June shakes her head. “I didn’t ask. It’s not my place. I said the same thing to Tate.” I take a deep breath upon hearing his name. I still feel raw from this morning.
I close my eyes, holding back tears. After the waiter drops our glasses of wine, I blink them open and look at June. I lost track of where Paul is, but I know he’s close by, keeping an eye on me and my surroundings.
“I was…” I take a healthy drink of wine. June frowns and shakes her head, but I continue. “You’re part of our family now, and you don’t deserve to be an outcast because you aren’t blood. You’ll be giving me a niece or nephew soon-ish.”
At this, she giggles. “Miles does want kids pretty quickly, but we’re starting a new business, and the winery needs him.”
“It’ll happen when the time is right. First, the wedding!” I smile at the thought of Miles getting married.
June laughs at my excitement, spinning her wineglass around. “We need to plan that, but we’ve been so crazy busy with the bookstore that we haven’t even chosen a date.”
“I’m sure you’ll get that all sorted soon.” I drink my wine, looking around the bar. It’s dim, with a long wooden bar and small tables all around. There’s nothing fancy or unique about Last Call. What makes it so great is the camaraderie. Everyone in town gets together here and has a good time.
“Anyway,” I look back at June with a serious expression. I lower my voice and lean forward. “A few months ago, I was assaulted and groped.” My legs squeeze together at the memory, disgust washing over me. I shiver.
June’s eyes widen, her mouth opening and closing.
“He’s a producer at the label, the one I always worked with. I’ll save you from the details, but it’s why I’m here.”
“You’re hiding,” she says as understanding dawns on her. “No wonder Miles has been worried about you. Even without knowing, he knew something was wrong.”
I nod. “I finally caved and told my mom. It’s been emotionally exhausting and haunting. I just want to wake up where this is all over.”
“Are you taking him to court?”
“No,” I rush out. Just the thought makes my stomach turn. “I don’t want anyone knowing. It’ll be his word against mine, and well, unfortunately, women are never taken seriously in situations like this. I just want to leave the label, start fresh away from all this. I’ll always look over my shoulder, afraid something worse will happened, but if I don’t have to step foot in that building ever again, I’ll be happy.”
“Oh, Madison, I’m so sorry.” She shakes her head, her jaw ticking. “It’s not fair. He shouldn’t be able to get away with it. No one, man or woman, should ever get away with something like this.” Her eyes soften, and she tilts her head.
I shrug. “It’s the world we live in.”
“Well, I disagree with this version of our world.”
I can’t hold back the chuckle. She says it with such severity. “I hate it, too.”
June reaches for my hand. “If you ever need to talk, I’ll be available.” I smile in gratitude and nod. I’m lucky to have my family in my life, and now I have a bonus sister. It may take us some time to get to a point where we’re best friends, but I have a feeling that I can trust June wholeheartedly.
“Now, let’s talk about something else before I get pulled into the black hole of this bullshit.”
June agrees, waving down our waiter and ordering two more glasses of wine and nachos. I lean back in my seat, smiling and feeling relieved. Maybe with each breath and day that passes, it will all get easier.
I hold on to that thought, but it quickly bursts when I get home.
Chapter 11
Madison
My mood shifts once again when I walk into the house and see my parents’ faces. My relaxing afternoon is long forgotten as tension grips my shoulders.
My parents sit in the living room. My dad drinks a scotch, and my mom is holding a glass of wine, both of them whispering.
“Hey,” I say and smile tentatively.
“Hi, sweetheart. Come sit.” My dad pats the couch between them and scoots over to give me space.
“What’s going on?” My heart drums wildly as if a toddler were banging on it with no rhythm.
“Your lawyer called me earlier. He got a call from the label. You’re being sued.” He looks me in the eyes, watching my reaction.
I take a deep breath. “That’s expected for leaving the way I did and breaching my contract.”
