“And he’s the resident jokester.” Cameron laughed. Devin knew how to lighten the mood. “Besides his stellar jokes, you’ll shadow him from time-to-time. Don’t let the jokes fool ya. This man knows people. He knows music. He knows how to bridge the gap between artistry and album sales.” Isaac glanced over at Devin with a new appreciation in his eyes. “You’ll quickly learn we support one another. We all wear many hats. We fill in where needed and it’s important to know how your music moves from your mind to your fans.”
Isaac nodded. Cameron could see the wheels turning and it pleased him. He’d have to be a quick study to keep up with the this bunch.
“Jamal Washington will—”
“Make sure you won’t go broke.”
“Here here!” Their laughter filled the room as Eliana slipped back into the room.
Jamal was one of the closest to Isaac. He extended a hand. “We’ll make sure you’re squared away.”
“I can’t lie about that one. It is true. Jamal is our resident Midas.” Cameron paused. “We don’t do shady deals. We take care of family. If you follow the path we’ve established you’ll be a millionaire before you’re thirty.”
Isaac’s eyes tripled in size.
“Yes, let the sink in.” The men around him nodded. Most of them were born wealthy but each had managed to amassed wealth on his own accord too. “You worked with Damian Hughes.”
“Yes, he helped me with my house.”
Cameron nodded. “Well, this is our resident MacGyver. He’s an attorney first. Real estate mogul second. Actually scratch that. He’s a philanthropist first, lawyer, real estate developer. He now heads our legal department around his work with Harmony Dance.”
Damian smiled. “I have a few cards for outside counsel. We will cover the cost for you to have your contracts reviewed by anyone of your choice. We stand behind our deals but you should always have a team you trust to assist you.” He slide a folder over to Isaac. “My card is inside too. Use it anytime.”
“Thank you.” Isaac glanced inside and back at Cameron.
“Last but definitely not least, Bruce Daniels. You know him. But you will probably hate this man when you’re done. He will bring out the best in you. Listen to what he says, and you’ll surprise even yourself.”
“Trust. But don’t plan to sleep for the next three years.” Marques added.
“How many plaques do you have on your walls?” Bruce asked leaning forward.
“A lot. Because you are a slave driver.” Marques laughed.
“These two can go at it all night,” Cameron cut into their bickering. “You will work most with Bruce. This is a production deal. We want to groom you to stand toe-to-toe with these two.” Cameron gestured to Bruce and Marques on either side of him.
“As a team, we are committed to developing your sound, your craft, and your legacy. This,” he tapped the contract, “is just the beginning.”
“But know you’ll work hard for it.” Bruce sat back. “And we’ll help you every step of the way.”
Every man nodded. Cameron trusted these men with his life.
“I am offering you this production deal with the 100% agreement of each man at this table. We have a strict moral code of conduct. No drugs, no excessive drinking. We want our artist to be beyond reproach. This is not like other record labels. We don’t boast about criminal records and jewelry. Don’t get me wrong. We know how to have a good time. But as a member of Rockstar Entertainment, we carry rockstar like a badge of honor. We look towards the future creating music meant to endure a lifetime. And we need you to make it happen.”
Cameron pushed the contract in Isaac’s direction while Eliana passed out copies to each of the men. “And I can’t forget Eliana Marshall. You’ve worked with her before too. She knows everything, sees everything, she’s the oil that keeps the gears of this machine moving.”
Isaac gave a tight nod and Eliana dropped her gaze taking the seat over his shoulder. Cameron glanced back at her and across the table at Isaac again. What was that about?
“Gentlemen, let’s turned to page one.”
They covered the contract. Page by page. Clause by clause. Isaac was ready to sign but Damian asked him to meet with the other attorney first. They scheduled the signing in the Houston office on Friday.
The wives joined them and the festivities begun. Food, laughter and champagne flowed. And before long the Smith tribe joined them too. They partied beyond the closing of S&J.
Cameron occupied a chair enjoying the sights and sounds of his family as the gravity of the week loomed over him. His mind filled with black sequin and ruby red lipstick. As the captain of this ship, he’d had his rental picked up. He’d join the others on the flight back to Houston. He’d enjoy the peace of his bed soon. He let his eyes closed, his head fell back against the wall.
“Cam, thank you again.”
He opened his eyes and smiled at the glassy eyed Isaac in the seat next to him. “You’re welcome. Make sure you leave tonight with the car service.”
“Yes, sir.” He nodded. “How’d you like tonight’s show?”
Cameron had wanted to bring up the subject while not encroaching on Isaac’s special moment. “Man, it sealed the deal for you. The set list flowed. It was stadium quality. I’ve heard you in studio sessions but tonight I feel like I got a sample of your true sound.”
Isaac smiled from ear to ear.
“Mind if I ask you a personal question.”
“Not at all.”
“What’s your sister’s story?” He’d heard Bruce mention Sydney’s stage name—Lady Bird—which meant she at least had a contract at one time. Cameron calculated the time in his mind. He had six weeks until his preliminary meeting with his cousin and the movie production team in Los Angles. They’re expecting a direction and a few demos of the sound he planned to assemble for the soundtrack.
