Rockstar Sinners (Forbidden Chords Book 2)

by Ja'Nese Dixon

  “Me.”

  “You wowed him.”

  “I can’t—”

  Isaac held up a hand. “RSE is not like Southern Sounds.”

  They were in the living room with a movie playing in the background. She glanced over his shoulder at the screen, she’d missed her favorite part. Richard Gere stood through the sunroof with a bouquet of flowers calling out to Julie Roberts. The rich man overlooking all her flaws and offering Vivian a new life. A clean slate. Only in the movies.

  “I just can’t do it again. Besides I’m still under contract, I think.”

  “What would it hurt to hear him out?”

  “And what’s in it for you?” He came over here to get her opinion. He’s never asked before, so why now? She dropped her feet to the floor and faced him. He looked away. “Isaac what’s in it for you? Is that why you came over here asking for my opinion? You don’t need my permission to do you. I’m good.”

  “You’re good?”

  “I’m good.” She grabbed their dirty dishes and went to the kitchen. She could feel him behind her. “So, when do you leave?” The dishwasher rattled as she placed the cups in with a little more force than she intended.

  “We leave tomorrow.” He turned her to him. “Can you please drop this attitude long enough for me to tell you about our trip?”

  “Our trip?” She shook her head.

  “He is sending a private plane.”

  “Private—”

  “He’s covering your shopping spree and—”

  “And?”

  “And, your accommodations.”

  “And this he is Cameron....” She crossed her arms leaning a hip against the counter.

  “Cameron Carter.” The slow smile spreading across his face made her want to poke his eyes out.

  “In exchange for what?” Truth was she weaseled a shopping trip out of her brother but she didn’t need the extra clothes. She only planned to give him a hard time, since he was making the big bucks. But she wasn’t doing too bad herself.

  “A moment of your time.” He closed the dishwasher and turned the dial. “And sis…you need to move on.”

  Sydney held up a finger to cut off the unsaid words. “Don’t go there.”

  “Bird?”

  She leaned over the island and grabbed his contract.

  “We need to go there. You should be real tired right now.”

  “Tired?” She shoved it against his chest. “This visit is done.”

  “Are you telling me you’re not the least bit curious?”

  “Last night was…last night. Singing isn’t an option anymore.”

  “And you sit back, and let them win?”

  Sydney looked away.

  “My sister…my big sister was fearless. When you see her, please tell her. There’s a contract in Houston with her name on it.” He kissed her cheek. “Good night Bird.”

  There’s a contract in Houston with my name on it. Sydney couldn’t move. That wasn’t the truth. She’d cleaned the kitchen top to bottom and back up again. She scrubbed at a speck on the counter. Then she glanced at her cellphone. Should I call him?

  Sydney tossed the towel in the sink and went to her office. She opened the drawer and pulled out her binder and a pen, taking them back to the living room. She curled up in the couch letting the gel pen scribble across the page.

  Writing was the next best thing. But her mind was blank. She balanced the pen between her fingers, tapping it against the page.

  My big sister was fearless.

  Sydney was fearless. Was.

  Isaac didn’t know the whole story. Her contract with Southern Sounds required one more album from her. But One Time didn’t want her sober. And he wanted her in his bed again, which wasn’t happening.

  The only saving grace in it all it was keeping her publishing contract separate from her recording contract. Royalties for past records made her a wealthy woman but it didn’t fill the same space in her heart. The problem was, One Time made sure no one would buy her new music. No one in the industry wanted to rouse the dark giant. So, she stopped trying. Stopped shopping demos to record labels. Stopped recording music.

  Rejection stifled the fearless woman in her. The fight in her. It showed her talent wasn’t enough. Heart wasn’t enough. Not when her heart belong to the stage and her sobriety needed—it demanded—she tread lightly.

  Because just like music, One Time, had once been a necessity, an obsession, and look at where it landed her. But unlike people, music never failed her. No, she failed it when she wrongly thought he loved her more than her voice.