“This is going to get worse before it gets better. We won’t be able to keep what happened private if you want out of the label. I know you’re strong enough for this, but do you think you are?” He lifts his eyebrows, watching me.
“Madison, remaining ambiguous and communicating vague reasons you want to break your contract with the label won’t work.” My mom holds my hand and continues speaking. “The contract is tight, but our lawyer believes if you share what happened, you’ll have a leg to stand on. You can claim emotional trauma from the experience.”
My dad adds, “You’ll have to let your lawyer know what’s going on since he’s receiving news from the label, and our lawyer is the one we asked to look into the contract. You have to pick one to represent you. I also recommend talking to your manager, preferably in writing, so there’s proof of your communication.” I nod as I listen to them, not quite realizing the consequences this will have.
“I know you wanted to keep this private, but you can’t keep it a total secret. Not to achieve what you want. Our hope is that if you speak up, others that have gone through this will as well. It’ll be greater support for your claims. More numbers make it more difficult to dismiss. That’s a big if, but not impossible.”
I look at my dad. “Don’t you think if someone else had gone through this, they would’ve said something already?”
He shakes his head. “They’re probably all scared like you, or maybe even brainwashed to believe that it’s normal, guilted that they owe it to these men because of their success. In reality, you have nothing to gain from making up something like this. You don’t need money or fame. They don’t have that excuse against you.”
“Yeah, I wouldn’t use this for attention. Why would anyone?” I shake my head, focusing on my breath.
“Tell her about Knox,” my mom looks at my dad.
“Right. We believe your label will let you go quietly. They’re still recovering from their scandal with Knox Bentley and Amelia Stanford a few years ago.” I nod, remembering that.
Knox is a huge country star. He was married to Amelia, a famous pop singer. He actually inspired me to walk away by doing so himself after the scandal behind the truth of their marriage became public. Fans believed they were the perfect couple, so this shock had a negative effect on the label.
I didn’t coincide with Knox often since he mostly lived in Los Angeles, but I met him a few times, and he always seemed like a nice person. If he can start new, then I could, too. It’s what I keep telling myself.
“It won’t be the first time they play dirty,” I say.
“Exactly, but you’re going to have to put yourself out there, let people know what you went through.”
I take in my father’s words.
“This doesn’t have to be a bad thing. You can lead people to be more open, remove the stigma, and show courage when facing this.” I look at him blankly.
I don’t know if I have that strength. I can imagine the looks from the people in town, the whispers, what they’ll think. And my peers. Will they believe me or think I’m acting out? How about the fans? Do I want this to be my legacy as a singer? I always thought people would remember me for my music.
It’s as if the label has set me up for failure by stating I had a breakdown. Will they blame my confession on that?
“Think about it,” my mom says softly, squeezing my hand.
“What exactly am I being sued for?” I ask, looking between the two of them.
“Payment for all the missed even
ts, interviews, performances… Basically, millions.” My dad frowns.
Eyes wide, I stare at him. “So I would need to pay for all of it as if I didn’t have representation? Even if I didn’t schedule them myself and the label did?”
“Yeah. They’re claiming damages.”
I rub my temples, closing my eyes and breathing slowly, filling my lungs with air and letting them deflate on my exhales. I look up at my parents. “Is speaking up the only way?”
They both nod somberly. Blinking back tears, I cover my face and attempt to gain control of my emotions.
With a force of anger, I say, “Fine. I’ll counter their asses, stating the truth. I’m done protecting them by staying quiet. If they want to turn their backs on me, I’ll shoot them in the balls.” I sit up tall.
“That’s my girl,” my dad smiles proudly. “And we’ll all be by your side the entire way.”
“Thank you, Daddy.” I hug him, biting back my tears. When I look back at him and see his eyes shining, I can’t hold it in anymore. My body shakes with a cry.
I can only act numb for so long. I can only pretend I’m okay for so long before I completely break. As much as I don’t want to worry my parents, I know they do. Seems like lately, all three of their kids are giving them cause for concern.
