“Everything you’re going through is going to change you. That’s inevitable. This is a monumental time in your life. You just need to ask yourself whether you’re changing because it’s what you want or because you’re feeling forced to change due to how others see you.”
I sit in stunned silence, staring at the floor while the remaining few minutes of our session tick by. Unable to say anything because I’m internally weighing the impact of what she said. Debating how much I’m allowing myself to be railroaded into situations that don’t align with what I want because of the interests of others. Perpetuating the cycle rather than stopping it, once and for all.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
jake
“Hey, boss,”Jimmy shouts across the stage with a satisfied smirk on his face, knowing how much I hate being called that.
“Yes, Jimmy.” I stroll toward him, curious what he plans to give me shit about today. “What’s up?”
“Nothing. Wasn’t sure how you want us to refer to you, given your secret identity and all,” he snickers, covering his mouth, as if that somehow lessens the impact of his stupid-ass joke. The one that’s been on repeat ever since my real name became public. I don’t get his fascination with learning I go by Jake personally and Chase professionally, considering countless other entertainers do the same.
“Chase or Jake is fine. Just not ‘boss’ or ‘bossman’ or any other rendition of it.” I fight back the urge to rant on how ridiculous it is to have this conversation over and over again. But that’s Jimmy for you. One of the best damn guitar players in the industry, and the most obnoxious.
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t therealboss,” Jimmy calls out, followed by a low whistle.
I turn around quickly to find Jason headed our way. My face scrunches in confusion because he’s not supposed to be on theroad with us this weekend. Unexpected visits from Jason arenevera good sign. He’s either got bad news or is going to try to sweet-talk me into something he knows I’m not going to like. It’s a toss-up on which one it might be since we’re in the midst of writing the album and I’ve been more secretive than normal about it.
Jason grins at me. “There’s my favorite superstar.” His suit, shiny dress shoes, and gelled hair make him look completely out of place as he stands on the stage of the outdoor amphitheater, where the temperature is already a balmy ninety-five degrees.
“What do you need, Jason? Pretty confident Charlotte, North Carolina, isn’t on your way home.” I take off my guitar and hand it to Jimmy, gesturing for Jason to follow me off stage. Not everyone needs to hear whatever he’s about to ask, especially if I’m going to quickly shoot it down. The band’s already pissy about the changes that have occurred since Kate came into my life. The last thing I need is for them to hear me saying no to opportunities to spend less time with her—because that’s exactly what I plan to do every time.
Jason clasps his hand on my shoulder, giving it a quick squeeze. “Let’s head to the bus. We have some things to discuss.”
Fuck. God only knows what the man wants.
As soon as we step on the bus, I’m greeted by Kate’s smiling face sitting at the table, happily typing away while listening to music. Her face lights up when she sees me, and falls slightly when she notices Jason.
Same, Kate. Same.
“I didn’t know you were joining us,” Kate says in a way that comes across as both a statement and a question.
Jason sits on the couch, crossing one leg over his knee. “Thought I’d surprise my favorite client with some good news.” He places his phone face down next to him.
Shit.
He put down his phone. That never happens.
I grip the edge of the table, staring at Jason, preparing myself for whatever shitstorm he’s about to stir up. Because the only thing I know for certain is I’m about to be hit by a Jason-created hurricane.
“Out with it, Jason. What’s going on?”
Jason grins. “Your stock is soaring. Everyone is clamoring for the new album, thanks to the buzz from the surprise single you dropped at the CMAs. The number of offers I’m getting is through the roof.” Jason leans forward, resting his elbows on his thighs. “We’ve got to capitalize on this momentum. Now.”
The muscles in my jaw and neck stiffen. “What exactly does that mean?”
“For starters, Country Thunder wants to add you to all their Sunday lineup for the rest of their summer concerts. Offered to throw in a private plane to transport you and the band to the events immediately following your Saturday night tour stop.”
“No,” I reply sternly, not wanting to entertain adding another concert to my schedule.
Kate places her hand gently on my arm. “Don’t you think we should know more about what it entails before turning it down?” she asks innocently, batting those long eyelashes at me, turning me into a fucking puddle, willing to do whatever she wants.
I shift my gaze back to Jason. “Fine. How many shows and where?” Not that his answer really matters, I’m still going to say no.
“Two in Canada, and one in Wisconsin. First one is in two weeks.” Jason pauses briefly, shaking his head as his smile widens. “I’ve seen a lot of things in my career, Jake. Never once have I seen a major concert bend over backward to make time in their schedule for an artist. You know how these things work—dates and artists are booked months, if not years, in advance.”
“Not interested,” I answer curtly.
