Spotlight by Eden Finley Page 0,87
first new act on the label.”
Harley’s face lights up, but Lyric looks like he wants to murder me.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Lyric
My mouth dries.
“This is you?” Harley points to the computer.
“It is. But, uh … I—”
“Lyric is so talented he makes me jealous,” Ryder says.
I try to hold my anger in because, logically, I know he’s trying to do a nice thing. But that nice thing is making me feel two feet tall.
“Did you really do that?” I mutter to Ryder.
He squares his shoulders. “Yes, I did. Because if you think you’re going to put your career on hold so I can chase a dream I voluntarily gave up two years ago, you’re sorely mistaken. I know you don’t want my help getting a record deal, but if Harley doesn’t think you have it in you, he won’t sign you. That won’t be an issue, though.” He gestures to Harley. “He’s already half in love with you because of one song.”
“That’s not the point!” I finally blow. “Are you forgetting my rules?” I hold up a finger. “I want to do this on my own.” I put up a second. “I want to do it as myself.” A third finger goes up. “And I want to do my music, my way. You really think signing on a boy band label will allow me to do the songs I want?”
“Ooh, harsh,” Harley mumbles.
I turn to him. “Sorry. This is nothing against you. Or your label. Or the idea of getting Eleven back together. I just …”
“I get it,” Harley says.
I lift my head. “What?”
“Want to know why I’m eager to start my own label?”
“Money?”
Harley laughs. “Hardly. What I’m doing is a risk. I want to make albums of real sounds. Of real songs. Songs from the heart. It’s why I left Joystar to begin with. They were trying to censor me. My songs were getting too political and weren’t peppy enough. They weren’t about love and happy, mushy bullshit. And don’t get me wrong, I will expect to have one or two chart-toppers on every album, but my plan is to work with my artists to find the best sound they have.”
“That … actually sounds amazing. But, I’m sorry. I can’t. I won’t accept an offer from you.”
“Because of me?” Ryder asks.
“I don’t want a record deal on a favor.”
Harley stands. “Look, I’ve only heard one song, but I’m impressed. If you want to send me a demo, I’ll happily listen to it and remain unbiased. I’m interested in signing you, but like Ryder says, I won’t do it if I don’t think you can make it big. I love him but not that much.”
I don’t believe him. This deal will always be tainted by Ryder’s connection. “I’ll think about it.”
“Well, uh, it looks like you two have some stuff to discuss. I’m gonna get out of this awkwardness as fast as possible.” Harley slaps Ryder on the back. “Have fun getting yelled at, and I can’t wait until we can work together again.”
Ryder smiles. “Who you working on next?”
Harley taps his chin. “I figure Denver. He should be the easiest sell out of all of you.”
“Shouldn’t you start with the hardest?” Ryder asks.
“Do you even know where Mason is?”
“Nope.”
“Neither do I.”
I watch their exchange, willing it to hurry up and be over because I need to yell. Or throw things.
Upstairs, we were literally making big declarations, and now, suddenly, he’s going back on the only promise he’s ever made me.
As soon as Harley’s gone, Ryder turns to me.
I hold up my hand. “Don’t. This isn’t going to be a thing. I’m not sending him my demo. End of story.”
“Why are you so fucking keen on sabotaging your career?”
“I’m not!”
“I call bullshit.”
“Oh, you’re calling bullshit? The fact you brought me into this at all, that’s bullshit.”
“I didn’t bring you into this! Harley heard your song and is interested. That makes your career fair game. I’m so sorry I want you to achieve your dream even at the expense of my own heart.” He mock gasps. “The nerve.”
I pull back. “What do you mean?”
“I would love for you to forget about music and stay with me and Kaylee. I’d love to hold you back so you can be part of us, follow me while I explore this new venture with Harley, and live my life. But that would be selfish. The side of me that wants you to be happy won’t allow me to sit back and let you skip auditions and put off your