Free Unintentional by MK Harkins Page B

and he asks his own in return. I’m trying very hard to lay down the groundwork for a future business relationship. Having Hard Reign sign with me would be a great opportunity – for both of us.
    I started recruiting three years ago, and so far, things have gone remarkably well. Six talented artists have signed on, all scattered along the west coast. Two I’m pretty sure will get a recording contract in the next three months. The other four bands are still in the development stage, performing around their home towns, building up their fan base. Their situation is very similar to the stage Hard Reign is currently in. They’ve built up a great fan base here. Now is the time to make a demo and start shopping them to the music studios. I know I can get them a recording contract. They’re incredibly talented.
    I’m about to launch into my mega-convincing sales pitch, when Cade stops me abruptly.
    “I know what you’re going to ask.” He holds his hands up. “Scott told me you want to sign us.”
    “That’s exactly what I want to do, Cade.”
    He shakes his head, “Not going to happen. Not now, anyway.”
    My emotions are all over the place. One minute, I’m angry, the next, embarrassed, then the following moment, I want to jump him, and now, I’m back to angry. I slump back in my seat.
    I have to know. “Why not?”
    Cade stares down at the table. He seems to be conflicted. “I’m just not in a place to make any decisions. You saw me yesterday. I’ve been like that for a month.”
    I ask, “How long are you going to allow yourself to be like that?”
    Cade’s head pops up, and I get another one of his piercing stares. His look is a mixture of anger, and there’s something else in his expression. I just can’t place it. I’m not going to back down. I’ll continue to stare right back until I get an answer.
    After what seems like forever, his eyes soften, and he answers, “I don’t know.” He takes his sad eyes and looks out the window.
    So this is what heartbreak looks like. He’s suffering, I knowwith certainty. I won’t mention to him I think he’s lucky. I wish I could feel that strongly for someone, even if it was for just a little while. I can feel tears threaten the back of my eyes. I blink them away quickly, but it’s too late. Cade is staring at me again – this time with a questioning look on his face.
    I smile brightly and say, “Can we check back with you in a few months?”
    “It’s going to take longer. I won’t be making any decisions for at least a year.”
    “ A year! ” I scream. What the hell?
    I’ve startled both Cade and Sophie. I guess I shouldn’t have shouted it.
    “Cade, there’s so much we can do in a year’s time. Please rethink this.” I’m starting to sweat again. This day just keeps getting longer.
    Cade’s smile is gentle this time, like he knows he’s upset me, and this time it looks like he’s trying to smooth it over.
    “Yeah. I’ve made my decision. I’m going back to work next week at my engineering firm. If the guys in the band still want me, I’m going to start practicing with them again. I’m not sure aboutperforming yet. I don’t know if I’ll go back.”
    My eyes close in an effort to stay calm. “I totally get why you need some time off. But, Cade, why would you even consider not performing? You’re so damn good. Correction, you’re great.”
    Cade looks resigned. “I just know myself. I know it’s going to take me that long to get over things, and to figure out what I want to do with my life. Like I said, right now isn’t the time to make life-changing decisions.”
    “But a year? That’s so long!” I’ve always been an impatient person, and it’s coming through loud and clear.
    Sophie laughs, touching my arm. It’s her signal for me to back off.
    Sophie asks, “So, Cade, let’s say we wait a year and you decide to go forward with the band. Can we have the first crack at you?”
    It’s obvious Sophie and Cade have already