My Fibby and my editor have approved this chapter. I wouldn't have had the guts to post anything if it wasn't for the work you two ladies do for me. Plus, your warm support and patience. It is quite addictive. I might have to double your pay :)
To SkyBlue - I hope this is a good send off for your trip. I am so flattered by your compliments.
To Shellyprz - Sorry - no Pouncing or Kissing in this chapter. But, I promise it is coming - soon. I like sexy time as much as the next woman who is hung up on our gorgeous, misunderstood hero. And, Elizabeth can only fight the attraction for so long, right? She is only human after all. And, he is quite wonderful when he wants to be.
To Lou Darcy - I did warn you. Let me know if I delivered on my promise. Snicker Snicker.
And, lastly, to Liketoreadnotwrite - This Chapter is dedicated to you. I am so deeply sorry for your loss of your mother. Nothing will ever replace her. I know that personally. To know my stories provided you a small measure of comfort in the worst of worst times moves me beyond words.
Girl On Fire: Chapter 10 - Part 1
How many times do I have to tell you
Even when you're crying you're beautiful too
The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood
You're my downfall, you're my muse
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues
I can't stop singing, it's ringing in my head for you
All of Me John Legend
Darcy's lobby wasn't crowded, but there were several people waiting to speak with him. From the irritated expression worn by some, they'd been kept waiting a while. Elizabeth frowned. His office was normally run like a top, an efficient machine in motion. It was unusual to see a queue of backlogged visitors. If such people of prominence and importance were being made to wait, she wondered how long it'd be before he would deign to see her.
Elizabeth decided she would use the time to organize her thoughts. She needed to find a persuasive argument to make Darcy agree to permit The Hole House on tour while going through the trouble of having Max replaced. Maybe Paul would have a suggestion? She could call him while she waited so she would be ready at the meeting with a list of names for a viable replacement.
But, more importantly than discussing The Hole House, Elizabeth wanted him to know that their alienation had gone on long enough. She was just going to throw caution to the wind and admit that she missed him. His absence in her life had caused a painful void. She missed his good judgment and his friendship. She'd throw herself on his mercy. She would be willing to do almost anything to make up with him. Who knew, maybe she'd get lucky. Maybe, he'd missed her a little too? God, she was pathetic. She was no better than all the other women who were cast aside by him.
"Oh, Lizzy, I can't tell you how good it is to see you again!" Maggie stood, came around the impressive desk and hugged her tightly. The greeting both startled and touched Elizabeth. "Mr. Darcy said to send you right in when you arrived."
Elizabeth was confused, glancing at those waiting, then thanked Maggie before heading to his door. She was nervous to see him. More nervous than she'd been when she came to sign her contract all those months ago. