by L A Cotton
Thankfully, Fenton announced we were almost at Masterpiece HQ. The sleek building loomed up ahead and I think we all breathed a sigh of relief when there was no sign of any Die Hearts. Travis came around and opened the door for Eva who hopped out. She glanced at me through her long lashes and smiled.
“Thank fuck,” Levi groaned. “I was about to piss myself. Jake, shall we?” He jammed a hand into his pocket and swaggered over to his bodyguard, the two of them disappearing inside the building.
Alistair and Riley were busy discussing how to approach the meeting, while Hudson and Damon trailed in behind them. Leaving me with Eva and Letty.
“So, I’ll be…” Letty thumbed to the door and took off after everyone while me and Eva walked casually inside with Travis and Fenton coming up behind us.
“I’m sorry,” Eva whispered, “if I, you know...” She smothered another laugh, her eyes dropping to my jeans for the briefest of seconds.
My eyes narrowed, aware that we were no longer in the blacked-out van. “We should talk,” I said. We had to figure out how to be around each other without me wanting to tear her clothes off at any given second.
“What, now?”
“No, later.” I chuckled. “Tonight. After the show.”
Eva nodded, fighting a smile. She seemed different. More confident and sure of herself. But there was something else—a determination in her eyes I’d never seen before.
A look that said, ‘I’m here, all you have to do is take me’.
But if I crossed that line, if I put us both out of our misery… what then?
There was no time to dwell, we were herded into an elevator and directed to a huge meeting room overlooking downtown LA. Eva had made a beeline for the window, her eyes full of wonder. I could still remember what it was like, to see the world from new heights.
“Eva, Rafe,” Alistair snapped, “if you’d care to join us, we can get started.” I hadn’t realized everyone was here, too busy watching Eva watch the city beyond the tinted glass.
Damon caught my eye, shooting me a concerned expression. I took the empty seat beside my brother while Eva sat with Letty. I hated these things, but they were a necessary evil for artists. An endorsement with the right sponsor could open up doors. For us, it meant Masterpiece, one of the industries most trusted brands, saw us as credible talent with a bright future. For Alistair and Riley and the label, it meant dollar signs.
“Ah, Alistair, good to see you again.” Tim Dowager breezed into the room with a petite woman lapping at his heels. “This is Shelbie, my assistant.”
“Shelbie,” Alistair stood up and extended his hand, “it’s always nice to put a face to a name.” The woman blushed and shook his hand before greeting Riley with a warm smile.
Rumor in industry circles was that Dowager went through more secretaries than Hudson got through fan girls. Shelbie was his latest and from the way he watched her like a predator watched his prey, he wanted to bang her, if he wasn’t already.
“I gotta say, Ali, I wasn’t sure we’d ever get to this point.”
“Come on, Tim.” Alistair relaxed in his chair. “We all knew this was going to happen. It was just a case of when. Black Hearts can help bring Masterpiece into the new decade.”
“Bold statement for the manager of a band who can’t seem to control their lead vocalist.” Dowager’s eyes settled on my brother. “Levi, you’re looking well.”
“I’m in a good place, sir.” Few people brought my brother to heel, but he knew what this deal meant, to us, to the band.
“Good to hear it, son. The tour’s going well?”
“We’ll let you be the judge of that.” Levi flashed him a half-smirk, and Dowager roared with laughter.
“So damn cocky. You remind me a lot of Jagger back in the day.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You should. But even the greats aren’t untouchable, kid.”
Levi straightened at that. He despised being called ‘kid’. Hated it with every fiber of his being. I pressed my boot down on his.
“We know that, Mr. Dowager,” Damon cut in. “And we know what it means to represent a brand such as Masterpiece.”
“Ms. Walker… can I call you Evangeline?” He turned his attention on Eva.
“Eva is fine, sir.”
Dowager nodded. “Very well. I’d be keen to hear how you’ve found it being on the road with the band.”