My mom pulls me in for a side hug. “Don’t worry, baby girl, we’ve got you.” She kisses the top of my head, and I nod against her. My lower lip trembles with tears, and I surrender to all of it. Soon, I won’t be able to hide this anymore. I have to brace for the impact that this scandal will bring. It will definitely be life-changing.
After sorting through some things we’ll need to do tomorrow, I go to bed. I feel like I was hit with an emotional freight train, and I’m ready to sleep it all away.
***
If I thought sleep would magically take away all my problems, I was sadly mistaken. I woke up and got right to work with my dad and his lawyer. We decided he’d take the case since he’s been protecting our family for years, and he’s already aware of the situation. My lawyer in Nashville wasn’t happy, but that’s not my problem.
After drafting a letter to my manager, we make sure to send it with a signed receipt to confirm it was received. I’ve also sent it through email with a read receipt, so there’s no denying it. Or at the very least, making it more difficult to deny it. I’m no longer wearing rose-colored glasses going into this fight.
By lunchtime, I’m ready for a nap or to sleep through until tomorrow. Or a drink. Really, it could go in any direction. Instead, I settle for a lemonade and a chicken salad wrap Ms. Sullivan made. We’re all quiet as we eat, processing what the lawyer said. It’s all jumbled in my mind, and I’m glad my father was present to make sense of it all.
After lunch, I head to the winery with my dad. I can’t believe I’ve been here for weeks and still haven’t gone to see the place. It breaks my heart to see the debris from the fire, but I trust we’ll overcome it and rebuild. My brothers and I grew up coming here on days off, much like Charlie and Chloe did before the fire. They’re too fearful to step foot in it now.
While my dad works, I roam the peaceful vineyards. I get lost in the vast aisles of vines and hanging grapes begging to be eaten. In the next week or so, they’ll finish harvesting the grapes and prepare to make wine.
I let the cool air soothe me as my hand floats over the leaves, tickling my palm. Finding an abundant bunch of grapes, I tug on a few and eat them. Chewing the sweetness, I’m taken back to when I was a little girl and Brett, Miles, and I would steal grapes from these very vines. Those were simpler times when dreams seemed too big to reach, and eating grapes would bring us as much joy as Christmas morning.
“Hey, Maddy.” I turn around and smile at Brett.
“Hi, big bro.” I wait for him to reach me before I continue my walk.
“Dad updated me on the situation.” I nod. “Are you ready for this?” His voice is laced with concern.
I look over at him and shrug. “It’s that or lose it all. Continue to live in fear, and I don’t want that. I don’t want any ties that will eventually force me back to that situation.”
“I’m proud of you.”
I stop walking and look up at him. His hands are in his pockets, his shoulders are tight with tension, and his mouth is set in a grim line. I hate that my situation is affecting so many people.
“Why?” I finally ask.
“For not staying quiet, for standing up for yourself, even if reluctantly at first. We’re here for you, and we’ll protect you.”
My eyes well with tears, and I hug Brett. “Thank you.” He wraps his arms around me, nodding.
“It’s what family does.” He leans back and looks into my eyes. “I’m glad you came here instead of staying over there. I’m glad you separated yourself from that man. I’d kill him if I could.” His jaw ticks.
“No…” I shake my head. “Charlie and Chloe need you, and I won’t allow you to go to prison because of this.” I nudge my shoulder with his.
“They do need me,” he nods, running a hand down his face.
“How are they doing?”
He lifts a shoulder, looking lost. “I don’t know. Chloe still has nightmares almost nightly. They sleep with me more than in their own beds. I don’t know how to help them.”
“Charlie told me they’re seeing someone…a therapist?”
“Yeah, she says it’ll be a slow process. The type of trauma Chloe was in will lead to lots of fears. I can already see that being the case.” Brett looks tired. He’s usually so in control, and I can’t imagine how feeling helpless when it comes to your own kids must affect you.
