CHAPTER 45
TYLER
Over the next three weeks, Tyler, Allie, and Kim worked tirelessly to launch their new company.
With Bob Shaw’s guidance, they filed KAT Management’s articles of incorporation with the province of Manitoba.
Each took on roles that played to their strengths—Tyler oversaw daily operations, Allie managed live performances, and Kim handled tour logistics for Yestown.
With Cary’s tour winding down in two months, Kim looked forward to reuniting with her team in Winnipeg and moving in with her boyfriend—ready for a fresh start and a brand-new chapter.
They also signed Yestown to a major deal with Warner Records Canada. The label’s president was a woman. It only made sense.
And Tyler finally earned a commission.
Cary was knee-deep in curating photos for his WAG exhibit. He told Tyler he barely recognized himself in some of the old shots, but she called bullshit—he hadn’t aged a day. Maybe when they moved in together, she’d find a portrait in the attic like Dorian Gray’s.
As if that wasn’t enough, they were trying to have a baby again.
Little pangs of uncertainty surfaced now and then, but she pushed them aside.
Cary had once been her fantasy, but now he was her reality.
And the fact that he’d bought their Winnipeg place—despite it being bigger and pricier than necessary—only proved how serious he was.
After packing most of her apartment, Tyler assembled a wardrobe box in the middle of her bedroom. She and Cary had been staying at his penthouse lately—her place was crammed with boxes and, frankly, much shittier.
“Let me help with that,” Cary offered, grabbing one end of the cardboard.
“I’ve got it.” She waved him off.
“What can I pack?” he asked, rubbing his hands together. “I’m good at packing.”
She smirked. “You know packing a suitcase doesn’t count, right?” She folded the box according to the printed instructions. “How many times have you actually moved?”
He rubbed his chin, thinking.
“Exactly,” she said. “I’ve moved six times since I got here.”
“Just let me hire movers.”
She shook her head. “If you want something done right, you do it yourself. Besides, Vegas is coming later to help with the heavy stuff.”
“Can’t you just leave the furniture?”
“Some of it’s going to the new office. The rest I’m donating.” She folded the cardboard flaps down and secured the metal bar across the top.
“I don’t like you driving alone.”
She glanced at her dog. “Ror-Ror’s coming with me, aren’t you, buddy?” His tail wagged slightly. “When I moved out here, it only took two days.”
Cary sighed. “I wish I could help. But that show tomorrow—”
“I’ll see you in Winnipeg. Don’t worry about it.”
He paused. “What can I do to help now?”
She looked at Rory. “You could take you-know-who to the b-e-a-c-h. I think he’s depressed.”
Rory hadn’t been to the office in weeks and had been sulking around the apartment.
“Who wants to go to the beach?” Cary held up his leash.
Rory sprinted to the door like, Well? Let’s go already.
A chime sounded from Tyler’s phone. She glanced at it, then gasped.
“Oh my god.”
“What?” Cary spun toward her.
“Yestown’s song was the most added at radio this week!”
“Really?”
“It looks like you might get that number one.” She was already texting. “I have to tell Kim and Allie.”
“I’m happy for them,” he said. “But—”
“There’s a but?” She looked up from her phone.
“I want my own number one,” he said. “I’m recording Bert’s song. The Christmas one. I want it ready for the holidays.”
“I didn’t realize you were releasing it as a single. I thought you hated playing other people’s music.”
“It’s not a cover. It’s never been released.”
She blinked into manager mode. “My dad doesn’t have a publishing deal. I don’t even think that song’s registered.” She grabbed her phone again. “I’ll set him up with ASCAP and talk to your publisher about a single-song deal.”
Cary smiled. “What would I do without you?”
She shrugged. “Hopefully you’ll never have to find out.”
Reggie told you to put a ring on it.
By the time Cary and Rory had returned from the beach, Tyler’s bedroom was packed.
Her life seemed small stacked in cardboard boxes, but the lack of space and budget had forced her to downsize with every move.
But it was fine by her since she hated clutter and tchotchkes and non-functional items. The only stuff she kept, other than her clothes and toiletries, were the photos of her family, an impressive vinyl collection, and a signed edition of All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman.
“Good job,” Cary said, admiring the boxed-up room.
“How was your walk?” she asked.
“Great. Sorry we took so long but Rory had to say hi to everyone. It’s funny, when I’m walking him no one looks up.” The light shone through the window at a perfect angle, catching the gold specks in his eyes. “I feel well-rested, like a normal person,” he added.
“Just think about how you’ll feel after August,” she said. “Are you sure you won’t get bored?”
He shook his head. “I’m going to write and get back into taking pictures. Putting this exhibit together has really piqued my interest. But I haven’t asked . . . will you miss it here? I mean, I know you won’t miss Vancouver’s hockey team.”
“Only the weather and truffle popcorn,” she said. “Oh, and Vij’s, I suppose.”
“We can get Indian food in Winnipeg, and we’ll find you truffle popcorn,” he said. “Any regrets about moving here?”
“None,” she said. “If I didn’t come here I wouldn’t have you—or Rory, for that matter.”
Vegas and Kim arrived later, and he loaded the U-Haul while Tyler checked her apartment to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. She stood in the middle of the empty living room and took one last gander.
“So long, Vancouver.” She air-kissed her apartment and waved goodbye.