Alistair sat up and said, “Come on, Tim, that isn’t—”
“It’s fine. I don’t mind answerin’ his question.” Eva smiled and we all saw Dowager soften under her spell. “The band have been nothin’ but welcomin’.”
“It was a bold move the label made adding you to the tour. Why do you think they picked you?”
“Tim,” Alistair sounded pissed now, but Dowager waved him off, fully aware that he held all the cards.
“I was lucky enough to spend time with the band during the Jamesboro County Talent Showdown, and I guess you could say something clicked.” She gave a half-shrug. “Besides, I had no idea who Black Hearts Still Beat was back then.”
“You’re shitting me?” Dowager was hanging on her every word. “And it’s true, you challenged Levi to a sing-off?”
“It didn’t quite happen like that, but yeah, there was some friendly competition.”
He slammed his hand down. “I like you, Eva. I like you a lot. You’ve got your head screwed on straight. The fact you’ve survived a week on the road with these four speaks for itself. What you and Levi created on stage at Charlotte was music gold. Many artists have tried and failed to unite country and rock but you, missy, nailed it.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Tension rippled in the air. I was still physically restraining Levi underneath the table, while Damon and Hudson watched on, caution in their eyes as Dowager practically foamed at the mouth listening to Eva.
“Okay, let’s get down to business. Masterpiece wants to be the official sponsor of Black Hearts Still Beat…” he paused, letting the information sink in. Levi relaxed into the chair, a long sigh leaving his lips. It was hard to put into words what this would mean for him. A guy who had been shunned by almost everyone in his life except for me and the guys.
“Fuck, yes.” He scrubbed his face. “That’s means everything to us, sir. Every damn thing.”
“I’m glad to hear it, son. But we don’t only want Black Hearts,”—he levelled his gaze on Eva again—“we want you too.”
Eva
“What do you think he wants to talk about?” I asked Letty as we sat in the living area of our suite. The show wasn’t until tomorrow which meant for one blissful night we got to sleep in an actual bed with fluffy covers and complete silence.
“I’m guessing it has something to do with Dowager’s offer?”
The offer Alistair had said we needed time to consider. I still couldn’t wrap my head around the fact there was an offer that included me.
Me.
The door swung open and Riley and Alistair marched into the room. “Sorry we kept you waiting, you must have a lot of questions.”
“Actually,” I said, “I don’t really understand most of what just happened.”
The second we’d left Masterpiece’s building, Levi had wanted to celebrate, but then he and Hudson had gotten into it when the drummer voiced what I had no doubt everyone else was thinking—a deal with Masterpiece tied me to the band in ways no one had comprehended.
“I appreciate it’s a lot to take in. When we signed you on for the tour, none of us could have predicted how quickly things would move. But that’s the industry. Your life really can change overnight.”
“You’re tellin’ me,” I breathed.
“Riley, the papers, please.” She handed Alistair a stack of official-looking documents, unable to disguise her annoyance. “This is an offer of representation, Eva.”
“Representation?” I gulped over the giant lump in my throat.
“It supersedes the exi
sting contract and means that Razorsharp Records becomes your official label.”
“The label wants to sign me?” I wasn’t a recording artist. I’d signed onto the tour to save my parents.
“You’re whipping up a storm, Eva. If we want to capitalize on the interest, we need to act now. It’s likely an extra leg will be added to the tour; an international leg.”
“And you want me to be a part of that?”
“You’re already a part of it, Eva,” he chuckled. “You just need to say the word. We’re only five shows in and ratings are already through the roof. People are responding, just as we’d hoped.”
“Wow, I have no idea what to say.”
“Don’t talk, just listen,” he said. “The label wants to drop an EP.”
I looked to Letty and she clarified, “an extended play record.”
“I know what an EP is,” I murmured.
“Sorry.” She leaned over and grabbed my hand. “This is a good thing, Eva. A really fucking good thing.”
