Across The Stars

Chapter 19.

"What do you mean you want out?" Lowery frantically shouts at me.

"You heard me." I grimace at him. "How dare you let Austin dictate whether or not I released a record on my own? Instead you let him convince you that I couldn't focus on my music because I was 'too heartbroken to care'? I thought you were in charge here, not him."

"Anna, I do apologize. I really do. You have to understand that after Austin's run-in with the paparazzi, it not only ruined his image but our own. I wanted his fans to see that he could clean up his act and get his shit together... even if you were the key to that. I know now that it was totally inappropriate and unprofessional, but you can't quit on us now. The fans love you. They're already demanding a tour!"

"Well you can tell them I'm finished." I snap, abruptly standing from the chair. "I will not be pushed around by producers and told when I can make and release an album."

"Anna, please." Lowery begs. "Now that Austin's contract has been terminated, we're looking to you to be the new face of Republic Records. I promise you that you won't be sideswiped ever again. Please."

I unclench my fists and ponder what this man was saying.

Austin was found early the next morning by a woman jogging through the park. She alerted the authorities and he was taken into custody, showing high levels of alcohol in his bloodstream. From what I had heard, he was released on bail, but it didn't matter. The press already had their fill of him and within hours, his contract was terminated.

I debated on whether or not I should make a statement about his attempted assault, but his life was already ruined enough.

As far as I was concerned, Austin Blake has disappeared off the face of the planet.

I stood here now, ready to give up my own contract out of pure disgust for the way my own career was treated.

I gave up everything to get here, but at what cost?

Was I now willing to give up one of the last things that made me happy?

My music.

I'd be nothing without it.

There was no way Juilliard was an option now. Even if I auditioned, they'd know I turned them down and think I was crazy.

I barely made it in the first time, and I gave it up.

This was my only other option.

"So, let's say I agree to stay." I propose and retake my seat. "What're we talking here?"

"Our next step would be a North American tour. Two months. Then we'd take you on a world tour or begin working on your full-length album."

"Fine. But Lowery I swear to fucking god..."

"I promise you will be our number one priority. You have my word. We are going to take you and make you a star."

I cross my arms over my chest, my lips turning up into a smirk. "I already am a star."

***

A few days later...

"Wait so, you want me to go on tour with you?" Toby asks, looking at me as if I've grown three heads.

"Yes..." I slowly say.

"I don't know Annie. I was kind of hoping I could take classes this summer to try and graduate early."

"Take them online. Please Toby? I really want you with me." I plead.

My North American tour was set to kick off this summer and trying to convince Toby to come was nearly impossible.