Chapter 75
VOLUME TWO: IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES, PART 2
Ten Years Later: Nashville, Tennessee
"The contract is all pretty standard," I said to a young female musician sitting across from me. Then I went on to explain the particulars of the contract. "When you sign here, the recording contract will be complete, and you'll start working with Mr. Savage immediately." I looked directly into her eyes and let out a deep breath. "But if you have any questions, just ask. I'm here to help."
She nodded, and then quickly picked up a pen.
I reached out to stop her. "Cindy, always read a contract first before you sign it even from me. I'll wait while you look it over."
She nodded, and then picked up the contract. "This looks like gibberish to me, but if you say that it's legit, then it's okay with me."
I looked at her with sincere eyes. "Would you like for me to explain the details again?"
She shook her head. Then, she picked up the pen and signed her name on the dotted line. That was why I had become a contract lawyer: to help young musicians and to make sure that they were treated fairly.
"Thank you, Miss Case," Cindy said as she handed me the contract.
"Ms. Collins," I corrected as I shuffled the papers. "I haven't been Ms. Case for a long time."
She shook her head as a broad grin spread across her face. "I can't believe this is really happening! Not only did I just sign my first recording contract; I got to meet Alyssa Case!"
I smiled. "As I said, I haven't been Alyssa Case for a while."
Her eyebrows pulled together in concern. "If you don't mind me asking, why did you quit music?"
I smiled as I shuffled the papers. "I really didn't quit the music business "
She shook her head. "You know what I mean. Why did you quit recording?"
I let out a deep breath. "It's a long story. You just enjoy your time in the spotlight. And if you have any questions, any at all, just ask." I reached across my desk and handed her one of my business cards. "Here's my number. Call me at any time."
"I will," she said as she took the card and extended her hand. "Thank you so much, Ms. Collins."
"Just be careful," I said as I shook her hand. "Craig will take good care of you. In fact, he was my agent, too. Just be careful who you trust. Between us, the vultures will start coming out of the woodwork now that you're on your way up. Enjoy your success, but be careful."
She nodded. "I will. Thanks again."
I slid the contract into a manila file folder. "I'll get this to Mr. Savage right away. Once again, congratulations."
She smiled and left the room when the intercom suddenly buzzed.
I held down the button. "Yes, Mrs. Farrow?"
"Ms. Keel is on line one for you," she replied. Mrs. Farrow was a no-nonsense elder woman, well kept, whom I respected immensely. Over the past few years since I had become a contract lawyer, she had become my right hand man, so to speak.
"Thank you, Mrs. Farrow," I replied. "Please, come in. The Cindy Sellers contract has just been signed and is ready to message to Mr.
Savage."
"Right away, miss," she replied, and a moment later, she hurried into the room. Her silver bob swung just above her shoulders as she scooped up the contract I handed her. "Don't forget, Ms. Collins. You have a dinner engagement tonight."
I let out a sigh as I looked down at my watch and then back up at her. "Thank you, Mrs. Farrow. What would I ever do without you?"
She let out an exaggerated breath. "I ask myself that question all the time," she replied with a wink as she breezed out of the room.
I hit the button on the phone. "Hey, Alanna. Sorry to keep you waiting. What's up?"
Alanna and I met while we were in college and had remained friends over the last several years. After we both graduated from law school, we became roommates and we still were. Now, she was my business partner, too. "Hey, girl! I just wanted to know if you wanted to go out for drinks after work."
I shook my head. "No. I have a dinner engagement tonight."
"Oh, really?" she asked seductively. "With anyone I know?"
I laughed. "Before you get too excited, it's a client."
She sighed heavily at the other end of the phone. "You need to get out more, girl. Go out! After all, you can date guys without marrying them."
I laughed. Over the past ten years, Alanna had been comic relief for me. She had been a great friend, and had helped me to deal with losing Logan. In fact, she was one of the only people who knew about him. She had listened to me while I cried upon more than one occasion. "I'll keep that in mind. Do you have any plans for tonight?"
"Nah. Not tonight. Probably going to bed early."
"You?" I teased. "What happened to the 'ultimate party girl'?"
She laughed. "Well, the 'ultimate party girl' has grown up."
I laughed. "Yeah, right! Tell me another!"
She chuckled at the other end of the phone. "Okay. Latter, chicka!"
"Okay. Don't wait up for me."
"That's a laugh! You'll probably be in by eight o'clock, knowing you."
I laughed. "As I said, don't wait up."
"Hey. Wait a minute!" she teased. "I may be all grown up, but I'm not over the hill yet!"
I chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind. Got to go."
"See you later!" she said, and then quickly added, "Hey! Pick up some milk on the way home, will you?"
I let out a sigh as I smiled into the phone. "I'll try to remember."
"Love you!"
"Love you, too! Got to go!"
"Bye!"
I laughed as I hung up my desk phone, shaking my head as I thought of Alanna.