“They have already secured permission to record Zombie and I’m working on Axel’s people to get permission for Sweet Child O’ Mine. Then they’ll want one of your original tracks.”
My eyes almost bugged. This was… it was freakin’ crazy. I was here as a favor to Alistair and the label. Here to help the band, and my parents. I wasn’t here to sign with Razorsharp Records and become a recording artist.
“There was a poll—” Letty started, but I cut her off, shrieking, “A poll? I don’t think I want to know.”
She and Alistair shared a laugh, while Riley looked on with indifference. The band’s sour-faced assistant was really starting to get under my skin.
“I know it’s a lot,” Alistair attempted to reassure me.
“The band—” I started, but he cut me off.
“The band will do whatever is in the best interests of the band, and right now, whether they like it or not, that’s you. Dowager’s offer doesn’t require you to sign with the label, but you will need a manager; a job I am more than happy to continue. The fact he wants you in the first place speaks volumes about his trust in your talent and appeal.”
“Okay, Ali, we get it.” Letty held up her hands. “But maybe, give the girl some space to breathe.”
“Of course. Nothing needs to be decided right now, although these things always have a limited shelf life. Take the night, talk to your parents, talk to your lawyer. Heck, even talk to God if it helps you arrive at an answer. But I will need an answer, Eva.” Alistair checked his watch and stood up. “I have a meeting downtown, but Riley will be around to answer any questions that arise.” Like I would be going to her for anything. “Letty’s right, this is a good thing. The things dreams are made of. Together, me and Razorsharp Records can help you realize those dreams, Eva.”
“Thank you,” I choked out, still stuck on the part where the label was offering to sign me and put me in the studio to record an EP.
“We’ll talk tomorrow. Enjoy a much-deserved night off.”
I forced a smile, unsure if Alistair and I had the same idea about a night off. I’d hoped Letty would be able to show me some of the sights of downtown LA, but instead there was another party. This time it was a label party for one of their newly-signed artists, and the band was required to attend, which apparently meant, I was required to attend.
To my relief, once Alistair left, Riley didn’t stick around.
“Holy shit, Eva, this is huge.” Letty grinned. “I had a feeling it was heading this way but I didn’t want to say anything in case it didn’t.”
“Did that really just happen?” I sank back into the couch, pulling a pillow into my chest.
“Oh, it happened. It so fucking happened. What are you going to do?”
“I have no idea. I mean, I signed on for the tour, that was it. I didn’t really think about what happened after that.” After being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin, I’d learned not to make long-term plans and take every day as it came. I guess I still hadn’t really broken that mindset. Because nothing was certain. No one could know what tomorrow would bring or the day after that. So I no longer looked far into the future. I couldn’t.
“You should call your parents. This is a huge opportunity, but it will mean life as you know it is over.”
Life as I knew it was already over.
It was over the second Molly entered me into the Talent Showdown.
Only, I was still figuring out if that was a good or bad thing.
I couldn’t go back to being regular old Evangeline Walker now I’d performed for thousands of people; seen the sights of some of the country’s biggest cities. But then, I hadn’t been regular old Eva in a really long time. Cancer had changed me, and now this tour was changing me. And maybe, just maybe, there was a chance that among all the crazy I would find myself again.
Starting with Alistair’s offer.
After I’d had some time to digest the last few hours, Letty set me up on a conference call with my mom and dad. I’d spent five minutes chuckling as I watched the two of them try—and fail—to get the position of the webcam just right.
“Hi, baby.”
“Hi, sweetheart.” They both waved, Mom’s eyes darting around the screen as if she was paranoid someone was watching her.
“It’s just me, Mom,” I said, fighting a smile. “My assistant thought it might be better if we could see each other.”
Dad’s brow pinched. “Did somethin’ happen, sweetheart? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“Do you feel okay? You haven’t been havin’ any symptoms, have you?” The blood drained from Mom’s face.
