. This is where the balancing act will be tricky, so I would suggest taking advantage of the time I use to find you a manager to work on as many tracks as possible.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The meeting only lasted another ten minutes with everyone discussing whether to market the songs as part of a new band, or a single vocalist. Leah insisted that everyone be given their proper credit and they decided that they would market Leah but always show her with the musicians in his group.

  Leah and the others mostly stayed silent as the businessmen and women discussed with the CEO the technical aspects of pushing a new artist into the marketing stage. Jay sighed and leaned his head back in the chair, bored, which relieved Leah a little to realize she was not the only one who thought she did not even need to be there for the meeting.

  However, when Mr. Gracie leaned forward and nodded, telling everyone he would see them at the marketing meeting the following day, Leah snapped to attention and stood with everyone else as they thanked Mr. Gracie and bid goodbye, filing out of the room.

  Leah extended her hand to Mr. Gracie.

  “Thank you very much, sir. I won’t let you down.”

  Mr. Gracie did not release her hand, pursing his lips momentarily.

  “Actually, Ms. Dillon, I wish to speak with you alone for a few minutes.”

  Leah was suddenly very nervous, but everyone who was waiting for Leah nodded and obeyed without question, walking out of the room and closing the door behind them.

  The CEO of RM Entertainment motioned to the seat next to him as he sat back down. The singer hesitantly sat, trying not to be nervous about the impromptu one-on-one meeting. Mr. Gracie was silent for several long moments, staring at the table, his eyes troubled as he tried to think of what he wanted to say.

  “Ms. Dillon, I think it’s only fair for me to say that I never involve myself in the private lives of my artists,” he said strongly. “The only time I ever become involved is if it has any impact on their career, or the image of RM Entertainment as a whole. You are entitled to your own private life and your own relationships.”

  Leah could only stare at her boss, worry eating away at her gut.

  “Have I done something wrong, Mr. Gracie?”

  “No, no, not at all,” he assured quickly. “However…we do need to talk about Braydon Kirkwood.”

  Leah’s entire being went on alert, startled that Mr. Gracie already knew with whom she was becoming involved.

  “You know him?”

  “Very well,” Mr. Gracie said, nodding. “He is my brother-in-law.”

  Leah thought her jaw had dropped to the floor in surprise, but the shock of the statement had been so profound that she was frozen to the spot, unable to move, her eyes wide and unblinking. Mr. Gracie heaved another sigh, leaning forward and folding his hands under his chin.

  “You can see where this could cause some trouble for all of us…”

  “You said you don’t get involved—”

  “I don’t, and if you keep this relationship discreet, which I know Braydon will, then there is little for us to worry about. However, if the news gets out that the new promising talent of RM Entertainment is involved with my brother-in-law, there would be many who would question the integrity of the company.” He shook his head. “What’s worse, for your career, would be that people would say that I am promoting you based on your relationship rather than your talent. Take it from a veteran, the more successful you become, the more people try to rip you apart and they will find any way they can to do so.”

  “I don’t want to cause trouble for anyone,” Lea
h said. “But if you’re asking me to stop seeing him, then you might as well call everyone back in here and tell them to cancel all the plans for marketing, because I want to keep seeing him.”

  Mr. Gracie leaned back in his chair.

  “You hardly know him.”

  “That’s how all new relationships start,” Leah said with a nod. “I don’t know much about him now, but slowly and surely, I will get to know him.”

  Tim opened his mouth to say something but instead let out an exasperated sigh.

  “He is not an easy person to get close to, let alone be in a relationship with,” he said strongly. “He’s very secretive and can be a little cold.”

  “I’ve figured that based on his attitude, that but that doesn’t really bother me,” Leah said, shaking her head. “I am drawn to him. I can’t explain it.”

