“You were incredible tonight. And this crowd? They recognized that talent. I’m floored. Anson shared with me a few of your recordings, which I thought were fantastic. But tonight? Live? It was easily one of the best performances I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you,” she said, her cheeks flaming red. “I-I’m so glad you could make it here tonight. I didn’t know you were coming.”
He smiled. “Anson’s fun like that, huh?” He laughed. “Listen, I know you’re busy, but I want to talk business with you. Anson told me you have big dreams. I’ll be honest. I’m the guy who wants to help make them come true.”
“Oh, uh.” Rosalie looked at me, her green eyes wide. “I-I maybe? I mean, I’m busy with classes a-and everything?—”
“I get it. It’s a lot to take in. I just want to talk. How about we meet tomorrow? I’ll take you and Anson out to dinner. We’ll talk shop. No pressure. You can walk away if you’re uninterested in what I say. Sound good?”
I looked at Rosalie, really hoping she’d say yes. Alex was the real deal, and if he was as interested as he sounded, this could change everything for her and maybe save a few souls along the way.
“Um, yes. Yes, I’d like that.”
I breathed a soft breath of relief and squeezed her hand.
“Awesome. Tell you what. Anson, I’ll text you a place and time. I’m thinking the Sauvage. You know it?”
“I do.” I inclined my head at him.
“Perfect. I’ll be in touch with a time. Rosalie, again, a real pleasure. Anson, we’ll talk soon.” He shook Rosalie’s hand again before shaking mine. He gave me a wink. He was going to offer her a contract. I fucking knew it.
I steadied myself and bid him goodbye before turning to her.
“He’s really impressed. He doesn’t impress easily.”
“I’m scared,” she whispered.
“Why?” I crinkled my brows at her.
“Because what if he does want to sign? Then what? Do I just leave everything?”
“Yes. You fucking leave all this shit behind. You deserve more than what you’re dealing with. You can have a life of your own. Your own rules. Your own money. Career. Everything you’ve ever dreamed of.”
Her bottom lip wobbled.
“Hey, I thought this was what you wanted?” I frowned at her.
“It is. It just feels so sudden, I guess.”
“I get it, but let’s just go to dinner with him, OK? He may be good with waiting if you need some time.”
She nodded and released her bottom lip from her teeth. “Yeah. You’re right. I’m getting all worked up over nothing. I’ll meet with him and see what he has to say.”
“Good girl,” I said, grinning at her.
This time, she gave me a genuine smile.
“Come on.” I pulled her toward the door and into the night. I wanted to celebrate what I knew would be a new world for her. She just didn’t know it yet.
SIXTY-SIX
ROSALIE
The music pounded out around us. I was still shocked by the Alex Ryan thing, but Anson seemed happy and excited. I think I was still shell-shocked.
I sipped my drink, listening as the guys chatted in our booth. Ninety9 seemed like an easygoing club. There was music, dancing, and alcohol, but they even had a full menu. They apparently did live shows, too, because there was a stage where a DJ was spinning tracks.
Overall, it was comfortable. Enzo had men all over the damn place. Both inside and out. But I ignored it and focused on the moment.