  I trust them.

  Could she trust RSE too? There was only one way to find out. She’d go and listen. It would place her in Houston to help Isaac should he need her too. The plan was reasonable, but the thought of rejection wouldn’t back down without a fight.

  What if…. They expected Lady Bird to walk in the room with her stage hair and sparkling evening gown and her signature red lips.

  What if…. They learned about her near drug overdose.

  What if…. They refused to take a stand against One Time and Southern Sounds.

  Sydney sat up straight. Ignorance contributed greatly to her less than graceful fall. She’d since decided she couldn’t fight what she couldn’t see. She couldn’t fight what she didn’t know.

  They’d have to tell her to her face. Worse case, she’d get a free trip to Houston on a private plane. Best case, she’d witness her brother sign the contract of a lifetime. Either way, she knew one thing for sure, Sydney took care of Sydney. A contract couldn’t make her or break her again. She’d been there and done that. She’d sit with RSE if only to hear them out.

  She dialed Isaac’s number. He answered on the first ring.

  “I’ll meet with RSE.”

  Chapter Five

  Cameron cataloged the thoughts racing through his head. His Google search on Sydney “Lady Bird” Jones was…colorful. Her rise to fame and her disappearance after overdosing before a sold out show.

  Drugs.

  His fingers drummed on the desk. He arrived at five o’clock after wrestling all night with how to handle today’s meeting. It seemed Austin was months away and in less than a week he’d arranged a surprise for Sydney. This all happened before Google wrecked his plans.

  Cameron wasn’t like most music executives. He didn’t follow the charts, watch YouTube videos, or sign artists because other labels wanted them. He pooled his best friends to start RSE to support his brother and it set the precedent for the artists to come. Family first.

  He scouted for artists old school. He went to dive bars, whole-in-the-wall concerts, and open mics. He let his ear do the heavy lifting. But talent wasn’t enough. The artist needed a killer work ethic of the artist and outstanding integrity. RSE aspired for excellence and drugs were non-negotiable. Not even recreationally.

  The music industry was brutal. The shelf life of artists ran short and mixing bad press and questionable character only made it worse. They could not afford to invest millions into an artist to have them blow it up their nose or miss shows.

  Poor behavior led to bad press. Bad press triggered bad reviews. Bad reviews was a slippery slope to never never land. The land of one hit wonders and obscurity.

  Anything perceived as questionable character attracted the gossip hounds, and all they needed was one wayward fact to construct and destroy years of hard work.

  Perception is everything.

  And as if that wasn’t enough, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. And he’d have to once she signed with RSE. He’d replayed that night over and over in his head. He couldn’t recall the last time a woman had occupied his every waking thought. Then last night she crept into his dreams.

  He wanted to pretend it was merely a physical response. He’d never sugar coated things and the truth was he wanted Sydney Jones. Music or not.

  This while knowing she could have a drug problem.

  Cameron dropped his head into his
hands, rubbing his tired eyes. He couldn’t sleep. He couldn’t think. And in less than an hour she’d be here.

  “Is she here yet?”

  “Not yet. The driver called, they should arrive in about twenty minutes.” Cameron glanced up at Bruce. He’d have to tell the guys about her past. They had a strict moral code of conduct and drugs were a dealbreaker.

  “I know that look. Spill it.” Bruce walked into his office.

  “Close the door behind you.”

  Bruce sat in the chair.

  Cameron glanced over at his best friend knowing he could tell Bruce anything. They became friends in the womb, since their father’s were best friends. He know all Cameron’s secrets. Yet his simmering attraction for Sydney felt off limits. Maybe it was because he knew he shouldn’t want her. But he does.

  “I’m not sure signing Sydney is an option for us.”

  “Why not?”

  “What do you know about her?”

  “She’s an R&B pop singer. She had a few big hits, toured with a lot of major artists. Then she disappear a few years back.”

