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)
“Right,” I say. “Every holiday.”
Star Falls will always be her home, no matter how far away she is.
THIRTY-FIVE
Fisher
Listening parties are part of the drill as a record company executive. But I haven’t ever enjoyed a listening party like I have tonight’s. Vivian’s new album—her first with Right Records—has been played in public tonight for the first time. Kinda. There have been a couple of “leaks” on YouTube to try to create buzz. People have gone wild for what they’ve heard so far. My gut tells me it’s only going to get better. I think this is the album of the decade. Tonight will only fuel the buzz.
The party should have finished an hour ago, but it’s still in full swing. The excitement in the air is palpable. I’ve been to a number of listening parties where you know from people’s reaction that the album is going to bomb. Tonight has been the exact opposite of that. Judging by people’s reactions, this is going to be the album of her career. And that’s saying something. Vivian’s already a global superstar.
“Hey, Fisher.” Tommy, Vivian’s manager, comes up and slaps me on the back. “I heard you got a producer credit on this album?”
I chuckle. “Maybe. I was in the studio a little. Couldn’t resist giving a little bit of input here and there.” I don’t know if it was something in the air in Star Falls. Maybe it was spending time with Juniper. But I really enjoyed getting back into the creative side of the music industry. That was the part I always loved, but over the years, as I’ve gotten more and more successful, that side of things has become further and further away. This album brought me back to my roots.
“Well, it sounds great. It’s a more mature sound from Vivian,” he says. “It suits her, and I think she’ll widen her audience with it.”
“Her audience is pretty wide already,” I say, as I spot Jack on the other side of the room. I didn’t realize he was coming tonight. All my friends were invited, but Jack never comes to these sorts of things. He’s standing with Byron and Rosey. It’s nice to have them here, supporting me. Just like they always do.
Someone taps me on the shoulder, and I snap my head around.
“Hey, super-producer,” Vivian says, grinning at me.
“Congratulations, Vivian,” Tommy says.
“Thanks, Tommy. As you know, I had a blast recording this album. I think it shows.”
“It feels very authentic,” he says. “It’s going to be huge.”
She smiles, and I can tell it’s forced. I don’t think Vivian cares much what people think of her music. She knows she enjoys writing, recording, and performing.
Someone approaches Tommy, leaving Vivian and I to speak. “You should be proud of yourself. It’s a great achievement. I think you’re going to see critical and commercial success with this one. Tommy’s right.”
She smiles again, and this time it’s genuine. “Yeah, I hope so. Although, you know, getting to make the record that I want to make, with good people. The fact that these lyrics are lyrics I’ve written—sometimes with help, but even so… It feels so good. I finally get to have the career I want. And you know what? That only happened when I met Beau. He gave me the confidence to go for what I wanted.”
“Sounds like husband material,” I joke.
“He’s a good one.”
“Wasn’t it such a shock to move to England?”
She shrugs. “Not really. His family is the best. They’re almost as much of a draw for me as Beau himself.” She laughs. “But I love London. And I get to come back to the US all the time. I’m living the best of both worlds, so I can’t complain.”
“I’m happy you’re happy.”
“Oh, and you know Gerry called me the other day.”
My stomach churns at the mention of my nemesis. “Really?”
“I know. He’s relentless. Anyway, I told him I wouldn’t meet him for lunch. I also told him I’m happy at Right Records.”
“That’s good to hear. That you’re happy with us.” I pause. “And that you wouldn’t meet him for lunch.”
She laughs. “Why would I waste my time? Speaking of, let’s start talking about the next album.”
“We should definitely do that,” I reply.
Before I can tell her that I’ll talk to Tommy and get the ball rolling, we’re interrupted by Efa and Bennett. Efa and Vivian squeal and pull each other into a hug.
“It’s been too long,” Efa says. “I miss you. I miss everyone in London. Tell me everything? Where’s Beau?”
“Remind me how you two are connected,” I say.
“We’re family,” Vivian says. “Beau’s brother Jacob is married to Efa’s sister, Eira.”
“I think I’m more confused now,” I confess.
“My brother-in-law is also Efa’s brother-in-law.” Vivian turns to Efa. “Is that right?”
Efa narrows her eyes like she’s thinking. “Maybe. It’s complicated.”
“It gets worse during the holidays.”