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Garrett


By Friday, the stage is finished. The only thing left is for the electricians to do their part. Langford and I step back after applying the last coat of waterproof sealant.

It looks good.

Pop comes up behind us, and his voice is filled with pride as he says, “You boys did a great job this week.”

“We had a lot of help, and I still can’t believe we pulled it off,” I state.

“Graham says he’ll send a few of his workers from another project Monday to get everything wired up. The vendor spots are full, and your mother has already sold out of tickets. I’m going to ride out and fill Jesse in on what’s happening now that we know for sure it’s a go. You want to ride with me, seeing as it was your idea?” he asks.

“I can’t. We’ve got an appointment with Langford’s attorney to close on the sale of the land I’m purchasing.”

“Want me to wait?” he asks.

“No, go ahead and let him know, so he can tell Lacey he’ll be coming to join them. I can’t believe word hasn’t made it to him already.”

“I expect he’s been distracted.”

“I’m sure he has,” I agree.

“All right, I’ll see you guys later.”

Pop heads out, and we clean up the tarps and paintbrushes.

We are placing them under the stage when I hear a familiar voice calling my name.

I look up to see Pierce crossing the grounds.

“Who’s that?” Langford asks.

“My manager.”

“Is it a good sign or a bad sign that he’s here?”

I shrug. “Could be either. I’ll be right back.”

I walk out to meet Pierce.

“I’ve been calling your phone all day,” he says as I make it to him.

“I don’t get good reception out here,” I tell him.

He rolls his eyes.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

He grins, and the knot in my stomach loosens.

We take a seat at one of the tables.

“The label wants you in Los Angeles for the National Music Awards,” he tells me.

“That’s next weekend,” I say.

“It is. I can have a jet on the runway in Knoxville in the morning to pick us up. We’ll do a couple of days of press. Let everyone know that you did the paternity test and the baby is not yours and then talk about the new album and tour. The band will meet us there Thursday for rehearsals.”

My excitement quickly turns to disappointment.

“I can’t. I promised to perform at a charity benefit here next weekend,” I inform him.

“What benefit?”

“It’s to raise money for a local family whose son is fighting cancer,” I explain.

“A local family? I like that. Why don’t I have the label write them a big fat check?” he suggests.

“That’d be great.”

“I’ll have a news crew come down and shoot you handing them the check on the runway before we board the plane. It’ll be great. Great publicity for you. Great publicity for the label. And you can even give a Cash App link on-air and ask the public for donations. Then, you are freed up to come to LA. Can you get the kid and his family to accompany us to the airport?” he asks.

I give him a tight smile.

“I like the sound of all of that. Except for the part where I get on the plane. I made a promise to help a sick little boy who loves me and my music. He listens to it when he is getting treatment. My presence means something to him, so it’s not just about the money. It means something to his parents and this community. Where I come from, a man is only as good as his word, and a promise is something you keep,” I insist.

He shakes his head. “This is the real world, Garrett. Money means the most to everyone. Especially families with high medical bills,” he counters.

“No, not here. Balsam Ridge will pull together as a community. They’ll find a way to cover the costs, they’ll offer to cook meals and provide care for the other two kids, they’ll gather to pray for him, they’ll bake his favorite cookies when he feels good enough to eat, they’ll pitch in to make sure his dad’s landscaping business’s work is done while he is by his son’s side and supporting his wife, and they’ll love them through it all. That’s more precious than a check and publicity. So, tell the label I’m sorry. I can’t make it next weekend.”

“This isn’t negotiable, Garrett,” he snaps.

“Neither is the fundraiser.”

“Fuck, you’re putting me in a bad position. Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to get them back on board with the album release and tour?” he growls.

“Convince them. You can do it. It’s why I pay you the big bucks.”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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