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Claiborne was Micah’s agent and the one who would negotiate any sale of the song.
“No. I told him I needed time to think and that I would see him when I go to LA for the Christmas special. He’s been respecting my space.”
“You should give him a heads-up about the song. He’s going to want you to record it right away. They can get the single out in time to get a few sales before Christmas.” Steve waved his beer. “You should sing it at the special. The network would do a backflip.”
Micah strummed a few chords. “I’m not sure about singing it at the special,” he said. That felt too public, somehow. “I was thinking of going old school.”
“Acoustic?” Steve shook his head. “You need an orchestra, man. That’s the way to debut the song. Then go into the studio and cut the acoustic version. Release the live and the studio recordings. The fans will go wild.”
Micah couldn’t write a score for an orchestra, but he had a friend who could. Someone he trusted.
“Electra’s expecting me to sing ‘Moonlight for Christmas.’ She’s counting on the royalties.”
“Dude, the song is what, fifteen years old? The people want something new.” Steve tapped the sheet music on the kitchen table. “Forget Electra.”
“I don’t care about her. I just feel responsible for her.”
“I know you do. You always have. But you don’t owe her anything.”
Micah knew that was true. Maybe he could offer to release a new version next year. A duet or something, so he could sing “Because the Snow Fell” this year.
“If I go the orchestra route, I’ll need to let Claiborne know. They’ll have to be hired. That’s not cheap.”
Steve chuckled. “You know you’re Micah Ruiz, right? If you needed the moon for your performance, the network would get it.”
“The moon’s kind of big,” Micah joked. “Where would we put it?”
“Play the song again.”
Micah did as his friend requested. After struggling for so long, he felt good knowing he’d finally found the words and melody. He let the song sink in and become a part of him.
When he’d finished, Steve toasted him with his beer.
“You did it. That’s going to be a classic for sure. Just one question. Is it a song or a message?”
“Why would you ask that? It’s a song.”
Steve didn’t look convinced. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m all in favor of you healing and moving forward with your life. Adriana was an incredible woman, but you’ve got a lot of years in front of you. I’d like you to spend them with someone.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
But even as he made the statement, Micah knew he was lying. Steve was asking the obvious question. Who had inspired the song, and did that inspiration mean anything?
Steve had known him long enough to understand when he should keep his mouth shut. After over a minute of silence, Micah sighed.
“It’s not what you think.”
Steve only looked at him.
“Fine. I like her and I admire her. She’s pregnant and alone and—”
“Dena? Okay. Noah’s crazy about her. She’s well-liked in town. Family’s respected.”
Micah swore softly. “You think I could get her for three horses and a couple of cows? What’s wrong with you?”
Steve grinned. “I’m just telling you what I know.” His smile faded. “You’re not as tough as people think. If this is going somewhere, you need to be careful. Not just with her heart, but with yours.”
Micah strummed his guitar. “You’re going down a road I don’t even see on the map.”