“No, no, I’m fine. I promise. Never felt better. But I do have some news.”
“Okay, we’re listenin’.” Dad wrapped his arm around Mom’s shoulder.
“Well, I… wow, this is a lot harder than I thought.” I took a deep breath, trying to find the words. “Alistair, Mr. Portman, well, he said the label wants to sign me, officially.” There was a pregnant pause while I let the news sink in. Mom’s expression was unreadable, but Dad’s frown melted away, being replaced with nothing but pride and happiness.
“Eva, sweetheart, that is… damn, baby, I’m so freakin’ proud of you.” He beamed “Aren’t we proud of her, Jesse?” He nudged Mom’s arm, but she didn’t flinch.
“Mom?” My voice shook with trepidation.
“That’s… it’s a lot, Gavin. It’s sounds like a very permanent thing, baby.”
I got it, I did. She would always be my mom; the woman who had almost lost her only child. The idea of losing me again, after she just got me back, was a lot to process. But I couldn’t deny it stung a little that she couldn’t find it in herself to be happy for me.
“Jesse, this is Eva’s dream. It’s everythin’ she ever wanted. Just think, our baby, the superstar.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that, Dad.” Strangled laughter rumbled in my chest.
He made a clucking sound. “We’ve been followin’ those Google alerts, sweetheart. By all accounts you’re makin’ quite the impression.” There was a glint in his eye that had me wondering just what exactly they’d been reading. I knew The Rock Report article had stirred some speculation about the nature of the relationship between me and the band—specifically, me and Levi—but it was just that, speculation. It was tempting to read what people were saying about me all over social media, but I knew that stuff would only drive me crazy. Besides I had Molly sending me regular CliffsNotes of the latest rumors.
I was happy with my performances, and Alistair and the label were happy with the tour so far. That’s all that mattered to me.
“You looked so grown up in that photoshoot, Eva. A little too grown up.” He winked and I blushed profusely.
“I didn’t realize it would be… like that,” I mumbled, unable to meet his amused gaze.
“Sweetheart, you’re a beautiful young woman. Those Black Hearted boys would be fools not to notice.”
“Black Hearts, Dad
. They’re called Black Hearts Still Beat.”
“Well, as long as they know they’ll be dead hearts if they so much as lay a finger on my baby girl.”
“Dad!” This was so not how I saw the conversation going, but I couldn’t blame them after seeing the photoshoot. Even I’d blushed when I saw a copy, and I was in the darn shot.
“I’m only jokin’. I trust you to make good choices.”
Rafe’s face flashed into my head. What would my dad think if he knew the truth? If he knew I’d already given my heart to a Black Hearted boy. I liked to think he would trust my judgment; that he would have an open mind. But what did I really know about Rafe, about where he came from and what his childhood had been like?
Nothing.
I knew nothing.
Could you really feel so deeply for someone until you knew all the parts of them?
I was a fine one to talk though. I still hadn’t come clean to the band. I didn’t want it to change the dynamics between us—the way Damon always pulled me in for a hug after a show; or how Hudson liked to make some sarcastic remark about me stealing the show; or how Rafe and Levi both looked at me with such intensity I felt like I might combust at any second. If they knew the truth, all that would be replaced with pity and uncertainty and I didn’t doubt they would start treating me like fragile glass.
“What do you want to do, sweetheart?” His expression softened as he gripped Mom’s shoulder, probably urging her to give me something, anything.
“At first, I was so shocked, I didn’t know what to think. The tour is one thing, but signing with the label… everythin’ will change.”
“What does it feel like when you’re up there, on stage?” Dad went on.
“It feels… amazin’, Dad. It feels like I’m free.” I loved it, I did. On stage, with my guitar cradled in my hands, I felt alive. I felt at peace. Nothing else existed except me and the music and the lyrics. It was something I couldn’t really put into words.
“You were born to perform, Eva. We didn’t name you Star for nothin’, you know.” His lip curved.