Read Online Chart Toppers (Star Maker Book 3) by J.M. Nevins - Free Book Online Page B

  Number one on the Billboard Hot 100 , for
chrissakes!   That’s no coincidence,
Kit, ok?   People work their entire
careers in music as songwriters and never even chart, much less hit number one
with a bullet multiple times.   You
did that out of the gate.”
    She
sighed and shook her head.   “With
you and Jimmy, I did.   And that’s
after years of me doing it on my own.   Years and years that you never saw before I met you.”   She swallowed hard as her mind went back
to those days when she lived in Philadelphia, and her heart started to hurt.
The memories weren’t pleasant and were littered with shards of shattered
dreams.
    He
nodded, hopeful he was starting to break through with her.   “Yeah, that’s what I’m sayin.’ You’re
still on the bill, and I can point out the parts you wrote.   We’re a good team, babe.   In the studio, you’re like a giddy,
happy little girl—like a kid in a candy store.   That’s where you should be living
more.   Do more with this album.   Produce it.   I’m not talking co-produce, I’m talking
the whole enchilada—all you, baby.   Go for the brass ring.”
    She
shook her head and buried her head in her hands.   “No.   Hell no, Sully!”
    He
tilted his head to the side.   “Why
not?”
    She
looked at him, her eyes wide and wild.   “Are you crazy?   It’s a huge
risk!   You guys are on top right now.   I don’t want to be the producer that
messed up royally and gives you a shitty album that’s barely charting.”
    He
burst out laughing.   “Right.   Like that would happen.   Gimme a break, Kit.   You co-produced the last album with me,
and we went platinum.   The only
difference is that I’m stepping out of the way this time and giving you full
reign.   I trust your decisions.   I think they’re good ones, and I know
the band would agree.   It’s time for
you to step up, baby.   Since when
have you backed down from a challenge?   Hmm?”
    She
glared at him.   “I don’t like you
much right now.   It’s like you and
Nana plotted when we were there, and now you’re ganging up on me.”     
    He
laughed and joked.   “Uh-huh.   That was our whole angle.   Busted.   Seriously, Kit, give it some thought,
ok?   I think it’s a good time to
shift your career in this direction.   I know you’re not entirely happy with what’s going on at Diamond.”
    She
rolled her eyes.   “Oh please, let’s
not go there tonight.   You know
that’s a sensitive issue with me.”
    He kissed
her hand.   “Just think about things,
ok.   Promise you’ll do that at the
very least.”
    She
slowly grinned.   “Ok, I’ll think
about it.   And we’ll talk about it
again soon.   Does that work for
you?”
    He
smiled.   “It does, but you have to
incur a small penalty.”
    Kit
giggled and finally felt herself relax.   He looked at her with such acceptance; she couldn’t stay angry any
longer.   “Uh-oh.   What would that be?”
    “Tickle
fight.” He grinned deviously and started tickling her.  
    She
started laughing and tried to fend him off unsuccessfully.   Her mind started reeling.   If this was how it was going to be until
she made up her mind, she might have to come up with a decision sooner.   He was merciless.

 
    The
past few days were riddled with soul searching and disappointment for Kit.   She had received consulting calls from
Daniel at Diamond and also from Jonathan, but there was no further request to
meet with her or any hints about next steps.   She wanted more than anything to
approach Pete Lundy and inquire about that A&R superstar they were bringing
in but elected not to.  
    Her
thoughts since the talk with Sully were all pointing in one direction that
shook her to her core.   All she
could see were three desirable paths in front of her.   Continuing to manage Gypsy Tango, taking
the leap of being a producer and delving deeper into artist development at KMK,
knowing she would have to create