Back Where I Belong

Chapter 22

Zoey's pov

"So Zoey, the new mangers called us earlier. They want to talk to you later," Ashton informs me at breakfast the next morning.

"Why?" I question, swallowing my orange juice. Panic starts to rise in my stomach. But I reassure myself that the new mangers have no power over me. The boys made sure of that.

"No idea," Luke answers, shoving a bite of waffle into his mouth. I cringe as he talks with his mouth full.

"What them are they coming over?" I ask. They always came over when they want to talk to the band. Or in this case, me.

"Noon. You have an hour to get ready," Michael says.

"Gee guys, thanks for the heads up," I mutter sarcastically.

"No problem. We live to help," Calum says, matching my sarcasm. He was over our argument from yesterday.

"I have to go get ready. I swear to God, if any of you run water while I'm in the shower, then I will end you," I threaten, standing up from my place at the table. I put my dishes in the sink, then go up to my room.

"Zoey!" A blonde woman exclaims, "It's so nice to see you again!"

"It's nice to see you too," I reply, confused. I guess this is one of the mangers that I apparently met but don't remember because I got wasted.  I send a panicked look to Luke.

"Nice to see you, Jenn," Luke says, getting the message. He glances my way and I send him a grateful look. He grins.

"So why'd you want to talk to me?" I question, getting right to the point.

"Well, we've noticed how many 5 Seconds of Summer fans have grown to like you and your music. I know that you get payed each show that you open for the boys at, but you aren't signed. We were wondering, with your brother's permission of course, if you'd like to sign with Hi or Hey Records?" Jenn questions.

I stare at her, shocked. A record deal? They want me? What the hell?

"Um, for how long would would the contract be?" I mumble, still dazed.

"That is completely up to you. We like signing five or ten year contracts, but it is completely negotiable," she tells me. I bite my lip, thinking.

"Six months," I blurt out after a moment.

"Six months?" Jenn questions, raising her eyebrows. Even the boys, who had been quietly approving, we're shocked and giving me confused looks.

"Yeah. Just so I can see if I like being signed or not," I lie. I really just wanted out before I had my baby. That'll leave me about a month before  I'm nine months.

"Sure, I guess. If you can give us an album by then," she warns. I nod.

An hour and a ton of paperwork later, I was signed to Hi or Hey Records for the next six months.

"Congratulations Zoey. Welcome to Hi or Hey," Jenn says right before she leaves.

"Congrats!" Michael yells, hugging me. I grin and give each boy a tight hug.

"Alright Zoey, why'd you want to only be signed for six months?" Ashton questions after our cheering had died down a bit.

"You heard me earlier, I just want to see if I lik-"

"Stop lying. We know you better than that. What's the real reason? You planning on leaving us in six months or something?" Calum jokes, nudging me in the ribs. I roll my eyes and shake my head no.

"I just really don't feel like talking about time right now, guys," I tell them my voice cracking. Calum, Ashton, Luke, and Michael don't pressure me. They change the subject to their trip back to Australia.