  Cameron leaned back with a slight rock of his chair. He wasn’t sure how much he wanted to share with Bruce. He wanted to talk with Sydney first. To hear her side of the events before coming to a final conclusion.

  “I’m not sure she’s RSE material.”

  “I don’t believe that for one second. You’ve talked about this one nonstop for a week, and now she’s not RSE material. Hell you talked her up so much I’d believe you have a …” Bruce froze. “Oh I see what this is about.”

  “What is it that you see Bruce?”

  “Playboy Carter is thinking about retiring his fishing rod.” The slow smile said gotcha. Bruce’s head tossed back and his laugher filled Cameron’s office. “Wait until I tell the guys.”

  “Nah man ain’t nothing to tell.”

  “There’s way too many fish in the sea my brotha.”

  “And your impersonation of me is wack.”

  Bruce folded over laughing.

  “What’s so funny?” Damian poked his head around the door.

  “Cam is feeling Lady Bird.”

  “Whaaaaat?!” Damian entered and sat next to Bruce. He’d watched his best friends find and marry the loves of their lives. Now they were fathers to his godchildren.

  “Man, I’m done with this meeting.” Cameron stood.

  “Oh no you don’t. Sit and take this ribbing because you gave us the blues.” Bruce had tears rolling down his face already.

  “I really hate you dudes right now.” Cameron shook his head ready for them to really hit their stride. He had it coming.

  “Hate on loverboy.” Damian added, hiccuping to breath.

  Cameron struggled to fight back his own laughter. It was quite the shit show. And then he let go throwing his head back and laughed until his side ached, as they ran through his favorite lines.

  “Keep your eyes on the prize.” Damian stated in motivational speaker tone.

  “Cam, when you gonna settled down, oh heavens no.” Bruce wiggled his hands as if he were frightened.

  The bumped fists as they attempted to one up each other.

  “Alright Key and Peele, how about you take this little show on the road and out of my office.”

  A knock at the door got their attention, quieting their laughter.

  “Come in,” he ran a hand over his moist eyes.

  “They’re in the conference room.”

  “We’ll be there in a second.”

  “Y’all are some fools.” They all stood.

  Cameron crossed the room to get his suit jacket. Then they walked together, gaining another partner as they neared the conference room until all six of them paused at the door. The others went inside as Cameron, Bruce, and Damian huddled in the hallway.

  “We got your back either way.” Bruce pat his back before strolling inside.

  Damian’s assessing gaze was worse than their jokes. “Here are the contracts.”

  Cameron took the offered documents, still undecided. “Any advice?”

  “My father’s number one rule in business is to look a man in his eyes and treat him fair.” Damian looked towards the conference room and back at Cameron. “What would fairness require of you?”

  “That I ask her about her past before making a final decision.”

  Damian nodded. Cameron couldn’t believe Imani had managed to tame The Shark. Damian always had an edge about him. Always more seen than heard. But he’d changed since marrying Imani. Happiness made him a better man. They’d sent him to Houston to evict her and instead he married her. Ain’t that something.

  “Treat her fair. And let the chips fall where they may.” Damian gave his shoulder a squeeze before entering the conference room.

  They couldn’t start the meeting with him. He glanced at the contracts in his hand. He ran a hand over his face. He could sign Isaac and pass on Sydney citing their moral clause. Or he could let the music decide. The thought flutter to the service and Cameron always trusted his instincts. They’d built the very ground he stood on. Except once when he let love overshadow that quiet whisper. But he wouldn’t do that again. Pride wouldn’t let him.

  Cameron entered the conference room, and as if sensing his presence, Sydney glanced over her shoulder. Their eyes met. I think I just found my wife.

  Sydney took the seat beside Isaac with their backs to the door. She’d met a string of handsome men as they entered the room, one-by-one. Each stopping to inquire about Isaac’s

  The energy in the room shifted as the room fell silent. Sydney glanced over her shoulder and there was Mr. Suit-and-Tie from S&J. Isaac stood beside her.

