I’m too sated to move. I hug him harder hoping he knows the feeling is mutual.
I’m not sure how long passes, but he lays us back down and moves me so I’m cushioned to him.
“I love you, Sparkle.”
“I love you too.”
We fall asleep against each other, holding as tight as we can until sometime in the night he puts us under the covers.
Chapter 14
Surviving
Declan
I’m nervous. I’m not sure why, but I am. Even with all the talk in the car, I can’t concentrate on any of the conversations. The guys in the band met at my house so we could ride to MJ Labels together. Jay will meet us there.
Blake and Nate question Raven about the details of her trip, but Cooper is as quiet as I am. We’ve been working towards this for years and this is the first time we gave anyone complete creative control over the sound of our music. I’m not sure what to expect, but I know that as a group we’re ready for whatever comes next.
Jay’s waiting by his car when we pull up, and I notice Raven stiffen. I go to her side before we approach him and take her hand. She gives me a sweet smile, and I realize how much it means to me she is here.
“Hey guys, ready for this?” he greets us.
“Yeah, I can honestly say, we’re really fucking ready for this.” Cooper answers for the group.
“Raven, nice to see you. Thank you for coming.”
“Hello, Jay, I’m only here because Declan wouldn’t take no for an answer.” She gives him a small grin.
“No, Rave, we all wouldn’t take no for an answer. We gave him the job of convincing you, but we all want you here.” Blake tells her.
She blushes and I pull her closer to kiss her forehead. She smells so good, and I wish like hell she didn’t have to go anywhere this afternoon because I want her back in my bed as soon as we leave here.
MJ’s offices are impressive for a small label. There are award-winning record plaques lining the walls in the modern reception area. The receptionist is a pretty middle-aged woman who is fielding calls as quickly as they come in. She motions to us that she’ll be right with us with a warm smile. I don’t recognize her but she looks at me as if she knows me.
When she hangs up the phone, Raven steps away from me and practically runs to her.
“Mrs. Jacobs!”
“Raven Hayes, what are you doing here dear? I haven’t seen you in ages.”
The two women embrace in a tight hug and carry on without acknowledging anyone else in the room. After several minutes of rapid conversation, Raven turns around and introduces us all. Apparently Mrs. Jacobs is Mike’s mom and is helping him until he can replace his receptionist. She also knew Raven growing up.
Mike comes around the corner to greet us.
“Mike, why didn’t you tell me Raven was coming in today?” she asks.
“I didn’t know, but it’s a nice surprise.” He pulls Raven into a hug.
I cough loud enough to bring his attention to me and give him a look that says let go of my girl–now.
He laughs at me and steps back. I’m not sure what he thinks is so funny because to me there is nothing funny about another guy touching Raven.
“Mom, Raven and Declan are together. At least, I think they’re together since she’s here today.” He tells his mom.
“Yeah, man. Hope you don’t mind but we wanted her with us.”
“Not a problem at all. I think it’s pretty awesome, she’ll get to hear some of the new music you recorded.”
Raven eyes meet mine with worry. I shrug at her and motion for her to get back by my side.
Mrs. Jacobs’ wave’s goodbye as Mike leads us to a conference room. There are two guys and one woman waiting on us. I recognize one of the sound technicians from Charleston but don’t know the rest of them.
Mike takes on introductions, “Y’all already know Dan, but this is Kelly, my assistant, and Jared, one of our marketing associates.”
We get through the handshakes and sit to let Mike lead the meeting. Kelly mostly takes notes, but I catch her staring at me more than once. I make sure to hold Raven’s hand possessively letting her know I’m taken. Mike asks Dan to play the four tracks, and he hits some buttons on the machine in front of him.
At first, I don’t even recognize our sound. I’ve listened to our playbacks for years, but with the technology Dan used, we sound incredible. No one moves or speaks the first three songs. Blake, Nate, and Cooper look at me because we all know what’s coming next. Mike glances my way and grins.
