Page 230 of When We Fall: Part One

“That number you see is an advance. I have so much faith in you and your talent that I’m prepared to stake it all on it. I think you’ll more than make this advance back, and then the royalties will be generous. Anson has agreed to sign on as your manager, which is fantastic. I know you’re trying to weigh your options, but please. Consider this as one of them. We can negotiate this contract if there’s anything you don’t like in it. I’m more than willing to do that. I think you’ll find it more than satisfactory, though. You’re the next big thing.” He sat back in his seat and surveyed me.

I looked at Anson, who gave me a gentle, reassuring smile.

“I don’t know what to say,” I finally whispered. “This… is truly incredible, and I’m so thankful and grateful.”

“But…” Anson winced as he watched me.

“I-I think I need some time to look it over and think about it. There’s more than me to consider,” I said.

“Anson tells me you’re getting married,” Alex said. “Congratulations. I know it’s a stressful time with a wedding to plan, school, and now this. I have no problem giving you time to sort it all out. I am willing to work with you on this. Like I said, look it over. Please get back to me or have Anson reach out. We can work with anything you have in mind and will wait if necessary.”

I nodded and breathed out. That offered me some comfort.

“I assume you’ll want a stage name,” Alex continued. “So consider that as well. Anson has advised me that he prefers you maintain a lot of privacy if you sign, which I understand. We will give that to you as well.”

I blew out another calming breath and smiled at Alex. The man was offering me the world, and I hesitated. Maybe I was more overwhelmed now than before. This was what I’d always wanted, and here I was… scared.

“I’d like the name Bishop,” I murmured. “Foxy thinks it’s a good name. When we talk about things like this, he likes Bishop.”

“Bishop is fantastic.” Alex’s dark eyes gleamed. “It’s perfect. Anson?”

“I love it,” Anson said immediately.

“So it’s settled. Bishop will think about it. You will reach out to me, and I eagerly await hearing from you.” Alex stood. We’d finished dinner long ago. I’d tuned most of it out because I was so lost in all my thoughts.

Anson followed, then me. We shook his hand and bid him goodbye before returning to our seats.

“It’s an incredible offer, LeeLee,” Anson finally said.

“I know.” I winced.

“Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on in your pretty little head.”

I sighed and ran my fingers along the edge of the black folder, which contained my potential future.

“I’m scared. It feels so sudden. I need time to process it. Today has been a lot.”

Anson nodded. “I understand. How about we get you home? Fox texted while I was in the bathroom and wanted an ETA because Cole was going crazy. Your phone is still off.”

“I forgot to turn it back on,” I murmured.

“I know,” he said before standing and taking my hand. He led me out into the warm night air and into his car. We drove back to my house in silence. When we pulled in, he parked the car and turned toward me.

“I’m on your side, wherever that side is. I want you to think long and hard about this. Don’t let anything but your heart influence your decision. Not me. Not the guys. Not fear. All of those things can be handled. What can’t be is you losing out on your dreams because of them. So please, take your time. Alex will wait. He wants you to sign and will bend backward to make it happen. But it’s in your hands.”

I nodded and stared at the house. The curtain moved, letting me know one of the guys was watching and waiting for me.

“Thank you, Ani. For all of this. I couldn’t have done any of it without you.”

“LeeLee, you don’t need me. You’re talented all on your own. You’d have made this happen without me. I know that as sure as I know the sky is blue and your eyes are green,” he answered softly, his eyes locked on mine.

I stared back at him, my heart hurting.

“Don’t cry,” he murmured. “Fuck, LeeLee. Don’t cry, baby. I’m here for whatever you need. Anything and always.”

That was all it took. I let my tears flow. A pained expression crossed his face before he pulled me in for a hug. I clung to him, so confused that it was making me sick. If I left my life here, everything would change. The guys needed me. I needed them. But what about my dreams? What about… more?

Anson comforted me until I finally pulled away and wiped my eyes.