Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 96512 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 386(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96512 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 386(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
She’s bloody beautiful.
“That’s Juniper,” Rosey says before I get a chance to ask. “She’s the artist we’ve been telling you about.”
I frown and take another bite of the wing while I try to think back to whether I remember Rosey or Byron mentioning an artist from Star Falls. I’m used to people mentioning singers they’ve seen on YouTube or guitar players they’re following on Instagram and telling me I need to check them out. Almost always, it’s immediately clear why they’re not signed to a record label. But Juniper has something about her. Star quality is such a bullshit concept. Except it’s not. You either have it or you don’t. And maybe Juniper has it.
“She a singer?”
Byron starts to make an up-and-down motion with his hands, like he’s gently flapping.
“She’s a painter,” Rosey says, clarifying Byron’s miming. “You know, the one who painted some of the pieces in the Colorado Club. In fact, one of her paintings is opposite your bed in your lodge.”
“Ohhh,” I say, everything clicking into place. “And you wanted to know if I knew of anyone who might be able to help her in New York.” I nod. I should have paid more attention. “I know a few people.”
“Shall I go and get her?” Rosey asks, half out of her seat already.
I’m not complaining. I wouldn’t mind being introduced to her.
“Sit down and let the man eat his chicken,” Byron says.
“She used to go to school with Byron,” Rosey says. “They’ve known each other since they were kids.”
I can’t decide whether I’m imagining it or whether Rosey is putting a little too much effort into our conversation. She’s usually way more relaxed than this.
“So, how’s it going with Vivian?” Byron asks, awkwardly changing the subject.
I nod, still fixated on the beauty across the bar. I can’t take my eyes off her. She’s laughing with a group of friends on the other side, by the door, and they all seem as equally transfixed as I am.
“Really good,” I reply. “She seems exactly as she comes across to the public—focused on being a new mom and wife. She’s low-key and… great.”
Vivian Cross is probably the most successful singer on the planet right now. And I just signed her to my record label. She’s recording her next album up at the Colorado Club, which is why I’m here in Star Falls.
“You sound surprised,” Rosey says. “She always comes across as low-key and great when I see her interviewed.”
“I’ve been in this industry a long time,” I say. “The image you see on TV is usually just a fabrication of how the artist’s team wants them to come across. How they think they’ll appeal to the widest audience possible.”
I don’t know how I ended up in an industry that revolves around pretense when authenticity is what I value most. Actually, I know how—the music. I’ve loved music since I can remember, and I’ve managed to make it my work. I’m lucky.
“So, you thought America’s sweetheart, Vivian Cross, would be a total diva bitch?” Rosey asks.
I finally pull my gaze from Juniper and grin at Rosey. “I thought she might be more demanding than she seems to be. At the moment. Yes.”
“Does she like the recording studio?” Byron asks, always focused on the Club and what people like and don’t like about it.
“What’s not to like?” I ask. “It’s state of the art. You put in everything I’d asked.”
I sneak another glance across the bar. Juniper’s making faces as she’s talking, completely unselfconscious and relaxed. I have to press my lips together to stop myself from smiling at her obvious joy.
“I just wrote the checks,” Byron says. “I don’t know if what you suggested is any good.”
“It will pay for itself eventually,” I say. “You’re going to get loads of people coming out here to record. It’s so fucking peaceful. Vivian loves that it’s so private as well. She’s excited that she’s going to be able to take a hike without worrying she’s going to get recognized.”
I glance across to see Juniper again, but she’s gone from where she was sitting. My gaze flits across the bar to try to find her. Did she leave?
“What does she think about her lodge?” Rosey asks. “It’s one of my favorites of the ones that aren’t already taken.”
“She loves it. Plenty of space but cozy, is what she said. Everything’s good.”
Rosey wrinkles up her nose. “Okay, so she’s all settled, and her producer is staying at the Snowdrop Inn. So, why are you still here?”
I raise my eyebrows in mock horror.
“It’s lovely having you here, but I just don’t get it. You’re the CEO of the label. Are all stars like this? They need babysitting?”
I laugh. “A lot of them. But their managers do that, mostly. But she doesn’t want her manager on-site because she wants to focus on her family when she’s not in the studio. He only agreed to stay away if I was around. I’m here just to make sure she’s happy. If anything comes up, I’m not at the end of the phone. I’m here, ready to sprint into action.”