Page 7 of Giving Chase

Mark's brow furrows. "But... you're the head of A&R. Can you even do that?"

"I can, and I will," Eliza says firmly. "If that's what it takes to sign Incendiary Ink to Blackmore, then that's what I'll do." She stands up, smoothing down her jacket. "I'll give you some time to discuss this. Take all the time you need."

As soon as the door closes behind her, we explode into a frenzy of whispered exclamations.

"Holy shit," Will hisses, eyes wide. "Did that just happen?"

Mark shakes his head in disbelief. "She wants to manage us personally. The head of A&R. This is insane."

I'm still trying to wrap my head around it all. "Guys, do you realize what this means? She's not just offering us a contract. She's investing herself in us. Personally."

"But why?" Will asks. "Why would she go to such lengths?"

I think about how Eliza's eyes lit up when she heard our demo, and the passion in her voice as she talked about our potential. "Because she believes in us. Really believes in us."

Mark nods slowly. "This could be huge for us. Her connections, her experience... it could fast-track us in ways we've only dreamed of."

"But it's also a risk," Will points out. "What if it doesn't work out? What if we're not what she thinks we are?"

I lean back, running a hand through my hair. "Guys, think about it. She's putting her reputation on the line for us. This isn't just a business decision for her. This is personal."

We fall silent for a moment, the weight of the opportunity before us sinking in.

"So," Mark says finally. "What do we do?"

I look at each of them in turn, seeing the same mix of excitement and apprehension I'm feeling reflected in their eyes. "Sony and Universal were there last night too, and we haven’t heard shit from them, right? I say we take the leap. This is our shot. Let's grab it with both hands."

Will grins, his earlier nervousness morphing into determination. "Hell yeah. Let's do this."

Mark nods, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Incendiary Ink, managed by Eliza Kerr. Has a nice ring to it."

When Eliza returns, we try to play it cool, but I'm pretty sure the grins splitting our faces give us away.

"We accept," I tell her, standing to shake her hand. "All of it. The deal, the management offer. We're in."

The smile that breaks across Eliza's face is radiant, a stark contrast to her usually composed demeanor. It's a smile that lights up her entire face, reaches her eyes, and does funny things to my insides.

"Well then," she says, her hand warm in mine. "Gentlemen, welcome to Blackmore Records. Let's make history."

As we shake hands, sealing the deal that will change our lives forever, I'm hit with the overwhelming feeling that this is just the beginning. Eliza Kerr has stormed into our lives like a force of nature, and I have a feeling nothing will ever be the same again.

Shouldn’t Be With Me

ELIZA

The Los Angelesskyline glitters beyond my office window, contrasting with the turmoil churning inside me. I've been staring at the same paragraph of the Hall of Fame induction guidelines for the past hour, the words blurring into meaningless shapes.What the hell was I thinking, agreeing to do this?

With a sigh, I push away from my desk and move to the small bar in the corner of my office. My hand hovers over the whiskey decanter – a relic from easier times – before settling on the sparkling water. As much as I’d like to soften the edges of my psyche right now, I have to keep my thoughts clear. Well, as clear as they can be with the vortex of emotions running through me anyway.

As I sip the cold drink, my eyes drift to the platinum records adorning my walls. Incendiary Ink's debut album. Their breakthrough third record. The farewell tour compilation. Each one is a testament to what we achieved together. Each one a reminder of what we lost.

What I’ve lost.

My phone buzzes, Justin's name flashing on the screen. I smile despite myself. My son, always checking in at the right moment.

"Hey, sweetheart," I answer, my voice softer than it's been all day.

"Mom, how are you holding up? Any regrets about saying yes to the induction speech?"