Music Notes (38 page)

The van pulls up in front of the studio and I head inside. Gabby is waiting for me and offers me a tight smile. I return her greeting with a hello, but for the most part, follow quietly behind her as she leads me back down the long, familiar hallway towards the conference room. She knocks and waits for the cue to open the door.

When I step inside, I see several more gentlemen around the table. They are dressed impeccably in designer suits and groomed to perfection. Mr. Zimmerman is seated at the head of the table with his five minions around him. The one face that I’m surprised to see belongs to the man I’ve gotten myself into this mess with. I lock eyes with Beau for the first time since we returned Sunday afternoon. Just the sight of him releases wild little flutters in my stomach.

“Miss Carter, will you please have a seat?” Mr. Zimmerman directs. I nod at him before taking the vacant seat next to Beau.

“Layne, Beau, we’re here today to discuss the breach of contract that you’ve both admitted to. I’ve brought in Roland to make sure that everything is discussed and decided upon collectively so that no lawsuits can be made in the future by any party.”

I take a deep breath before he continues. “Last evening, we met and were prepared to hold you both accountable to the terms of the contractual breach. Layne, for you those terms would be to terminate your participation of the show, along with a substantial financial lawsuit.” I gulp hard at the words and their implications. Any lawsuit would be substantial to my family and me.

“You are also prohibited to ever participate on any show on this network or any other network. Additionally, you are not allowed to sell your story for profit in any way.”

Mr. Zimmerman looks over at Beau. “Beau, your contract is similar to that signed by Miss Carter. Your participation of this network and that of any other network will include award shows and other appearances for a period of three years. You understand those terms, correct?”

Beau nods his head without so much as a word. Can they do that? Can they forbid him for performing or attending award shows that are to be televised on the network? Apparently, they can.

“But, here’s the dilemma. America loves you. Last night, word got out that you were both being released from the show and the outpour is overwhelming. They want more Layne and Beau.”

Shock must be evident on my face. “It’s true,” the woman next to Mr. Zimmerman states. “Social media is buzzing. They started petitions and are flooding the network with calls, emails, and contacts through social media outlets. Hell, you even have a trending hashtag,” she adds with a chuckle.

“So, you see the dilemma we face? We can’t exactly let you go for fear that we’ll be crucified by the viewers who are so adamant in their support of you.”

I blink several times as I try to absorb his words and their meaning. I feel a warm hand on my leg and reach down and link my fingers through his. I feel stronger suddenly knowing that I’m not alone at this table; that no matter what the outcome of this meeting, I have his support and his affection. 

And in return, he has my love. I can deny it until I’m blue in the face, but the fact still remains that I’m in love with him. I knew it Saturday night as we made love. I knew it the next morning while we ate breakfast wrapped only in plush robes on the deck of the hotel room. And I sure as hell knew it when I sat down at this very table yesterday and confessed my sins to the people that hold all of the cards.

The only thing left now is to tell Beau. Because no matter the outcome of this meeting–no matter the fines, lawsuits, and rules they throw at me–my love for him will still be there, bright and shining like the North Star; pulling me in and gripping my soul like the music notes I sing. Guiding me home.

“After an early meeting today to renegotiate our deal, we’ve come up with terms that we all hope you’ll find more than sufficient. Layne, you’ll still be removed from the show as a contestant. You will not participate in the final two weeks of shows and have no chance at winning the record contract or the prize money.”

I nod my head in acknowledgement knowing that that was always the least of my worries. “You are forbidden to participate in any other shows on any other network for a period of ten years. You are also forbidden from selling your story for any financial gain for a period of ten years. We will
not
hold you financially responsible to the dollar amount listed on your contract with the understanding that you agree to all of the new terms.”

I can do that, right?

“Beau, you are also removed from the remainder of this season and we’ll find a replacement coach to finish out the final two weeks of the show. However, we will not hold your position on the show over your head. We want you. The fans of the show want you. You will be able to return as a coach next season. You are forbidden from performing or profiting from any other network show with the exception of pre-approved award shows,” he says to Beau. I feel Beau’s hand tighten around mine.

“Now, here’s the catalyst. The
other
term to our deal. You both will participate in the final show, performing a duet together that the network chooses. You will also agree to participate in a future network special that is still in the works. It will detail your relationship through the show
Rising Star
, as well as continue to follow you up until the point of the airing and producing of the special. This would happen sooner, rather than later. The network also has the right to add any sequential specials for a period of three years. Think Nick and Jessica, Tori and Dean. You know, a reality show,” he adds with a smile.

“If there should ever be a wedding or major life event within the next five years, the network has first rights to a special. These are the terms. Take them or leave them. If you leave them, know that the original terms of the contract will be enforced.”

“What do you mean by a special?” Beau asks.

“A special program with a minimum of one hour in duration. Not a full-fledged show, but more of a single documentary to allow the viewers a glimpse of your lives together. You two are ratings gold. America loves you and we want to keep that love alive.”

