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“You won’t regret this, Cailin. There’s a new tour starting that’s going to be a big deal. I don’t have the details yet, but I know we will need all hands on deck.”
“Maybe this is just what I need. Thank you for always supporting me and for pushing me out of my comfort zone. Working in healthcare is what I know, but not what I love, and if I’m going to be the best version of myself moving forward, that means not settling for anything less than I deserve. That goes for love and work.”
“Now is your time,” Imani says.
We hang up and I feel lighter. I’m nervous about the job interview and potentially being thrown into a new position at a new company while working on a major account. But I know I can handle it. Things are accelerating quicker than I expected, but I’ll follow the direction I’m being led in by the universe. It wouldn’t steer me wrong, would it?
Before I turn off my phone for good this time, I click back open my social media app and click on Ethan’s profile.
Trash the Dress Online Chat
Alexandra: My ex wants to introduce his new girlfriend to the twins. Seriously? They are too young. Why does he have to confuse them? I don’t want them to think she’s their mother when they are with him on the weekends. HELP!
Leila:Is this the chick he met at the club? It won’t last long.
Chelsea:My ex did this once and then the girl he was dating realized he had too much baggage so she dumped him. Maybe it will work out in your favor? But it’s sooo hard at first to go through this. I know. I miss my kids so much when they are with their dad. I worry about all the little stuff too. Video chat helps but it’s not the same.
Tori:You had to expect this was going to happen.
Harper:@Tori Remember the rules of this group. Alexandra has posted multiple times about cheating on her husband but that’s not what this thread is about. Please be kind.
JAX SLATER IS FORCED TO FACE THE MUSIC
JAX
My manager,Harry, is knocking at my door. He’s here for a meeting about the upcoming tour. I open the door and give him a man hug. Harry’s been the manager of 5 Leo Hearts from the start. He gave us a chance and chose us out of hundreds of groups who auditioned to be represented by his agency. Harry’s talent firm represents a lot of high-profile musicians and he somehow finds a way to give everyone his full attention. Maybe his secret is never getting married. But Harry doesn’t seem to care about being alone. He’s in a love affair with his work.
“My man,” Harry says. He walks in and helps himself to a cold bottle of water from my refrigerator. It’s filled with enough food to feed an army, thanks to Lily. I usually end up donating half of it to a local homeless shelter at the end of every week. Maybe one day, I’ll have a family to share my riches with, but for now, it’s hard to find the joy in the excess of everything. All I see is what’s missing.
“What’s the deal?” I ask. “Any word back from the label?”
“The pressure is on from A&R. They love the album, really. But they don’t feel like one song in particular is strong enough to go out and wow everyone as the first single. This is a big move and we have to do it right.”
“So, basically they hate the album.” I start to second guess myself again. Why did I think I have what it takes? I’m just a singer, not a songwriter.
“No, I didn’t say that. They just feel like this batch of songs are the filler songs. You know how every 5 Leo Hearts album had three or four singles and the rest just backed up the hits? The fans still love and request the other songs, but they live and breathe the singles.”
“I think a few have potential to be singles.” I rattle off the names of the tracks to Harry.
“I agree. The label likes those songs as well. However, we need that one anthemic song to kick things off. The one that makes the whole stadium sing in unison. You still have time to write and record one. The album doesn’t come out until after tour wraps up.”
“Then I’d have to write and find a place to record while we’re on the road.” This added stress is the last thing I want before I emerge from my years-long hiatus and get back on the road.
“If anyone can do this, I know you can.” Harry always encourages me and somehow convinces me to start believing in myself when I am blinded by doubt.
“I’ll keep writing. We still have a few days before tour starts and miracles can happen.”
“Maybe it would help if you got some new inspiration. Get out. You’re always hiding in this house.”
“That’s the benefit of a big house.” But in all seriousness, I understand Harry.
When I go out, everyone sees Jax Slater, the pop star. Everyone will want to talk to me about the group and how much they love us. No one ever really wants to get to know me. I just want to have a boring conversation like everyone else and talk about the weather. Have someone tell me about their life. They know about mine. Maybe my struggles really aren’t a big deal in the grand scheme of the world.
“I just think that getting out might do you some good. Get your feet wet before you’re thrown back into things.”
Harry does have a point. I’m going to have to get used to going out in public again. I used to thrive off that attention from passersby. I loved meeting my fans when the band was in our prime. Maybe I just need to go back to who I was and then I’ll be inspired to write a hit song. Yet, my conscience is still whispering that I’m an imposter. Can I be a success on my own without the band? I have to give it my best shot, despite my reservations.
“I’ll give Oliver a call and see if he wants to meet up later.” There’s strength in numbers. If Oliver is with me, we’ll get more attention. But he’ll also shield me from being the focus.
