Page 33 of Perfect Composition

As an experienced entertainment law firm with close to twenty-five years’ combined experience working with exclusive clients, your work sparked our interest not only because of the talent you so clearly demonstrate but because of the legal aspect in protecting it.

My firm brings a comprehensive set of skills we believe will be critical to protecting your best interests including contract negotiations, social media mediation, and talent management. In addition to my well-developed resume, my interpersonal skills and compassion have afforded me with excellent decision-making skills I feel would be an excellent guide for you.

I would appreciate the opportunity for us to sit down face-to-face at your earliest convenience to determine if representation is something you seek and if LLF, LLC is the right firm to do so. Of note, it is important to understand that while references are available on our website, specifics about what services we offer to those clients will not be discussed without a non-disclosure agreement being completed.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Carys Burke

Senior Partner

LLF, LLC

I pick up my tablet and click on the discreet link titled “Clients.” I immediately recognize the heavy hitters this woman and her firm represent: Zappata, Mastadon, Erzulie. Then, I let out a gasp when I spy his name just above that of his band’s.

Beckett Miller.

The tablet falls uselessly out of my hands. “How? Why? Why now?” I moan aloud. Why does he suddenly give a damn about a grown daughter when for nineteen years, he couldn’t care a single iota about her existence?

I want to drag my knees to my chest and start rocking, but Austyn’s screech of “Mama!” stops me.

I flick my phone back over to video to find her anxious face staring at me. “Baby, promise me you won’t contact that law firm.”

“Mama, I’ll promise you the world if you’ll get that look off your face.”

I push up in my chair and leap over my fallen device. “How would you like some company in San Antonio?” Mentally, I’m already shifting patients and canceling appointments.

“I’d love it. But Mama, why?”

“Because, honey. I thought it could wait until Christmas, but it can’t. You have to know everything.”

Austyn’s face blanks. “Are you saying that letter has something to do with…him?”

“We’ll talk about it—”

“Just tell me!” she snaps.

“Yes. I’m almost a thousand percent certain of it.”

“Can you tell me if the success I’ve been having lately does?”

“No, your success is your own. In my opinion, you’re more talented than your father dreams of being.” I’m in my closet pulling down clothes to pack.

She scoffs. “You’re just saying that because you’re my mother.”

I don’t deny it. “Damn straight, but I’m not lying about the rest. That’s all on you, kiddo.”

She lets out a relieved breath. “Okay. You and me after the show?” She puts me on hold and then comes back to rattle off the address of the hotel she’s book at.

“Yes. And if we could perhaps lose your…companion?”

Austyn’s chuckle is music to my ears. “Don’t worry, Mama. I’ll take care of that.”

“Bless you.”

Her face turns serious. “No, I should be saying that to you. You gave me your life, and you’re still doing everything to protect me. I love you more than anything—including music.”

With that, she disconnects the line before I can respond. I sink to the floor, still holding my phone, and curse out the one person who deserves it.