Sania frowned.“I feared as much.”
“But,” he grinned, “basically I can get out?What numbers are we looking at, assuming we can’t get them on fraud for changing contracts around?”
“I’m not sure.Labels are loath to drop big talent, so we have put pressure on them.”Her grin was wicked.Ry was glad she was on his side.“And if we can prove tampering beyond a doubt with a judge or jury, well then.I’d love to do that.”
“Okay, let’s assume the contradiction route for now,” he said.His leg bounced up and down and his heart struggled against him sitting down.
“Alright,” she said.“If we target this, let’s make it uncomfortable for them without a breach of contract on your side.And yes, that means no making out with Alex in public.”
“Not happening anyway.”
She laughed.“We can start a massive social media campaign.I’ve got the interns combing through and testing strategies against the framework.The main and easiest course is to advertise the dispute.”
“That’s risky,” Ry said.He took a sip of his water.
“Unlikely.”She tucked a stray hair behind her ear, her eyes intense.“These days, record labels aren’t in good graces with the public, and swaying your fans to your side will be much easier than Efreet is comfortable with.”
“What are we talking about here?”
“We ask no buying records, stop streaming music, and we send letters and petition stations to reduce air time.With enough pressure, they may cave.”
Ry squirmed in his seat.“That’s a lot.And the campaign is nasty, but if we need to do it, I’m in.What else is there?”
“We have other options.There are no medical clauses, but we may get reasonable adjustments based on your time in rehab.If you want, I’ll work with Rosewood to get them to testify.Expert opinions matter.”
“You’re right, it may be better to have fans on my side and control the narrative on this.Rosewood will be back pocket.”
“Will the rest of Ghostfire be on board?Without them, this will be much harder.”
“Okay, I’ll worry about them.I’m guessing we can’t turn around and form a new band and start making music or performing, correct?”
Sania laughed.“Yes, twenty-four months.They really want to punish anyone trying to get out.So, what’re your thoughts?”She stacked the papers again and pushed her glasses back up her nose.
He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the future play out before him.Two years stretched like an eternity before him, yet also a fleeting breath.Time for rest, recovery, and rebuilding his life.Without his label on his neck approving or rejecting songs, he could craft melodies unburdened by executive approval and lyrics to drench the heart.The crowd would scream for the real him.
“Let’s go with it then.”
“Good, we’ll want a meeting with Efreet to get the process started.”
Ry’s phone rang.It was his manager.“Speak of the devil,” Ry said to her, then answered and put him on speakerphone.“Arend, yes.”
“Orion, I’m so glad I caught you.I need to meet with you soon regarding the studio dates and additional tours.”
“Okay,” he said, drawing out the word.
“Will you be able to come to my office next week?”
Sania had her face in her phone, searching her calendar, and held it up to Ry, her finger pointing to the time that worked for her.
“I can do three on Friday.”
“Very well,” his manager sighed on the other side of the line.“Though I am a busy man, I will make that work for my favorite.”
“See you then,” Ry said, and then hung up.
Sania looked at him.
“Let’s do this.I’ll meet with the rest of the band.”