“That’s not my story to tell.”
Cameron understood, he’d use his second option. “Do you think she’ll take a meeting with me?”
Isaac shrugged a shoulder. “She’s kind of over the whole music industry.”
Cameron didn’t believe that for one second. Had he not seen Sydney on that stage he would have entertained the thought. Sydney belonged on a stage. Her voice had to be heard by the world. He sat back, considering how hard he should pursue it.
“But…”
Cameron glanced over. People saw his position as a salesman. To puff up the artist then milk them dry of their gifts. But not with RSE, they trusted him to handle the artists gifts and desire with care. Trusted him to call the dream forward and uphold it until it manifested itself. However, the desire had to lie in their hearts. Because the dream was all they had during the long nights of recording, the endless travel and the constant rejection. They had to want it as much as he did or it wouldn’t work.
“Her experience was different from mine.”
“How so?” Cameron propped his elbow on the arm of the chair, resting his chin on his knuckles.
“I had you as a mentor. You valued my abilities and you pushed me to explore more. I came knowing how to play the guitar and now I play ten instrument proficiently. And now you’re pushing again. I expect to work harder than I have in my life, but you’ve never asked me to do something that wasn’t for my good. Every request has made me better. And I see tonight as another shift towards something better for myself and my future family.”
“And Sydney didn’t have that?”
“Not at all. You’ve talked a lot about legacy and the future. And as my sister I want that for her too.”
“Your instincts about her are right. You begged her because you knew she’d set the room on fire. You can’t teach that. Only a few have it, and she has it in abundance. Seeing that thing is something you’ll develop. I’m sure her being your sister helps, but as a musician and producer you want to nurture your ability to identify and mold talent.”
“I guess the training starts now.” Isaac chuckle.
>
“Nah man, your training started the moment I hired you.” Cameron sat forward and gripped his shoulder. “I want to be upfront with you. I want to sign your sister to RSE. Do you think you could help make that happen?”
“Under one condition.” Isaac’s face turned serious. “Hear her out. Don’t burn her like the last dude. That’s my sister, and she’s been through a lot. She just needs a second chance with people who care about her as an artist and a person.”
“You got my word.”
Isaac nodded.
“Bring her with you Friday.” Cameron let the words hang between them.
“I can’t promise anything. You see I had to beg her to come tonight.”
“Oh yeah. I recall some blackmailing.” Cameron laughed. “I’ll sweeten the deal. We’ll send the private plane and I’ll cover the shopping trip and accommodations.”
“Word?” His eyebrows shot up to his hairline.
“Yes, and have your band too.” Cameron wanted Sydney even if it meant coming back to Austin to make it happen.
“Bet.” Isaac joined the others.
Cameron had six days to prepare for his meeting with Miss Sydney Jones, something told him bringing her to the Houston Headquarters would help. That woman has music in her blood and RSE Houston was an artists’ playground. He’d have all the toys and the team in place.
The energy bubbled in his stomach. He tapped his fingers on the arm of the chair trying to convince himself that her flirty words were just a song, an act. But the images in his mind featuring his brown skin against her brown skin made him yearn to be her distant lover.
Cameron took a deep breath. Six days and he’d see her again. Six days to present a deal fit for a queen.
Chapter Four
“Coming!” Sydney placed the spatula aside, wiping her hands on her apron. The back to back rings told her it was Isaac. She snatched open the door. “You better be glad I love your butt.”
“Good morning to you too.” He kissed her offered cheek, draping an arm around her shoulder. “You are looking exceptional this morning.”
Sydney stopped and turned to face him. She scanned Isaac from head to toe. His eyes looked tired. That was from partying last night, no doubt. His smile stretched to the outer edges of his face, in a Chester Cat fashion. She never liked that smile. Too much teeth, eyes nearly closed. It always, always, meant he was up to something. She turned on her heels and went back to her pancakes.
“Wait?” Isaac followed. “I didn’t even say anything.”
“And you don’t have to.” She picked up the spatula and thrust it in his direction. “The answer is no.” She went back to cooking their breakfast. She’d invited him last night since she couldn’t stick around. Clubs to a person prone to addictive behaviors were trouble. She only went to celebrate his twenty-fifth birthday. She glanced up from the skillet. He sat on the stool at the island, picking through her apples. “And I’m not changing my mind.”
“Uh, huh.” He found a piece and took a big bite.
“I mean it.” His mischievous smile managed to get more wicked. “I really dislike when you do this. Why can’t we be like normal people? Huh?” She walked over to the island and pulled a bowl to her side and cracked an egg on the rim. The yolk dropped in the bowl as she tossed a side glance at the clock on the stove. “But nooooo. You come, late, up to no good.”
She thought she heard him laugh behind the Gala apple. They sat eyeing each other. He knew her better than anyone in the world. And she knew him. This joker is waiting on purpose. He knows how much I love surprises. “Tell me.”
“But the answer is no.” He snickered falling forward to lean against his elbows. His face super close to hers.
“Yes, the answer is no. Now tell me.” She poured heavy cream in the bowl and lightly whisked the eggs.
Isaac laughed and she shook her head. He managed to keep an air of youthful wonder about him. She walked back to the stove.
