AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’t know.” It would be a huge risk. Going out on our own means possibly failing, and I have to think about Ax.
Nora clears her throat, and I know she’s got something else to add.
“Andie, your following skyrocketed when you sang theNational Anthem,and it’s growing daily now that you’re…whatevering with Sean. You put songs out there, and people are going to buy them. They want you, not someone else.”
My gaze returns to Jonesy and his raised eyebrows as if trying to tell me it’s true. “Let’s make sure we think this through. Nora, you can work on telling us how far our reach would be, and maybe we can figure some numbers from there.”
“Yes, ma’am,” she sings sweetly.
I hug Jonesy goodbye with a million questions running through my head. This craziness with Sean just doesn’t seem to end. The idea of singing my songs without being someone’s property is appealing, but would it pay the bills? Would people buy what I have to offer if all they’re getting is an unfiltered, raw, and painfully honest me?
______
I step out of the dressing room and spin.
“Sweet cheeks, are you trying to get the man to change his mind about being seen with you? If you’re thinking that dress is a contender, we’ll just run by the prison and ask for an orange jumpsuit.”
I roll my eyes at Gem, seated in the dressing room with Ax on her lap. “Hmmm. I hadn’t thought about getting Sean to change his mind, but now that you mention it…”
“Oh, pfft.” I hear Gem tsk. “You’re going, and you’re going to make that man wish he really was sleeping with you and let everyone else know they messed with the wrong woman. Andie, there’s no better revenge than showing up looking like an unaffected million bucks.”
I unzip the ugly dress and drape it back on the hanger, although someone should put it out of its misery and burn it.
“How much longer do I have to do this? Can’t I just wear one of the dresses I already have?”
“Not a chance. This calls for just the right dress, which must be jaw-dropping. You can’t march your spectacular butt in therewith all of these…fluffed and stuffed silicone Barbies looking like a tired breastfeeding hag.”
“Why? I’m tired, and my boobs have seen better days. Although, your great-grandson has decided he’s done with them. Thank goodness because I’m pretty sure my nipples wouldn’t have survived.” I zip up the last dress and step out.
One of Gem’s penciled-in dark eyebrows arches up. “That, sugar butt, is going to make Sean want to do more than sleep with you.”
“Oh, good grief. No one is trying to get Sean to think anything.” I look down at the sleeveless black and white A-line dress. The solid black bodice is attached to a white pleated skirt. It is pretty and fits like it was made for me. Plus, black is my go-to color.
The other eyebrow goes up. “Why the hell not?! He’s gorgeous, has a good heart, and…” She holds up her finger like this is the deciding point. “He sat through two of your mother's chastising sessions and once interrupted to ask if you’re ok. What in the world are you waiting for?”
My mouth falls open, but I’m careful not to acknowledge the accuracy of her statements. They don’t matter. Sean and I are working together. Although, his ability to remain unruffled by my mother’s bullying is pretty damn attractive.
“Don’t you and Nora have anything better to do than sit around gossiping about my life?”
“Andie, you know we don’t. Besides, we're happy to thrive on your drama.”
“I’m glad it’s so entertaining.” I turn back into the dressing room.
“I also heard about these labels wanting to cash in your newfound notoriety.”
I tug my jeans back on. I’m pretty sure if I sneeze, this woman will know about it. The thing is, I really don’t mind. She’s always got my back and has the best advice.
“I also have to agree with Nora's advice for you and Jonesy to take matters into your own hands. Baby girl, you weren’t meant to be a backup singer.”
I slide the curtain open. “It’s a big risk.”
“But it’s your music, and people want au-then-ti-ci-ty.” She draws the word out. “They don’t want this computer-generated garbage everyone knows would never survive unenhanced. You have a talent that is as rare as taut skin after sixty.” I listen but busy myself collecting my things. She rests her hand on my arm to still me, forcing me to look at her. “There isn’t much that compares to the simplicity of you and a piano or guitar. You have a gift. Just think about it.”
I nod. I have been thinking about it. Working with Jonesy and being able to sing my own music would be a dream come true. It’s when I look at Ax, the worry of failing calls long and hard.
I sit down beside her. “I’m thinking about it. It’s a different kind of vulnerability, singing and selling myself. I don’t need or even want the spotlight. I just want to be able to tell my stories. Sing them the way I hear them. I’ve had enough of people telling me who and what I should be.”
She swings her arm around me and brings her cheek to mine. “People can’t tell you who to be. They may want to, but it’s a hell of a lot harder for them to speak when you’re the one with the mic.”
