Page 60 of Truly

“I want you to hire someone you’re comfortable with, obviously,” Coy says. “But have you met Hollis Hudson?”

“The songwriter?”

“Yes,” Coy says.

“No. I’ve just heard his name. Why?”

Anjelica gasps. “I didn’t think of that.”

“Hollis has been working with a few of our artists and doing one hell of a job,” Coy says. “He’s smart. Tough as nails for his clients. But a teddy bear under all that muscle. Every artist we’ve sent his way has had the same thing to say. He listens. He’s a go-getter. And he respects their wishes.”

I laugh.Does that really exist?

“I’d keep him in mind, if I were you,” Coy says. “I’d be happy to set up a meeting. And I know he’d be thrilled to support you.”

“Wow,” I say, stunned.

I’ve admired Hollis Hudson for years. And if Coy believes we’d be a good fit, then how can I refuse to consider him? I want someone who listens to me, who’ll fight for me, and who respects my wishes. Combine that with someone who knows the ins and outs of this business?Yes, please.

“If you think we’d work well together, then yes, I’d really appreciate a conversation,” I say.

“Great. If you need anything, call me,” Coy says. “But I gotta run. My wife is trying to make homemade jam today, of allthings, and I promised her I’d be there to taste test them all.” He laughs. “Today is supposed to be my day off, Laina.”

“I see. Go have fun jam-tasting,” I say, laughing.

A door shuts in the distance.

“He’s always a wave of energy,” Anjelica says, chuckling. “The man is brilliant, but it takes a lot to keep up with him.”

“Sounds like it.”

“All right. I’ll get your attorneys to work, but you’ll need to touch base with them before they’ll do too much. And no one will be alerted until you give the signal. Then I’ll set up a meeting between us on Monday, as we discussed, and I’ll get Hollis on your calendar as early as possible next week. Does that sound good?”

“Perfect.”

She pauses. “And Laina?”

“Yeah?”

“It makes me really proud that you’re doing this. It’s been a long time coming.”

I sink back into the chair and grin.Yes, it most certainly has.

“I appreciate that, Anjelica. Thank you for having my back.”

“Always. Talk soon.”

“Goodbye.”

I turn the phone off and take a deep breath.

“It makes me really proud that you’re doing this. It’s been a long time coming.”

It makes me proud of me, too, Anjelica.

I can do this. I won’t be alone. And I can move forward with far more control over my life. And my father? Time will tell if he loves me for me or for what I bring him.Kudos. Wealth. Control.

That’s about to be taken away from you, Dad. I hope we survive the fallout.