“You’re doing the best you can.” I squeeze his arm. “Trust yourself and those girls. They’re amazing.”
“That they are, and they love their Aunt Madison.” He smirks. “Come on, let’s head back.”
“Wait…” I reach for a bunch of grapes and wink. “For the walk back.” He pulls a few and throws them in his mouth.
I stop walking, tilt my head back and try to catch it but miss. Brett does the same, catching it. I shake my head and try again, jumping and cheering with my arms in the air when I catch it. We laugh and continue to eat our grapes, throwing them at each other’s mouths like if it were a game of basketball.
“I bet Miles is gonna be jealous of our bonding time,” Brett chuckles.
“You know it.” I shake my head. “He hates missing out.”
We laugh as we make it back into the winery. My dad lifts his eyebrows and smiles. “Busted,” I mouth to Brett. He shrugs as if he has no idea what’s going on and kisses the top of my head. Despite the six-year age gap, Brett will always watch out for us and make the time to be with Miles and me.
By the time my dad and I get home, our lawyer has informed us that the letter has been mailed out, so I can go ahead and send the e-mail. Now, there’s no going back. We’ve put the wheels in motion, and I can only hope for the best outcome.
Chapter 12
Tate
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Madison. I haven’t seen her since I questioned her at the coffee shop, and talking to Miles didn’t ease my mind. I don’t know if I feel a need to overprotect her because of who she was in my life or the part of me that never moved on. She’s still as beautiful, but there’s a piece of her that looks broken—as if her dreams didn’t pan out the way she imagined. I’ve watched her through the years, seen the way she’s changed. Now I’m questioning if that change was a slow transition into fame or for self-preservation.
“Here,” my dad calls out, breaking me out of my daze. He hands me a bottle of water, which I gratefully take.
“Thanks,” I chug half the bottle before wiping my face with my t-shirt.
After a long-ass shift at work, I came to my parents’ house to help my dad with his horses after one got injured overnight. We got him bandaged and in his stable after calming him down. Horses are his passion, and I grew up learning all about them.
“How was work?” my dad asks as we sit on the top of the pen.
“It was a slow one.”
“That’s good news in the firefighter world.”
I nod. “Yeah, thankfully, nothing major happened.” It’s always hard getting a call and having to witness people you’ve known your entire life at risk.
I love my job. Ever since I could remember, I wanted to be a fireman. I wanted to protect people, save them, and have a hand in keeping this world spinning safely. Madison wasn’t the only one with dreams, and we were supposed to find a way for both of us to live our dreams together. Celebrate the wins and drink away the losses, always together.
“How’s everythin’ else?” He narrows his eyes slightly.
“Good,” I look down, crushing my empty water bottle.
“How’s Madison?” He arches an eyebrow.
“Good, I guess.” I shrug indifferently.
“You guess? ‘Cause I heard you had coffee with her.” My dad lifts his eyebrows, expecting more from me.
“You should know not to believe rumors in this town. We didn’t have coffee.”
“No?” He crosses his arms, challenging me.
I shake my head. “I ran into her. Somethin’s not right, but she wouldn’t tell me.”
“What do you mean? Could it be because of the fire? Her family’s going through a tough time. I can’t imagine losing everything like that.”
“They didn’t lose everything, thankfully.” I still remember getting that call when the winery caught fire. It was a mess. When no one could find Miles or Chloe, fear gripped me. All I could think about was Madison losing them, her family losing them. They’re such a tight-knit family.
“Anyway, I don’t think it’s that. I think it has to do with work. I asked Miles what was going on, and he said she was okay now that she’s here. Vague, but it makes me think something’s really wrong in Nashville.” I can’t help but let this all out.
“And you want to protect her?” I shake my head. “You can’t be everyone’s savior, Tate. You need to let people ask for help when they’re ready.”
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