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“It has absolutely nothing to do with the Kings,” he confirms. “It’s only about recording at Rich Records. You can have your people take a look at it if you want, but I’d hope my word is good enough for you. I want this little step to be the first of many trustworthy moments between us. You’re an amazing talent. All Rich Records wants to do is help you in any way we can.”
“Please, Jade?” Bret says, a softness in his voice I rarely hear from him. Whenever he’s done something inappropriate, like this meeting, or has overstepped his bounds in some way, shape, or form, he’s always quick to apologize. I know how bad he wants his band to make it, and I don’t want to be the one to crush those dreams.
Glancing down at the contract again, I realize I should probably have our manager, Peter, take a look at it. I don’t trust Jimmy, but as aggravating as Bret can be, I do trust him. And I want to help him. “Give me a pen,” I tell him.
Jimmy is quick to offer one. “You won’t regret this, Jade. I firmly believe this is the beginning of a long and healthy professional relationship between us.”
After signing the contract, I hand the paper and pen back to him. “Okay. When can I start using the studio?”
“I’ll have my people set everything up, and you’ll be granted access to the studio starting tomorrow. The building houses five recording studios, and one will be exclusively for you. You can bring in any producer or other musicians that you want. You’ll have free rein.”
All of that sounds amazing. “Thank you. I won’t need any producers. I’ll probably have my band come in and help, but like I said, this isn’t for release. This is all just stuff I want to get out of my system.”
“Of course.” He smiles. It’s still not friendly. Maybe I’m just suspicious of him because he’s from a different record company. “I’ll have your name at the top of our list.”
“Kristen,” I tell him. He quirks a confused eyebrow. “Don’t put Jade Barkley. I want to keep this as quiet as possible. I don’t want rumors starting at Page Five or Teen Weekly. I’ll use my first name.”
“And what should we put for your last name? I’m sure if the news leaks, people will know who Kristen Barkley is.”
“King. Kristen King.”
“Sounds great.” Another leery smile.
“Thank you, babe.” Bret reaches over, giving me a kiss. “This is going to be amazing for us. And you. You’ll see.”
“Yeah, sure,” I reply.
I do hope this helps his band. Who knows, maybe I’m entirely wrong, and they’ll become the next punk rock band to have a breakout hit. The nerves about signing the contract are still bubbling around, but also a sense of anticipation starts to build. I’ll finally get into a recording studio and start working on music that’s been filling my head for a long time now. It’ll feel weird recording without the guys, but it’ll also be freeing. I’m looking forward to it.
