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“This is what the next album is. I don’t care how long it takes for you to finish. We’ll release some of the previously unreleased songs if we have to for you to have more time,” Miguel tells me firmly. “I’m not going to set a certain number of tracks or tell you a deadline. Let whatever you’ve been doing keep steady. This is absolutely the best I’ve ever heard, and I know your entire discography, thanks to Aiden’s addiction.”
The younger man grins shyly as he wipes his eyes. “I can’t help it that I have amazing taste in music. And clearly good instinct, since this is probably Album of the Year material.”
My jaw drops at the declaration. It’s not something to be said lightly, and while I’d love the accolade for something this personal, I’m also terrified he’ll be wrong, and this will flop.
“I’m going to give you my personal information. Mine and Aiden’s actually. Stay in touch with us for updates. We’ll need to set up another meeting to hear the unreleased tracks. From there, we’ll plan on how and when to get those out. I’m sure they’re amazing as well. For now, you don’t have to worry about anything besides writing more of that.” Miguel waves toward where I put my phone in my pocket.
There’s a bit more talk about schedules as the mood shifts again. I half pay attention since Tennyson is so engaged. I should really promote him to be the same level as Ken on my team. He’s basically acting as my manager now.
“Can I ask a question before we head down?” I say as everyone stands to leave.
“Absolutely! What is it?” Miguel nods.
I look to my best friend, then grin at him. “I’d like to fire my current manager and hire Tennyson in his place. The other guy was brought in by SoulSource. Tenn already does more than him, plus he knows the music better. With him and Ken at my back, I’ll be taken care of. Plus, their names rhyme. Makes sense.”
Aiden jumps in before Miguel can reply. “Done. We’ll get him set up in the system this next week. You can go into the office Austen works at to handle the HR stuff. Welcome to the SG family too. Looks like the only Page holdout is Kelvin. You want a job with us, Professor?”
Kelvin barks a loud laugh. “Absolutely not. I’m good where I’m at. Besides, I don’t want my boss to be in the same social circles as me. Patrick would never let me live it down.”
Miguel shakes his head. “Pat would definitely give you shit. Enough recruiting for now, Aiden. We’ve got a press conference to get to.”
With Miguel’s demand, we all take the elevators to the first floor. I stand off to the side with my group as Miguel stands on stage announcing the acquisition. Aiden beams beside him.
“As a surprise, I’d like to welcome one of our most exciting clients to the new Stryker Global Creative Group: Corrin Ray!”
I take the queue, stepping through the curtain to stand on stage. Waving to the flashing cameras, I step up to the mic stand.
Miguel reaches out for a handshake. I go through the rigmarole, then wait with him as he continues telling them that we’re working on making the switch and building a new vision for the music industry. One where artists can be as creative as they choose.
When I signed with the label, I thought it would be the greatest moment of my life. I was getting the chance to live my dream and to share my music with the world. Then my sister got sick, which devastated our family. In a twist we didn’t expect, she became pregnant with the best man possible. Smith and Star healed some of the hurt from losing Charlene. And in the midst of it all, I met Tennyson and Austen. Together, the Page brothers changed my whole world.
And now, here I am, with another life-changing moment. There’s no telling how many more I’ve yet to experience. I just hope there is more good than bad.
Chapter 17
Austen
SoulSource's takeover becomes my entire identity at work for two months following the announcement. Evan has me doing way more than an intern should, but you can bet I’m not complaining. Not when this is so much more than just me getting a job after graduation now. This is about Corrin’s future too. I want to ensure everything is exactly as it needs to be.
Meanwhile, Corrin is deep in his creative cave, music pouring from him now that he’s no longer restricted to one genre of music. He’s up all hours of the night strumming on the guitar as he analyzes what is and isn’t working.
I sometimes watch him when he thinks I’ve already fallen asleep. It’s easy to roll over on the bed and simply enjoy the view of him, headphones on and pen between his lips as he works out a note.
We moved him into my bedroom after the spring break trip. Tennyson said it was dumb to keep him on the couch. I agreed enthusiastically.
“Do you have the copies I emailed about ready?” I ask Janine, the SoulSource contact Miguel brought in to help with things. She works for Stryker Global now, though she’d been with SoulSource for nearly a decade before the change.
She grins, then opens her suitcase. “Yes, boss. Here you go.”
I take the papers without commenting on the boss part. I’m no one’s boss. My job is merely to get things from point A to point B so everyone else can work. The papers I need from Janine are meant to go to the legal team here later today when Corrin comes in for his meeting with the lawyers.
“Thank you for this. You fly out soon, right?”
“I’m packing up to leave now. Not sure why I even came since you’re running this place like a well-oiled machine. This could have all been an email,” she teases.
“I’m not running things. Intern, remember?”
She snorts, waving her hand toward me. “Yeah, sure. We’ll go with that. Until next time. And maybe work on learning how to take compliments better. You’re a great asset, Austen Page.”