The last song starts with a badass intro from Blake. When I start to sing, it’s raw, it’s painful, and it’s soul-crushing. I relive every memory of writing and then recording this song. This was the first song I wrote in my drunken stupor this summer. As the song plays on, the beat picks up and the riff lightens the broken emotion. The last verse closes the song by bringing the broken hearted lovers back together. When it ends the whole room is silent.
Raven breaks the silence. “Mike, I need to use the Ladies room. Can you tell me where to go?” Her voice cracks and I curse myself for not warning her.
I stand up to go with her and she doesn’t argue. When we get into the hallway, I see a few tears run down her cheeks, but she doesn’t say anything. I wait outside the bathroom for her trying to think of what to say.
When she comes out, she’s pulled herself together, but there’s sadness in her eyes.
“Baby, I’m sorry I didn’t warn you. I had no idea how it sounded.”
“Don’t be sorry, it was beautiful. It took me by surprise. Really, I love it. What’s it called?”
“‘Surviving.’”
She lets out a small laugh. “That sounds appropriate. Like I said, it really is beautiful.”
“Babe, thanks for the compliment, but I don’t think calling Sayge’s music beautiful is the right word.”
“Why not? I think it’s a great word.”
“It is if we’re talking about you, but Sayge is a rock-and-roll band. We like more manly terms.”
“Oh my God, you’re a dork. Let’s get back in there before they think I’ve completely lost it.”
We link our hands together and head back in to discuss the future.
After we sit back down, Kelly hands out a binder to everyone and apologizes to Raven for not having one for her. The implication is obvious, she didn’t know Raven would be with us. I scoot Raven’s chair closer to me and explain we can share.
Mike has outlined a detailed and thorough marketing plan for Sayge taking us through the next four months.
“First and most importantly, we need a debut song. I personally have a favorite, but I want you to choose. I need to know which of these songs you want me to start with.”
The guys look between each other with a silent understanding. Nate nods his head at me to be the speaker for the group.
“I think we’re all prepared to move forward with “Surviving” if Raven agrees to it.” She tenses against me and all eyes in the room are on her.
She thinks it through before she answers, “Of course, I’ll agree if you think it’s best. I’m not an expert but are you sure it’s the right song? It seems a little emotional for a debut. I would think you’d want to go a more upbeat route. Maybe one of the first three, those are your trademark songs. Your local fans love them.”
“Raven, you’re right, it is customary to push a more known song for the local following. However, we’re going to do things different. I understand you just heard this and it might have overwhelmed you. But from where I’m sitting, it’s the best choice. I’ve spent hours listening to these tracks. My first reaction to the end result of “Surviving” was similar to yours. But when I listened to it again and again, I realized the story it told and the proverbial happily ever after. It’s gut-wrenching and rough, but it’s brilliant.” Mike answers her.
She hesitates and the rest of the guys look nervous that she isn’t happy. She takes the time to look a
t everyone in the room before she gives her trademark smile and agrees.
We move on. For the next two hours we talk about how to start up. Mike had decided to go a different route with us than he did with Knight’s Dream. He’s going straight to his contacts at the local stations. He wants Sayge back on stage at The Steamroom for two nights a week for the next month. He wants us to incorporate “Surviving” in the song sets and upload the four songs we recorded on our webpage.
He’s arranged a fair amount of studio time for us to record at least ten more songs and then we can choose what will go on the debut album. His plan is to release the album the middle of December.
“Mike, this seems like a great plan, but isn’t it a little rushed?” I ask looking at the timeline outlined in our binders.
“Yes, but we can do it. You guys have the sound and I want to be aggressive. There’s a chance I can get you to headline a few shows with Knight’s Dream when they are close. I want as much exposure as possible and this summer’s tour was a huge hit. I think with a ton of hard work, we will be scheduling another tour next summer. This is me and this is my vision. You guys have most of the control here if you’re not comfortable, let me know.”