“Can I have a few minutes to speak with Layne?” Beau asks from his seat next to me.

“Sure. You can step into the hallway and come back when you are finished.”

I follow Beau into the hallway and am instantly engulfed in a warm, comforting hug. “I’m not worried about the terms of my contract, I’m worried about yours. I can’t imagine you have the finances to cover the dollar amount attached to it, right?” he asks as he keeps his hold on me.

“Yeah, I don’t exactly have that kind of disposable cash.”

“I would cover it for ya. I would do anything to make this go away for ya,” he replies. But I could never let him do that, and I think he knows it.

“I can’t let you to do that, Beau. I’m just as responsible for this mess as you.”

“Then, let’s talk about the new contract. I don’t give a shit about the show. I will walk away from it right now if I have to. The money means nothing to me. I don’t give a shit about appearances and show performances. I’ll be just fine without all that extra crap. The new contract has some perks, but I don’t exactly like the idea of those specials.”

“It’s one special with the possibility of more if we should ever, you know, get married or something,” I reply, dropping my eyes as the faint blush creeps up my neck. We haven’t even talked about a future and here we were discussing the possibility of a televised wedding. Kill me now.

“Hey,” he says as he raises my chin up so that our eyes are locked. “I feel like the network has us by the balls here. Though I don’t like the idea of the network turnin’ us into a circus show, it doesn’t seem so bad if you’re there with me.”

“I kind of agree,” I smile. “But Eli. I have to protect him. I won’t subject him to the show.”

“I agree. I’ll make sure that’s included in the terms.”

“So, we’re going to do this?”

“Yeah, we’re gonna do this. Together.”

And with that, he places a tender kiss on my lips as if sealing our fate. Before we can let the kiss get too carried away, Beau pulls back. “We should head back in there,” he says with a smile.

“Yes,” I confirm and link my fingers through his.

“Let’s get this over with then,” he adds as he leads me back through the door.

Note to self: Sometimes, out of the fire births a phoenix. Beautiful. Freeing. And that’s when your life takes flight.

“And now, returning for the first time to
Rising Star
since they were ousted a little over a week ago, performing a brand new song, I give to you Beau Tanner and Layne Carter,” Becker says as the crowd stands on their feet.

Beau is already out on stage looking smashing in his standard black boots, tight Wranglers, delicious black t-shirt that grips his muscular arms, and Stetson hat. The music starts as I watch from stage right.

“
From that first moment, I knew there was somethin’

Somethin’ bout you that speaks to me so true.

Every moment with you makes me alive,

Every beat of my heart for only you.

Your skin against my skin, your lips against my lips,

Your touch is my undoin’, I crave you underneath my fingertips.

Stay with me tonight, Stay with me tomorrow.

Stay with me forever, until the end of time.

Just stay with me

Stay with me.”

I walk out onto the stage I haven’t sung on in a day shy of two weeks. Familiarity washes over me as I take in the stage and the lights.

“I’ve been hurt so many times before,

And I’m afraid to move too fast.

Letting go is never easy,

But when I’m with you I forget the past.

You make the fear disappear and my smile feel brand new,

I want your arms wrapped around me, a touch from only you.

Stay with me tonight, Stay with me tomorrow.

Stay with me forever, until the end of time.

Just stay with me

Stay with me.”

For only the second time, Beau and I perform together as a duet. But this time, there’s no hesitation. There’s no hiding. There’s only him and me on the stage singing the sweet words he wrote for us. Those music notes, imbedded so deeply into my heart, into my soul. A place that only Beau Tanner can touch.

“
It’s you and me against the world,

But it doesn’t matter as long as you stay.

Right by my side, just stay beside me.

Stay with me.

Yeah, stay with me.”

Without being scripted, Beau moves his microphone and touches his lips to mine. The screaming crowd suddenly doesn’t exist as I revel in the feel of this man’s lips against my own.

“I love you,” I whisper for the first time.

“I love you, too, babe,” he whispers back with a smile that could light up a stadium. And then he deepens the kiss, threading his fingers through my hair and holding on for dear life.

“Layne, Beau, remember this is a family show,” Becker chastises with a laugh. “Can I ask how it’s been since you both left the show?”

“It has been perfect, Becker,” Beau says with a smile, his hand firmly around mine.

“So I take it you two are together now?” he asks.

“I’ve always been a private guy, Becker, and I’m going to continue to do so for those I love. Just know that you haven’t seen the last of Beau and Layne. Together.”

The smile I offer him practically splits my face in half. Together. I arrived in Los Angeles months ago, not knowing what to expect. Even then, I couldn’t imagine that this road would take me to where I am now.

No, I may not have won the record contract from
Rising Star
. I may not have the prize money that would help set Eli and I up for a better life. But I think what I’m walking away with is so much better. I discovered a better self on this journey. I’ve learned about letting go of the past in order to move forward. And I’ve learned to put my faith and trust into another man, which is something I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to do again.

Hand in hand, I walk away with Beau.

The man I love.