The Decks and the Road
Renegotiating Kaylin
Chapter 17- A Test of Labels
Natalie Shepherd- I’m in Miami. I don’t get here much, but I’m studying to be
a lawyer and Radiance needs someone she can trust. I had to wait a couple of weeks, but I came
as soon as I could. We’ve decided to
meet at a café on the beach. It’s a
picture perfect day today, and there are people everywhere. I parked the car a few blocks away and walked
to the address she sent me. She said she’d
be on the outside, but I don’t spot her and take a seat at one of the
tables. The wind is bringing a nice
breeze every few minutes and I use the time to soak it all up. We talk practically every day, and it didn’t
take but a moment to realize that something was off. It’s quite the curve ball. After all this album is climbing, and a
friend of mines said she heard the song all the way in Nevada. It hasn’t been a full fifteen minutes when
she turns the corner. She still looks
like Radiance, but she doesn’t look one hundred percent herself. She’s already expressed how weird it is to be
recognized all the time, and I just guess it has something to do with it. We hug and kiss and although there’s drama,
we almost forget all about it for the moment.
It’s more like the usual. We pass
a few easy topics back and forth for a few minutes and then she hits me with
it.
“So Eaton’s
missing. First he was calling every few
days. Now… nothing.”
“Does he
know about the encounter?” It was the
term we had both boiled the incident at The Rose down to.
“No, only
you.”
“So have you
talked to anyone about where the song came from?”
“No.”
“And you say
that you were involved in some handling of it?”
“It was
simple. I made a couple of
suggestions. Some lines were removed,
and we rearranged some verses. I assumed
that was the reason for crediting me, but now I don’t know. “
“Did you get
that opportunity with all the songs?”
“No; just a
couple.”
“So are you
planning on taking it to the label?”
“I don’t
know. I mean, she’s just a heartbroken
kid. I don’t know that this thing will
go anywhere, except I attended this party and she seems to be pretty connected.”
“Maybe you
should just concentrate on Eaton. I’ll
see if I can get someone to write a letter documenting the incident and
notifying the label of the accusations.
I mean it’s best to cover all bases.”
“What if she’s
just trying to get back at him?”
“You think
she would make up something like this?”
“I don’t
know what I think, but I don’t need any of this going public right now.”
“Well it’s
up to you. We can send the letter which
will help to separate you from any actions he may have taken, or you can just
tell the truth but he’s your man and it’s your album.” I could see that she was trying to separate
herself from him long enough to think about her own wellbeing. I’d semi-trusted him, she’d trusted him
wholeheartedly.
“I could
talk to his sister, but she is the label.
That’s why I called you.”
“Then take
my advice Radiance.” Our food came and
we were way into our meals when finally she’d made up her mind.
“Send the
letter.” It was a sobering moment; one
that would steer the course of her entire career. I sensed it the moment I got the call. I didn’t know whether the tears in her eyes
came at this realization or the realization that the tight knit family she’d
proudly been a part of would surely be tested.
Renegotiating Kaylin, a novel
Copyright
2019 by Natisha Renee Williams and Grace Call Communications, LLC
All Rights
Reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in
part in any form.
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