I look at Nate, Blake, Cooper, and Jay and we silently agree this is doable. Then I look at Raven and she is smiling widely. She nods her head and gives me silent encouragement.
“Okay, let’s do it. But if at any time you think our heated deadline is compromising our work, we pull back. We haven’t worked this hard to fail because of greed.”
“I agree. I’ll work with Jay personally with your schedules. He’ll be a part of this every step of the way in case there are any hiccups.”
Jay nods in agreement.
“Two more things to discuss while we’re all together. First off, who’s going to manage your social media?”
No one says anything for a minute and then Raven and Kelly speak at the same time. “I’ll do it.”
All heads volley back and forth between the two women but there’s only one real choice, Raven.
“Obviously, I’m no expert, but I can take the Facebook page and Twitter. Maybe Kelly can take the website. We can coordinate each week with the actual data.” Raven responds in a sickly sweet tone and turns to stare at Kelly.
Kelly reluctantly agrees with an embarrassed look. She obviously doesn’t know anything about Raven and Sayge’s history.
“That’s fine. Any problems, y’all come to me. Secondly, how do you feel about Las Vegas?” Mike asks the room.
A huge smile crosses my face and I see the same expression on everyone in the room.
“Since Ryan’s group is doing so well, I arranged for them to have a small set at the iHeartRadio Music Festival next month. I want y’all there. If anything, I’m gonna try for you to sing one song. He’s already agreed to it. I can’t promise the reception, but since it’s such a huge event, this is an incredible chance. I’ll want Jay out a few days early, but will make arrangements to fly you in on Thursday. I can’t get you reservations at the MGM but we’ll get you close and have passes for you. What do you say?”
The room is silent and I’m internally trying to absorb everything. Nate lets out a loud cheer and the room goes crazy. Raven jumps over her seat and lands in my lap with a hug. Her face if full of happiness.
Once the guys calm down, Kelly gets our information for the airline tickets. Mike tells us he’s positive we won’t get individual rooms, so he’ll try for suites. I give Kelly my credit card information and tell her to make sure I have a private room; no matter what. Raven gives me a questioning glance.
“You don’t think we’re going to Vegas and sharing a room with these idiots do you?” I ask her.
“Dec, I can’t go to Vegas next month, I have school.”
“Yes, babe, you can and you will. I won’t go without you.”
Mike chuckles at my declaration and Kelly looks sick.
“Don’t be silly, you’re going.”
“Hate to point this out, Raven girl, but none of us are going without you. Better get your schedule together.” Nate shouts across the table.
“Y’all are ridiculous. I can’t go to Vegas. I have responsibilities here.”
We all stare at her saying nothing, letting her know we’re serious. These guys know how where I stand. I’ll do anything to have her by my side.
“Fine! I’ll go, but we’re gonna have serious study sessions and Declan’s telling my parents.”
“Done.” I whisper in her ear while kissing on the lobe. She relaxes against me.
“I guess we’re taking a trip to Vegas!”
The room erupts in cheers again and Mike slaps everyone on the back as he shakes our hands. The excitement in the room has very little to do with the trip.
“Raven, can I talk to you a second before y’all leave?” Mike asks Raven when we all get up to leave.
I stay by her side and Kelly remains right by his.
“Listen, I don’t know your work load, but I recently lost my receptionist. I’m looking for a replacement because my mom can only help for so long. Are you interested in a job?”
I stiffen beside her–hell no. Our time together is going to be limited as it is, I don’t want her working.
“Mike, that’s so awesome. But I can’t. I only have a year left and I have a few commitments already lined up. But good news is, I know someone for you.”
“Who?”
“Remember Charlie Bryant? My best friend? She recently graduated from Emory with a Business degree and is looking for a position. She’s probably overqualified for a receptionist, but she could help in other areas if needed.”
“I remember Charlotte. Cute girl with a snarky mouth?”
“Yeah, that’s her.”
