Page 22 of Until the End (The Lost Letters #3)

Ginny

I wince at the sound of power tools echoing through my phone speaker. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have called.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m really glad you did.” As Carson talks, the noise reduces. “We started on the addition today, so it’s noisier than usual.”

“Oh. How are Teddy’s renovations coming along?”

“Great. We’ve got a long way to go, but it’s starting to come together. What’s up?”

“I feel stupid,” I groan, pacing around my office. The empty built-in bookshelves that line one side of the room make me long for the library I have in LA. Living in two different places can’t last. This isn’t sustainable. But I can’t think about that right now.

“You’re the furthest thing from stupid, Goose. Talk to me.”

I plop down onto the squishy love seat across from my shelves. “I’m nervous.”

“About your interview with Mariana?”

“Yes. What if she doesn’t like me?” ’

“Then she’s an idiot, and you shouldn’t work with someone who doesn’t see how amazing you are.”

My chest warms. I hadn’t thought about me being the one to make the decision.

After everything with Cecelia, I forgot that I’m the one in charge of my future.

I should be interviewing her to see if we’re a good fit, not the other way around.

I need someone who will listen when I talk and offer advice instead of constantly giving me directives.

On the other hand, I also need someone who will go to bat for me without backing down.

I think Mariana might just be that person.

“I needed to hear that. I’m a little gun-shy because of Cecelia. I’m scared I’ll fall into the same trap I did before.”

“That’s understandable. What Cecelia did was beyond unprofessional. It would be weird if you weren’t hesitant to take on a new manager so soon.”

“I need someone, though, and I think she could be the right person.”

“Then make sure to ask a lot of questions, and don’t back down if she gives you vague answers.”

I huff a laugh. “I don’t think Mariana is one for vagueness.”

“Even better.”

“Thank you for talking me off the ledge.”

“Of course. I’m glad you called when you needed me.”

“I’ll always call when I need you.”

“Good. Let me know how it goes.”

“I will.” I reluctantly hang up, wishing I could spend the whole day talking to Carson.

His unwavering belief in me has always allowed me to push myself past my comfort zone.

If he believes I can do it, I know I can.

It’s probably codependent of me to rely on my best friend to give me a boost, but I don’t particularly care.

He’s never been wrong about what I can achieve.

Hell, I wouldn’t have made it this far in my career if it weren’t for Carson believing I could do it.

All those late nights in Nashville when I wasn’t sure I could keep putting myself out there, I thought about what Carson would tell me if he were by my side.

Sometimes I’d even text him when I couldn’t sleep.

It never mattered what time it was; he would always respond with the reminder that if I wanted to quit, my family would be there to support me, but we both knew that I’d regret giving up too soon.

In fact, his reminder is the reason I got signed. I’d been contemplating giving up before the gig that night, and I called Carson for advice. He told me I should give my all during that last performance, and if I was truly done afterward, he’d pick me up at the airport the next day.

I went out there and sang my heart out. It was the first gig I’d felt great about since arriving in town two years before. The crowd was amazing, and the venue was even better. It reminded me why I was doing it in the first place.

Then, to my utter amazement, a guy from Muse Records approached me and asked if I’d be interested in signing with them. I said yes, of course. Things snowballed from there, but I never forgot about Carson’s push to give that gig my all.

I move back to my desk and pull up a blank document to write out my questions.

I want to know what her expectations will be for me, and I type out the things I expect from her.

Once I’m done, I feel way more confident going into this meeting.

I’ve been in the music industry for six years.

I might’ve been beaten down and had my confidence shaken, but that doesn’t mean I’m that naive twenty-year-old who knows nothing about the business.

I’ve had three successful albums, two of which I wrote myself.

I know my worth and what I bring to the table.

If Mariana doesn’t acknowledge that, then she’s not the agent for me.

“Virginia. I’m glad we were able to meet.

” Mariana’s face fills my computer screen.

Her sleek dark brown hair hangs to her shoulders, framing a blindingly large diamond necklace.

She’s got a pleasant smile on her face, though I’m not sure it reaches her almond-shaped brown eyes.

