Page 40 of Covet (The Red #3)
Chapter Forty
Elle
Listen to Say Something
by Great Big World
I sat at the table with Noah and JJ, desperately trying to appear engaged in this meeting.
A full week had passed and Noah hadn’t returned any of my texts or calls.
Of course, I’d only tried once, afraid to bomb him with desperate entreaties to talk in case Daisy saw his phone.
We hadn’t needed to see each other in person until JJ contacted us and said he was flying back to New York early.
Unison was wrapping up the end of the tour and he was finally free to focus on his new project: us.
He loved the new music and quickly shopped it to a smaller, independent label that was growing a reputation in discovering new music.
I knew how lucky we were to have this opportunity.
Most musicians had to do things themselves, from hiring out a studio, recording their own music, and using social media to build interest.
I also knew Noah and I wouldn’t be making a ton of money on the deal. It was an intro, and a way to gauge bigger interest. Most of the money would come in from appearances, club bookings, and some streaming.
Neither of us cared and didn’t push back on the contract. We used Adam’s lawyer, who got us a bit more on the royalties, and planned to use this break-out for future revenue.
But now? Everything had gone to shit. Noah could barely look at me.
My relationship with Coop had spun out after our bathroom tryst. We kept fighting and desperately tried to connect outside of the bedroom.
I was supposed to spend the next few months with Noah doing what we both loved—making music.
Performing together. Being each other’s support system.
Instead, we were done.
And it was all my fault.
JJ was walking us through the plan where he wanted to book appearances and get Noah some bigger clubs.
Then I’d do the song, Call it Fire , which was the big single title launch.
We’d gone through cover art that our new label liked.
Noah and I had immediately agreed on the concept of a watercolor shot, with fire images whirling into a faded image of a couple kissing.
It was gorgeous and perfect for the song.
It was also perfect for us. A reminder of what we are to each other.
Or at least, used to be.
I swallowed past the lump in my throat and tried to act happy. “This is all great, JJ. I’m up for all of these plans. What about you, Noah?”
He gave a sharp nod. “Definitely. I agree the more exposure, the better.”
JJ gave a shout with his usual enthusiasm.
“Then we’re moving on. The next thing I want to discuss is more long term.
How we see this shaping up if the album performs well with the label.
” He paused, glancing back and forth between us.
“Umm, I have to say Noah, you made a great producer for this cut. You and Elle are a fabulous team, and I’m not looking to break it up, but I think Elle could morph into a solo career.
” He glanced at me. “Now, I know this could be sticky, and if we go in this direction—which I think we need to—I can bring Noah on to produce a few songs with you. But we may be better off letting the label pitch to some of the big-names and really take you far. You have something special, Elle. I think you can break out.”
JJ’s words were exactly what Noah warned me about.
I remember that night in bed, holding each other, whispering in the shadows as I told him I didn’t want to make music without him.
Now, his predictions were spot on. I should’ve known.
Noah knew the music business inside out.
They were always breaking up artists for the bigger profit and rarely respected creative needs in the pursuit of what would hit and make a splash.
JJ kept rambling on, spotlighting all the wonderful things I could do by leaving Noah, and pretty much promising Noah he’d get his piece of the pie.
God, it was all smarmy, even with the good ones. I knew JJ really looked after Adam, but he’d also been the one to push hard for him to sing rather than write.
“What do you both think? Can you see opportunities for each of you? Think of this as your launchpad to bigger careers.”
Before I could respond, Noah jumped in. “I think it’s the right move.
I had a great time working with Elle, but we both need to move on.
She’s much better off in the spotlight with producers who have the experience to give her what she needs.
And for me? I can keep my DJ gigs and work with some new artists. ”
“Yes! That’s what I’m talking about! When this song hits, you’ll be inundated with artists wanting you to produce, Noah. This is a time for growth. Elle? You, agree?”
I stared at Noah until he reluctantly raised his gaze to meet mine.
The usual raw emotion was smoothed away. I glimpsed a distance I’d never experienced before; a barrier erected between our bond that broke my heart. And I knew in that moment, I’d lost him.
Choking down the sobs that bubbled up, I forced a smile. “Yeah. That all sounds great.”
“Thank Christ you two are the easiest clients I’ve had! You two are gonna own the world—I just see it.”
I was numb for the rest of the meeting. Finally, JJ wrapped up, said goodbye and left.
Noah stood up. “I better get going. I’m meeting Daisy for dinner.”
“Please, Noah. Talk to me. I can’t stand this anymore.”
He paused and clenched his fists. Looked upward and dragged in a breath.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, pain radiating in my bones. “I don’t know what happened. I was high, and Coop just came into the stall, and then things just got—out of control. I didn’t want to hurt you. I meant every word I said.”
Finally, his gaze met mine. The distance was gone, but the sheen of tears in his eyes was something that would haunt me forever.
His voice was gentle and full of emotion.
“Elle, I’m not mad at you. You and Coop had every right to have sex, even though I hated it.
This isn’t a punishment, it’s a reality check for both of us.
I was wrong. I put all of these feelings I had for you into our music and interactions and I think I wanted it so bad, I convinced you it would work.
It’s like when actors fall in love on a movie set.
Things are so intense and raw, it’s hard not to lose yourself in it. ”
“No, it was more than that. Music was the gateway but it was you! I’ve never felt the way I do when I’m with you.”
His smile was full of pain. “Because you deserve to be loved in the right way, Elle. I love Coop, he’s a great friend, but I think everything you’re lacking in that relationship you put on me.
I see things more clearly now. How Coop satisfies a part of you I never could.
I’d never fuck you in a bathroom stall, Elle.
You’d lose interest in me once the music stopped.
And it hurts so bad now, but I know this is the right thing.
Daisy is good for me. She wants to move forward and I know we can be happy together. ”
“The way you and I were happy?” I asked brokenly.
“No. It’s different. But maybe she’s more of what I need, because this kind of pain? This kind of love? It’s too—much. I can’t handle it.”
I tried to move forward but he backed up, throwing his hands out.
I stilled. Studied his beloved face. My fingers itched to touch his cheek, stroke his hair; have him be mine again. But I’d messed it all up and now it was too late.
“I’ll always love you, Elle. But what we had together? Maybe it’s exactly what we both needed to move on. You’re going to have the biggest music career—you’re going to be a star. I knew it the moment I heard you sing.”
“What about you? Why should you get the short end of this deal?”
He shook his head. “I’m not. I get to work as a producer and grow. Get new clients. Make the music that feeds my soul. I’ll get everything I ever dreamed of. Because of you.”
My soul was slowly dying and there was nothing I could do but watch.
Noah dragged in a breath. “We’ll be spending a lot of time together with the launch. I’m going to ask Daisy to move in with me. It’s time to take the next step. I need us both to respect the boundaries now. Because I can never do this again. Do you understand?”
Tears poured down my cheeks. “Okay.”
“Please don’t cry.” His voice broke. “It’s going to be okay, Elle. I promise.”
I nodded furiously and swiped at my cheeks. “Okay,” I repeated.
We fell into each other’s gazes one last time.
And then it was over.