  “Speaking as his family, I can say that all of us will be shocked if he lets you get that close. He’s not good at maintaining relationships. I didn’t know about you two until last night, so I have obviously not spoken with him about your relationship, but I know that he understands my position as his brother-in-law and your boss. This company is barely climbing out of the scandals from five years ago, and I cannot risk another that could jeopardize the integrity of RM.” He fixed Leah with a firm stare. “Do you understand that?”

  “I can be discreet.”

  “See to it that you are,” Mr. Gracie said. “And do not let your relationship interfere in your career. I’m investing in you, Ms. Dillon, and if you are investing in getting to know Braydon, know that he will be difficult, and you’re likely to have arguments. He doesn’t like people getting close to him. If you are not prepared for that in this relationship, then I would suggest you do both of you a favor and walk away before you get drawn in any further.”

  “…are you speaking as my boss or his brother?”

  “Both.”

  “I will keep my private life separate from work, Mr. Gracie,” she said strongly. “And I am ready to put work into learning about him. I’m no stranger to difficult people and situations. I can’t explain it, but…when I’m with him, I feel a sense of belonging, of inspiration that I have never really had. I don’t know if he feels the same way, but I never pushed him. We’ve gotten this close by random meetings and talking…like we’re drawn together.”

  “And you understand the impact this could have on your career, if it were to become public?”

  “I do.”

  “And you’re willing to risk that?”

  Leah shook her head. “I cannot compare the two, Mr. Gracie. I really cannot. Being a singer is what I’ve always wanted, and now that I have that opportunity, I want to put my all into it and pursue it as far as I am able. But I also want to be with Braydon. I cannot choose one or the other because they do not mean the same thing to me.”

  Mr. Gracie looked her over for a long moment, but Leah did not look away, staying strong under his piercing eyes.

  Finally, he sighed and turned away.

  “Well, as I said, I try not to get involved in my artists’ private lives,” he said coldly. “You can go, now. I will not bring up your relationship again unless it becomes a problem for the company. But also know I will not give you any special treatment because of Braydon. Right now, I am showing you the support of the company because I truly believe you have talent. I hope that you do not prove me wrong.”

  “I can be discreet, Mr. Gracie. And I would never expect preferential treatment.” She started to walk out of the meeting room but stopped. “Wait,” she turned, “you only found out about us last night?”

  “When he showed up in the company box,” he clarified.

  “He didn’t tell you he was going to be there?”

  “He’s a very private person, Ms. Dillon. Even with family members.”

  Mr. Gracie smiled, his expression warming again. The sudden change in demeanor was almost more unsettling than the dark manner he had taken on earlier in their conversation. “I hope you have a good, productive day. If you’re as talented as we all believe, you’re about to become very, very busy.”

  * * *

  Leah was exhausted by the time she made it to Studio Two. Keith asked her what the private meeting was about, but Leah said it was just about what image she wanted to show to an audience. She then fell back on the couch, sighing heavily.

  “You went through the Gracie Ringer, didn’t you?” Jay asked knowingly, raising an eyebrow.

  “The what?” Yasmine asked, confused.

  “Tim is a very caring man, normally. But when he’s talking business, he can be a real dick. He changed a lot when he took over the company, particularly after…Well, in any case, his former training as a performer means he’s got presence enough to knock the breath out of you. He can be a bit draining.”

  “That’s a good word for it,” Leah groaned in agreement.

  “Just be careful, all of you,” Jay said. “I am not joking. As rising talents, the last thing you want to do is disappoint the CEO. He’ll cut you without thought if you’re harmful to the company image. Keep that in mind.”

  As Jay clapped his hands and told them all to listen to the single recording once so they could get back in the mood for writing songs, Leah pulled out her phone and texted Braydon.

  Hey. Hope you’re having a good day. Can I come over tonight? I need to talk to you.

  The song was finishing up when she received his reply.

  Braydon: I’m working. Tonight’s not good. Is this an urgent conversation?

  I just learned your brother-in-law is my boss. Why didn’t you tell me?