She’s in her early fifties but doesn’t look any older than forty-five, and I find her incredibly intimidating.

“Please, call me Ginny.” I’m proud of myself for keeping my tone mild instead of mousy. “It’s good to meet you, too.”

“How are you holding up with all the noise?”

I breathe out a humorless laugh. “Fine, since I’m hiding out at my house in my hometown.”

“I would’ve counseled you to do the same. The vultures needed time to find a juicier story, and now they have.”

“Yes, it seems Wesley has given them plenty to report on.”

Mariana snorts. “Idiot. Your statement to the press was spot-on. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to reach out. You’ve handled this whole thing with grace.”

My eyebrows wing up. “Uh, thank you. That was mostly Tanya. She handles my social media.”

“Do whatever it takes to keep her, then.”

“Way ahead of you there. She’s gotten a sizable bonus for fielding this mess.”

“I knew you were smart.” Mariana’s smirk softens her features, and the humor finally reaches her eyes.

It changes her entire demeanor. “Look, I’ll cut to the chase.

You need a new manager, and I want to be it.

I’ve been following your career for some time now, and I believe you have a shot at being a major name in the music industry. I want to help you get there.”

“I’m… It’s honestly hard to believe you want to work with me. I’ve had some decent success, sure, but I never thought I co uld go beyond where I am now. I’m not entirely sure I even want to… It’s a lot for me. Growing in popularity scares me a little.”

“And that’s exactly why I want to work with you.

You’re not too full of yourself to believe you deserve it all and then some.

There are ways to get around the celebrity thing.

I’ve been in the business long enough to learn some tricks so you can have a relatively normal life despite being a big name. ”

“I don’t want to tour the way I did before. Two straight years of being on tour was too much. I’m only just now writing again.”

She makes a thoughtful noise. “I can work with that. What are the terms of your current contract?”

I cringe. “It’s been a while since I looked at it. I made sure to negotiate a long period for the next album, but I can’t remember what the touring terms were.”

“I might ruin your previous agent.” Mariana’s vehemence surprises me.

“Why would you do that?”

“Because I don’t want another rising star to fall into her trap. It’s a wonder she didn’t screw you over completely.”

“I made sure to read my contracts before I signed them. I had Cecelia renegotiate several of the terms.”

Mariana grunts, her disappointment clear. “I commend you for your foresight. Do you have any questions for me?”

I pull up the list I wrote earlier. “What’s your communication style? How do you prefer to talk with your clients?”

“In person, mainly. Video calls are the next best option. I don’t love communicating through emails because tone and meaning can get lost through text.”

“I agree with you wholeheartedly.” I run through the rest of my questions with Mariana. Her answers are straightforward and exactly what I’d hoped she’d say. It’s all a little too good to be true, but her no-nonsense responses don’t make me question her authenticity.

After talking with her for almost an hour, I’m way more comfortable imagining her as my manager than I was before the call began. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt in control of my future. With Mariana by my side, I wouldn’t have to worry or stress.

“Okay, for next steps, I’m going to send you an email with my terms as well as a contract to read over.

It’s a standard contract without the annoying legalese to trip you up.

However, you should still send it to a lawyer if you feel like you don’t understand any of the points.

I want to work with you, Ginny. I think we can do some amazing things for your career together.

If you disagree, there won’t be any hard feelings.

A manager is an important decision, and after your last experience, I’d understand if you’re not ready for a new one. ”

“I’ve admired you for a while now, so I’m floored you want to work with me. I’ll look over everything and send you my decision within the week.”

Mariana nods. “I look forward to it.”

The call ends before I can reply. I drop back into my chair, my tense muscles giving out now that I can relax.

Mariana Beckett wants to work with me. It’s hard to fathom. I want to work with her, but I’m still trying to trust my instincts again.

This life isn’t what I thought it would be. I love writing music, and there’s no other feeling in the world like performing my songs while a huge crowd sings along with me. It’s everything else that comes with fame. Being in the limelight and having my life picked apart constantly is draining.

If Mariana can help me navigate that part, maybe I can make this career everything I want it to be.