“I’m officially an RSE artist.”
“What?” She spun around, dropping the bowl on the island. Sydney reach for Isaac gripping his shoulders. “Congratulations!”
“Thanks sis. I have the contract.” He pulled the contract out.
Sydney stepped back, looking at the island where it now laid. How had she missed it? The drum of her heart flooded her ears as she stared at the stack of paper. Harmless really. But music contracts were her kryptonite. Debilitating, life altering, stripping her of all her sass, sultriness, and soul.
One misplaced signature and her entire career crumbled until all she had was a beautiful home and Isaac. No career. No fans. No music.
One Time, her ex-boyfriend and ex-manager, made sure she’d never have another record deal.
But that was her story, not Isaac’s—not if she could help it. Her eyes remained locked on the contract. She realized she’d have to touch it to help. She glanced up at Isaac and her face ached from the tight smile she tried to maintain.
“Will you look at it for me?”
The smell of smoke gave her an out, Sydney turned around and took a breath. She reached from the knob on the stove and noticed the her hands shaking. She quickly turn the fire off before she burnt their breakfast and wrapped one hand inside the other.
One fool in the family was enough.
“I haven’t signed.” He shoved his hands in his pockets.
She nodded not trusting her voice.
“I won’t sign it, if you’re not okay with it.”
“Isaac, you don’t mean that.” This was her opportunity to look after him for a change. Their roles reversed after a vital piece of her identity was ripped from her. Until last night, she thought she’d never feel it again. She thought she didn’t want it. And now, she knew that was a lie. She felt like herself again.
The music flowing through her body, transforming every move into a melody. The feeling of freedom as her voice soared over the music sprinkling the audience with her essence. The inspiration of a heated gaze held too long yet not long enough.
Baby steps Bird. “What type of contract did they offer you?”
“It’s a production deal.”
She slowly sat at the island opposite Isaac with the contract between them. He pushed it closer to her. She suppressed a groan as his assessing eyes watched her every move. Her hand slide out brushing her fingers up against the edge of the stack. She released the pages and watched them cascade back down.
Bird it’s white paper with black ink. Isaac lowered down to the stool. She pulled it closer scanning the words on the page.
Isaac Jones.
Rockstar Entertainment, Inc.
“Pour me a cup of coffee, please.” He hopped up and she whispered a prayer. Knowledge is power. “And grab a highlighter out of that drawer.”
“I’ll read it but you have to get your own attorney. Don’t trust theirs to look out for your best interest.” The music industry was infested with blood sucking leeches. But those suckers wouldn’t get their teeth in her brother. She’d given enough blood for the both of them.
“I will. They agreed to cover the attorneys fees.” Isaac sat the coffee down as her head jerked up.
“For you to use their lawyer? Low down dirty—”
“No. To use anyone I choose.”
Shock cursed through her. She took a sip of the coffee and turned the page. For the next hour she sat with him reviewing it section by section. She noticed Post Its placed near key clauses with notes scribbled in blue ink.
Review this.
Read this throughly.
Important.
“Who wrote these notes?” Sydney asked.
“Cameron Carter.”
Sydney nodded, not knowing the name or the man. She could see the little blue dots running down the margins as if they’d touched every inch of the agreement. She’d wished someone had done the same for her.
“I’m no expert but this is a great deal Isaac.”
“Really?” A please smile replaced his
concerned expression.
“Yes, really.” She took a drink of her coffee. “Its a license deal, which means they’ll have exclusive control of your masters for a limited time. They even gave a limited copyright duration.”
“And that’s good too?” His eyebrows shot up.
“Yes. For example, my contract isn’t worth the paper they printed it on.” She sat back, able to relax for the first time since he mentioned contract. “Your royalty rates, should you record an album are better than fair. It’s honestly unheard of. When you don’t have an existing audience, music, nothing.”
“They are helping me with all of that.”
“How so?” Sydney sat forward and Isaac explained the portions of the contract not written in the actual production deal. “So, basically, they are treating it like a mentorship, while giving you access to creating and producing your own music?”
Isaac nodded.
Sydney thought it sounded too good to be true. “Just make sure you get the extras in writing too. You don’t want them padding your expenses or expecting you to cover the costs from your royalties.”
Isaac looked offended by her words.
“You asked me. And although this sounds ideal—actually better than ideal—you can’t be too careful.” She pushed the contract back to him.
“I trust them. But to make you feel better, I’l have an attorney look it over.”
“Great.” She stood up. “Now, let me feed you.”
They went about the morning reliving the night before and eating a hearty home cooked meal. Sydney managed to create a safe haven for her self. Everything about her home reflected a new version of herself. Gone was the partying soul singer and in her place was a home body. Although the soul singer threatened to revisit her last night.
She dropped her head as the heat flooded to her face. There was something about Mr. Suit-and-Tie that made her forget how bad that life was for her.
“Syd.”
“Huh.” She glanced up, she’d missed most of his story. “I’m sorry. I zoned out after they yelled surprise.”
“I said, Cameron would like to meet with you too.”
Rockstar Sinners (Forbidden Chords Book 2) Page 3