Chapter 38
thirty-eight
“Mr. St. Clair, I think we’ve arrived at an acceptable resolution. I just hung up with the label’s counsel, and they’ve agreed. I’m awaiting signatures.”
My cell is in the middle of the dining table on speaker, and Soph, Jess, Lola, Benji, and I are all gathered around it. Benji and Lola insisted we make beaded bracelets while we waited for the call. Surprisingly, it’s been a good distraction.
“That’s great news.”
“There was a bit of back and forth, but their counsel quickly learned that I do not participate in pissing contests. Their claims were baseless, simply scare tactics. I threatened with a countersuit to sue for damages related to past and present treatment, including but not limited to mental anguish. They stood down.” She’s to the point and concise.
“And you have this in writing? That they’ll leave Sophie, my brother, and me alone?” I’m holding my breath while I wait for her answer.
“Yes. They’re signing now, and then we will email the documents to you for your signatures.
As long as you adhere to the original contract and do not release any new original music until after January 3rd of next year, you will not hear from them again.
Use these next six months to work behind the scenes and keep a low profile. After that, the world is yours.”
I’m so relieved. It feels like I’ve been running a marathon for years and can finally stop.
“What about the new recording contract we’re looking at for Thicker Than Water?
Since the band and associated company are in my brother’s name, is there any conflict there?
I mean, we wouldn’t release an album until after the January 3rd expiration day anyway, but you’re sure it won’t cause any problems? ”
Jess is staring at the phone as intently as I am. His future is on the line too.
“I’m positive. I’ve looked over that potential contract, as well, and I would like to revise some of the wording for an added level of protection, but there is no conflict.”
Jess and I both nod and blow out a breath.
“Perfect. Thank you. I can’t begin to tell you what this means for all of us.”
The gratitude doesn’t faze her. “Very well, we will email the documents for your signatures within the hour.”
“Sounds good. Thanks again. Bye, Ms. Banks.”
“Goodbye, Mr. St. Clair.”
And just like that, we’re free.
“It’s over?” Soph asks in disbelief.
When I stand, she does too, and I don’t think either one of us has ever hugged or been hugged as hard. It’s the release of the past and hope for the future.
“Fuck, I’m glad that’s over,” I whisper so quietly only she can hear.
She nods against me. “Me, too. You’re free.”
When I release her, Jess is there. It’s like being hugged by a grizzly bear. He slaps me on the back when he says, “It’s over, Ev. Thicker Than Water, here we come.”
When we part, I look at him and l laugh, which is at odds with the lump in my throat. Or maybe it’s not. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so happy it’s brought me to tears, but maybe that’s what’s going on. “Can’t wait.”
“Perfect timing, because Benji and I just finished our bracelets and there’s one for everyone,” Lola says.
Lola slips an elastic, beaded bracelet on Jess’s wrist and Benji does the same for me. Most of the beads are black, but there are some pink and orange mixed in and around the letters that read: Thicker Than Water.
“Thanks, Benji. I love it,” I tell him and pull him in for a hug. He holds on long past the duration of an average hug and so do I.
“I’m glad you found Aunt Soph. You needed each other,” he says quietly.
“Yes, we did,” I agree, squeezing him tighter. “I think my family needed your family.”
When I step back, he nods and smiles.
I slip the bracelet I made on my own wrist.
“What’s yours say?” Soph asks.
I hold up my arm so she can see. It reads: SOPH, surrounded by heart-shaped red and pink beads.
“Cute.” Her tone is teasing, but her smile is smitten.
I nod my head at her arm as she slips the bracelet she made on her wrist. It reads: If it ain’t Evermore, it ain’t fuckin’ shit.
I laugh and then mimic her. “Cute.”