Page 12 of Backup Cowboy
I remain quiet for a few minutes, allowing myself to think. With each second that passes, the idea gains weight. My goal since graduating high school has been to run a record label. And now that I am VP of Magnum, the thought of running a major label doesn’t sound as attractive as it once did.
My travel would increase along with the pressure. I can’t even take my sacred five days off anymore. What’s the point of any of this if I can’t live my life with a free breath every now and then?
“Nash, I’m genuinely honored that you’d want me as a partner in something this big. The fact that you trust me with your vision means everything.”
“Trust goes both ways, Alex. I’ve seen what you can do, and I need someone who knows the industry inside and out. That’s you. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think we’d both come out winners here.”
Rebecca nods along silently as he speaks, pride blooming on her features. The love those two have for each other is rare, and for some reason, I’m a little envious. It must be incredible to have a partner who believes in your dreams as much as you do. I mean, she left a law career to open a girls’ camp with Nash’s full support. If that’s not loyalty, it doesn’t exist.
“When would you like an answer?”
“Take your time and think about it. I built in time this week so that Cas can show you around the area.”
I chew my lip, my mind already racing through possibilities. “I wondered why I was in Texas so early. Cal could have easily come without me.”
I turn to Caspian, whose expression remains detached. If he knew about this, nothing in his demeanor says so.
“That sounds great.”
As the pinks turn to orange, we watch the sun rise over Echo Ridge. And I can’t help but feel like I’ve stumbled onto something rare here: everything my carefully planned life has been lacking.
Chapter 6
Caspian
The sun is bright overhead as we walk the property next to Twisted Whiskey. From what Nash shared, the owners are willing to quietly sell a piece of their riverfront property. Most of this section is undeveloped, with the owners’ waterfront home farther up the river.
The morning has flown by. After sunrise, Alex and I grabbed a quick breakfast at Hank & Lulu’s diner. Since they’re catering breakfast for the artists, it was good to touch base with them about the festival.
I kept things light during our meal. Alex has a tough decision to make about her future, so I focused on festival logistics instead of flirting. Some mistakes you only need to make once.
I shared the finalized map of The Boot Roost and discussed artist entry procedures. The conversation was easy and relaxed. Something about Alex lightens me somehow.
After eating, we met up with the property owners. We followed them to this spot on one of their golf carts, where they left us alone to look around.
This part of the Blue Canyon is shallow and narrow compared to my home. A dense thicket of trees lines the opposite bank, which is part of a natural area owned by the state. Check this against previous books This combination makes for a great location where recording artists can hang out in between sessions.
We would have to thin out some of the trees and run utilities, but I can see Nash’s vision. The way Alex scans the area, taking pictures and jotting notes, I can tell that she does, too.
She eventually makes her way back to the golf cart, leaning against the hood as she surveys the property. “I know I wouldn’t live on this site, but coming to work here every day, knowing that I co-own this land… it’s hard to resist.”
“But…”
“You heard that in there?” She purses her lips, the natural quiet of the Hill Country surrounding us.
“Hard not to with frown lines splitting right between your eyebrows. Talk to me. What’s on your mind?”
The radio crackles. “B2 to B1.”
“This is B1.”
“We have a situation. Can you call me?”
Alex calls Cal, and from what I can gather, one of the young artists is threatening to pull out of the festival because his new manager wants a bigger pay day. She calls the manager directly, reminding him of their contract as well as the new songwriting partnership his client has with Taryn Murphy, a deal that came out of working the festival. The manager backs down, apologizes, and even offers to add a fan meet-and-greet that wasn’t in the client’s original contract. All without her raising her voice.
Impressive.
As she puts the phone back in her pocket, Alex takes a deep breath and leans against the golf cart. “I owe a lot to Magnumrecords. They hired me right out of college and have trusted my vision and leadership. Cage is looking to expand its Nashville division, a direct reflection of what I’ve been able to achieve there, so leaving won’t be easy.”