Surviving (Surrender 2)

“Don’t freak out, but there are several reasons. First off, these meetings are recorded. Even though she’s not technically in jail, she’s still been charged. The only privilege she gets is with her doctors and lawyer. So we can hear the meeting with Declan and try to see any red flags. Also, she may give clues to what her intentions were when she kidnapped you. This will be evidence to the prosecutor to take to the judge when talking about sentencing.”

I guess that makes sense. It helps calm me down a little bit. I relax into Declan’s side and nod my head.

“You two talk about it and take a few days to decide. We have some time. It’s completely up to you, but really think about how this could help us.” David says.

Declan nods to him and then stands up bringing me with him. “I know I need a drink now. What about you?”

“Yes, something very, very strong.” I grin at him.

“I bought a bottle of Jack when dad told me what was going on. Follow me.” Robbie says as he heads to the bar.

We sit down for dinner, and the mood in the house has improved. The conversation is mostly about Sayge’s success over the last few weeks, and we fill our parents in on the recording process. We are only five weeks away from Mike’s desired release date. The guys are finished in the studio unless they need to do any clean up. Mike has pushed his team to have fifteen tracks ready to hear by next week. Then the guys will pick the top ten for the album.

My mom asks David if he and the girls will join us at their house for Thanksgiving in three weeks. This surprises me because we hadn’t even discussed plans yet. David thinks it’s a great idea. My heart swells with love as I realize how easy it is going to be to blend our families.

“Raven, let’s talk about the video you did. I need to know what’s going to be shown and prepare myself for all the talk.” My dad asks me but looks at Declan.

“Daddy, I haven’t seen it yet, but I think it’ll be tame. We’re not even sure my name is going to be attached to it. Mike’s thinking about giving me a pen name so I can remain anonymous.”

I tell them all about my personal shots around town and the screens that cover my dancing scene. Robbie teases me and threatens to kill the director if I look like a hussy. I nod my head at Declan to tell them about his and the other guys scenes. What I didn’t expect was for him to tell about the intimate parts. My dad drops his fork and Robbie drains his beer.

“Daddy, it isn’t as bad as it sounds. I was dressed, and there were like fifteen people in the room. I promise.” He still looks pissed.

“James, stop being an ass. Raven would never do anything to embarrass herself. I’m sure it’s going to turn out great.” My mom squeezes my hand.

I change the subject and tell everyone about Declan’s surprise yesterday. He found a little farm in Franklin that does private events. He talked to the owners about having our rehearsal dinner there. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was perfect. The event coordinator gave us a portfolio to look over and give ideas on the set-up. We signed a forty-eight hour hold agreement. We really wanted David’s opinion since he’s paying for it. David loved the idea and gave Declan his information for the deposit. We discuss caterers and the menu a little. Once again Robbie insists on an open bar and Declan agrees. My mom and I clean the kitchen and Declan leaves the room to take a phone call.

“Yeah man, that’ll be fine. I’ll let the others know, and Raven can meet us after class. I’m fucking ready to get this wrapped up. See you tomorrow morning.” He hangs up.

“Who was that?” I ask sitting back down.

“Mike. He’s needs us to carve out most of the day tomorrow to go over things. It looks like he wants us at the festival in Atlanta in a few weeks. Knight’s Dream had to cancel, so he wants us to fill their slot. He’s working with the organizers and will know more in the morning. Also, it sounds like we preview the video tomorrow.”

“Why’d you say I would meet you after class?”

“I want you to see it, and he asked that you come. Something about some new photos.”

This should be fun.

We say our goodbye’s and promise to let everyone know about our decision on Christie this week. The more I think about it, the more I think he should meet with her. Now I need to convince him.

Chapter 27

Lose Her Anonymity

The butterflies in my stomach are about to take over. I’m not sure I have ever been this nervous. When I pull into the parking lot at Mike’s office, Declan is waiting for me. He meets me at my car and yanks me to him. I hold him tightly trying not to throw up.

“Sparkle, what’s wrong?”

“I’m nervous as hell. It’s not even my music; I can’t imagine how you feel.”

“Babe, it is what it is. We did our best, and I trust Mike and his team. If we don’t like it, we still have control. I personally can’t wait to hear and see what they did. Come on.” He links our hands and leads me into the office.

I wave to Charlie and follow him to a different conference room where everyone else is waiting for us. There’s a large flat screen TV on the wall and several different pieces of fancy-looking equipment around the room. I greet everyone and sit between Declan and Cooper.

“Okay, here’s what I want to do. I want to show you the video first. Then we need to discuss some publicity and show dates. Dan has been working like a fucking machine and has your tracks ready to listen. But I personally think you guys should go to the studio and listen to them. It may take a few days, but I want you four to decide on what goes on the album. I already picked my choices out, but I’m not going to share. We can compare once you’ve decided. Ultimately, it’s your choice. I’m here to guide you. Jay, you may want to go to because you know their sound.” Mike says to the group.

All five guys nod their head in approval.