“See if she’s interested, and have her call Mom this afternoon to set up a time to meet. If anything, maybe she’d be interested in helping out until I find someone full time.”
Raven leaves the room to call Charlie and I stand with Mike and Kelly reviewing arrangements.
Halfway through the conversation, Kelly breaks in with a semi-professional tone but still an edge to her voice.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but who is that lady?”
Mike laughs out loud and shakes his head at her. “She’s the inspiration for so much that’s about to light us up.”
“She’s the love of my life and my fiancée.” I add.
She huffs out but doesn’t say anything else.
We talk for a few more minutes and then join the group in the lobby. Sometime during our meeting Dan and Jared disappeared.
Mike and Kelly walk me to the reception area where Raven and Mrs. Jacobs have everyone laughing. I walk up to Raven and pinch her ass just to see her reaction. After she jumps up and hits my arm, she smiles sweetly. As if she’s trying to pay me back, she goes straight to Mike and give him a long hug and kiss on the cheek. My instincts are to claim her like a caveman, but I stay back.
When she joins me again saying our goodbyes, I make sure to address Kelly.
“Kelly, will you do me a favor?”
She looks at me with a sickening smirk, “Of course.”
“When you book our room, please don’t book it at Paris.”
The whole room explodes in laughter, including Raven. Poor Kelly knows she’s been left out of a personal joke.
*****
The car ride back to my house is full of chatter. I don’t let go of Raven’s hand the whole way. She keeps asking the guys about the recording session and I let them tell her their version. I was a lost mess, which she already knows.
According to Raven, when she told Charlie about the chance to work for MJ Labels, she screamed. She called and made an appointment for this afternoon to meet with Mike. Their coffee date is rescheduled for Wednesday.
To me, this is fine because once I send these asses home, I’m taking Raven to bed until tomorrow.
Apparently, they have different plans. When we get to my hous
e, everyone settles in with a beer. Raven grabs her laptop and starts updating our sites. Someone calls my sisters and they show up as well. About the time I’m ready to kick everyone out, my doorbell rings.
When I answer, I sigh. My dad is there with several pizza boxes and cases of beer at his feet. I know he’s going to be staying here because of the duffle bag over his shoulder.
“You don’t call your dad when you have the biggest meeting of your life? I have to hear about it from someone else?” He hugs me and heads towards the now–growing party in my living room.
Raven jumps up into my dad’s arms the minute she sees him. He hugs her so tight even I start to get jealous. Get a grip Declan! That’s your old man!
We dive into the food and tell my family about our day. After a few hours it becomes apparent my house is a crash pad for the night. Blake, Nate, and Cooper can’t drive and even though Abbi offers to take them home, they decline.
Raven offers to go home with the girls but I grip her tightly letting her know she’s not going anywhere. My dad walks my sisters to their car while I get all the bedding for these fuckers to sleep on the floor.
Charlie calls Raven and Blake to let them know she got the job. Blake asks quietly if she can come over, but I shake my head no. She and Raven have some unfinished business to take care of first.
Once my dad is settled in the guest room, I force Raven into my room. I’ve had as much as I can take of sharing her. She starts to protest, but I pull her to me in a kiss.
Our mouths mold together as I carry her to the bed. Placing her back against her favorite pillows, I take my time devouring her mouth. My body is full of want and need for this beautiful woman underneath me. She uses her tongue to outline my lips as I take her shirt off.
“Declan, wait. We can’t do this with a house full of people. Especially your dad.”
“I don’t care about them. I need you.”
“We can’t. I won’t be able to look at them tomorrow.”
“We have to be quiet.”
“I thought you said we couldn’t do quiet.”
“That was when your brother was in the house. With this group, I’m not particularly scared of how quiet we can be.” I continue to kiss down her shoulders to her breast which are pushed up against the fabric of her bra begging to be free. I unlatch her bra and kiss each hard nipple.
Surviving Page 10
