Fireworks 1 and 2

Chapter Thirty-Four

    "You said you wanted to talk about the album," she said once he returned to his seat. He'd taken his time in doing so, alternating between staring out over the city and studying her.

    The maitre'd reappeared with waiters trailing behind him. They came bearing appetizers, glasses, and a chilled bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice.

    He reclaimed his seat. "I have a concept, an overall theme I want for the album."

    "What is it?"

    "Each of my albums generally has a certain theme," he explained as one of the waiters poured champagne into his glass. "They each capture a certain time in my life, and so all of the songs on the album should be cohesive and should all have the same tone." He lapsed into silence while waiting for the waiters to finish pouring her champagne. "Could we also get glasses of water?"

    "Water is on the way," the maitre'd assured.

    Drake tipped his head towards him in appreciation. The maitre'd and waiters both returned to the elevator.

    Mia watched him. "You really are protective over your material," she murmured.

    His eyes flicked over to her. "You have to be. If there's anything you learn from me, let it be that. When I first started off, I was very trusting. Very open with information. It doesn't take long for people to take advantage of your gullibility. Now I keep everything under wraps, unless someone else leaking it will benefit me in the long run."

    "Is it safe to talk now?" she asked, leaning forward and speaking barely above a hushed whisper.

    He clasped his hands together on top of the table and leaned forward so that his face was only inches away from hers. "I think it's safe," he whispered back.

    His voice sent chills throughout her body. She settled back in her chair and cleared her throat, running a hand through her hair. "So...your concept."

    "Which is not to be breathed to anyone," he told her.

    "Which is just another reason why we should have done this at your house," she returned, lifting her champagne glass to her lips.

    "The recurring theme I want throughout this album is a question. And that question is: with all that I've already been blessed with...my family and friends. My career. The money. The fame. All of it. Can I have love while still juggling all the rest, or would love make everything else crumble and fall apart?"

    She set down her champagne glass. "Why do you want that to be the theme throughout your album?"

    "Because it's where my head is at," he replied. He paused and said, "You don't like it."

    She shook her head. "I think it's a great idea. Just...I guess it just surprised me, especially after our conversation this morning."

    "Our conversation is what inspired it," he told her.

    "So all of the songs we write will be centered around that theme," she said.

    He nodded. "I want you to just let the concept marinate. Think on it a little, let me know if you come up with anything. Tomorrow, we'll go into the studio. These sessions are very informal. Wear whatever you're comfortable in. Just bring that creative mind of yours. Most of the first few days will probably just be brainstorming. Exchanging ideas."

    "So...will you be singing most of this?" she asked him.

    "I don't know yet, to be honest," he said, scratching his head. "I know I want to combine both rapping and singing. I want it to be blended. But I don't know if I want one to be more dominant than the other for this album. I have a few ideas I'm tossing around in my head."