  She managed to ignore the way Aaron and Yasmine started humming out a small change they wanted to make in their parts of the song, waiting anxiously for his response.

  Braydon: I don’t involve myself in Tim’s work and he doesn’t involve himself in my private life. If you’re uncomfortable with that, tell me.

  Leah groaned, rolling her eyes. She really did not want to have the conversation over text message.

  I’m not uncomfortable with it. But I don’t want to cause any problems for you or RM. Can I come over and talk to you tonight?

  It did not take him long to respond.

  Braydon: Tonight is not good. I am going to be very busy for a few days. I’ll text you when I’m available.

  “Leah!” Jay snapped. “Wake up and participate!”

  “I’m up! I’m up!” she cried, sitting upright and pocketing her phone.

  Chapter Eight

  Braydon had gone silent for six days.

  Through most of the days Leah did not notice that he had not contacted her again, as she was busy with her own work, spending hours in the studio working on new songs and reading reviews on her opening act for the Glaring Nights kick-off concert.

  However, at night, when she would return to her room and try to get some sleep, she would obsessively check her phone to see if he had contacted her.

  On the fourth night, before her tired brain could think better of her actions, she sent him a text.

  Good night. Sleep well.

  There was no response in the morning.

  On the sixth day, Leah was getting worried. She went through her day as usual, going to the studio, working on the album, calling her sister after she was out of school to check up on her and tell her what was going on with the songs, and then she returned to work.

  Aaron had gone home early that day, finished with his part of the song, and Yasmine was recording her bass parts as Jay and two others watched the screens of the computers, monitoring the recording occurring in the other room.

  Leah sat at the other table, tapping her pen against a stack of papers, trying not to notice the number of crumpled papers next to her and around the trashcan in the office from failed attempts to throw them away. She had been composing lyrics at a good pace for days, but her worry about Braydon was beginning to invade her thoughts.

  The door to the studio opened around eight at night
, causing Jay, Leah, and the two technicians to turn.

  “Mr. Gracie,” one of the men greeted, surprised to see the CEO in the recording studio.

  “Hey, Tim,” Jay said casually.

  “Hello, Mr. Gracie,” Leah greeted, her heart stopping momentarily, realizing she could ask the CEO of RM Entertainment about Braydon’s sudden silence.

  Mr. Gracie walked to stand next to Leah, listening to Yasmine play. When she looked up and saw him, dressed in his designer labels as always, her eyes shot wide and she left the recording room.

  “Hello, Mr. Gracie,” she said, smiling broadly.

  “That sounded amazing, Yasmine,” he complimented. “But you’re just barely out of tune. Double check the A string.”

  “So what’s the big boss doing slumming it in the salt mines?” Jay teased, turning his chair to look at Mr. Gracie as Jasmine stepped back into the recording room, listening to the strings on her bass guitar. “Other than to tell us how to do our jobs.”

  “Someone has to tell you,” he chuckled, keeping up with the banter that everyone knew only Jay could get away with due to their history together. “I was actually heading home for the evening and wanted to see who was still working. I saw the lights on in here.”

  “Wait, you’re going home? You don’t live here?” Jay laughed.

  “Oh, be quiet,” Mr. Gracie said with a playful glare. “I have a wife I have been neglecting. I’m taking her to dinner.” He glanced around at those in Studio Two. “I’m pleased to see everyone so dedicated. You’re the new rising star everyone’s got their eyes on. They’re getting ready for your single,” he said, placing a hand on Leah’s shoulder. Leah took a deep breath before laughing lightly.

  “No pressure, then?”

  Mr. Gracie chuckled, squeezing her shoulder.

  “Well, I won’t keep you, but please be sure to rest, as well. Can’t have you burning out too quickly.”

  “Will do, boss,” Jay said, waving the CEO out of the room. “Go treat your wife to dinner.”

  Mr. Gracie smiled and left the studio.

  For two seconds, Leah debated following him.