The Rutherford Twins {Book One}

Chapter 50

Nina's P.O.V

"That's what I'm saying. Because this is a new year and I'm going through a lot, I want to record a song that reflects on pain, so that people will use the message of the song to guide the rest of the year." I explain for the second time, slapping my forehead in annoyance.

Chris, my tall, dark skinned Producer, shakes his head in disagreement. "And for the second time, I'm telling you no. I've let you record whatever you please. Look where that got us. Your Spotify algorithm, one the highest mediums your music is sold, isn't going high anymore. It's dropping. People are getting tired of what you're doing - the music you're making."

"Are you seriously only interested in my algorithm? What about the message passed to people? Chris, this is my music. We've worked together for years. What's this attitude you're putting up now?" What the fuck is going on with him?

He dead pans. "May I remind you I'm not your age-mate, Nina."

How old is he? Isn't he forty four or something... He should calm down. Jeez.

"And yes. We have worked together for years, but because I signed you in. Remember that. I took it easy on you because you were little and because Cassius was begging me to be easy on you, but I believe you're grown now. You have to follow my rules, the same way other people that are under this record do. Besides, your point of passing message to people isn't going to work because people aren't streaming your music anymore!"

Cassius? What has Cassius got to do with me and my business?

I frown. "Rewind a little, will ya? You said Cassius was begging you to be easy on me? What--- what..." I let out a wary breath. "What has Cassius got to do with any of this? - with me?"

It's either he slipped a tongue or I didn't hear well. It's gotta be one.

"You didn't know, that's true. Cassius made me sign a non disclosure agreement, stating I couldn't mention he was behind your success; or at least behind you being signed in here." Chris explains.

What?

"He what? I don't get it! He's been behind this for years and I didn't know? How? And why on Earth did you agree to that contract?!"

Chris remains calm, not minding my outburst. "It was an agreement we made when you had no sense of understanding. How could I have explained such thing to a 16 year old?"

"Exactly! I was 16, not 10! I had sense; no matter how small. You could have explained, Chris." I argue.

"You're navigating this conversation elsewhere, Nina. My point is, you're not recording a song about pain or any of those bullshit you're suggesting. You're going to up your game. I'll have someone construct the lyrics you'll sing. When it's ready, I'll call you and hand it over for you to memorize. When that is done, you'll come and record. That's an order." He finishes, walking away from me, out of the studio.

Unbelievable.

+++

How can Cassius be behind my career success --- or my career itself for that matter?! I thought he only helped Nancy! Why did he make Chris sign a non disclosure agreement and why wasn't I told?! Hell, I may not have even found out if I didn't offer to Chris that I wanted to record a new track!

What the hell is going on right now?

I remember being sent an email. I remember meeting up with Chris himself. I remember him saying I should give singing a try at the studio. I remember the first track I recorded. I remember how Chris yelled in excitement, saying I was perfect. I remember being signed in, but I don't remember Cassius having anything to do with it!