  “Cameron Carter.” He extended a hand and Sydney fumbled to her feet on wobbly legs. Their hands touched and the electricity rivaled the fireworks at the Times Square Ball Drop.

  “Sydney Jones.” At least that’s what she hoped she said.

  “You put on one helluva show at S&J.” He smiled stepping closer as his thumb rubbed against the back of her hand. The smell of his cologne filled her nose and his beautiful smile made her mouth water.

  “Thank you.” The faint whisper of her voice was embarrassing but it was all she could do at the moment. He squeeze her hand before turning to Isaac.

  “You ready?” He beamed at Isaac.

  “Yes, sir I am.”

  Sydney watched as Cameron embraced her brother finding it interesting to witness. Her and Isaac wasn’t raised in an affectionate environment. They rarely hugged or made any type of outward expressions of their feelings. So to see her brother interact with the RSE staff, and the level of familiarity with Isaac, it had her curious.

  She sat back in her seat fully alert. Cameron strolled to the other end of the table. He was taller than she remembered. His suit looked custom fitted, expanding across his broad back. He stopped talking with each man, giving each his undivided attention.

  “All of them are partners?” Sydney leaned over, whispering to Isaac.

  He discreetly pointed out the six as Cameron made it to the head of the table with the other men flanking him. The six of them of them sat on one end. Her and Isaac sat on the other. The arrangement could have felt overwhelming or even intimidating but it didn’t. She ran an assessing glaze over Isaac. He opted for a suit like the other men in the room. Her little brother was a grown man.

  Sydney sat back, glad she’d decided to come to Houston. They flew in last night. She had an appointment at the spa this morning. This afternoon they shopped before arriving here. She squeeze his arm in support, he smiled at her over his shoulder and memories of their childhood flooded her. From the PJs to a private plane wasn’t bad.

  Then her eyes met Cameron’s. His energy reached across the table stealing the air from her lungs. A promise lingering in the depths of his dark brown eyes.

  Ready? Cameron mouthed.

  Did they see it? Her eyes dashed around and he pulled her into the vortex of him. Warm brown skin, close cropped
fade, strong jaw. But his mouth. Those lips looked pillow soft and his bedroom eyes.

  Stop that. He leaned forward on his elbows smiling.

  Who me? She pointed at herself, playing with the ruffles on her dress.

  He gave her the sexiest nod known to woman. Sydney dropped her gaze, crossing her legs beneath the table. She wore a casual hi-low blouse and skinny black jeans with ankle boots. She left her stage hair and clothes at home. They wanted to talk business with Lady Bird, but they’d have to settle for her representative Sydney Jones.

  She looked back up and his waiting eyes spoke a million words. And Sydney nodded. She’s ready.

  “Lady and gentlemen, shall we?”

  The meeting flowed. Isaac signed his contract with the extras added in writing. Before the ink dried Sydney was clapping.

  “Let’s take a twenty minute break.” Cameron stood and the meeting adjourned. “Miss Jones, can I speak with you for a moment?”

  The room cleared leaving them alone. She pulled closer to the table directly in front of him. The polished wooded stretched between them.

  “I find myself in an interesting predicament.” Cameron said.

  “Your dramatic pause is everything.” He laughed and it relieved the thread of tension summersaulting through her body. “That is not my intent. I’m usually not tongue tied. But you are making this extremely difficult.”

  “So, I make you nervous?”

  “That is what you got from my statement.”

  “Certainly, I mean I’m sort of fabulous.” She teased appreciating the way his smile softened his features.

  “I can’t deny that.” He leaned back.

  “How about we keep it one hundred? Lay it out on the table.” She took a deep breath. “I know you’re interested in signing me, but I’m in a new space in my life.”

  “And what space is that?”

  “I can’t sign a recording contract.”

  “You can’t?” He leveled his gaze.

  It was her turn to nod. She needed to dig a little deeper into her own contract situation. Was it even valid after over five years of not recording? Was she free to enter another record deal? Did she want to?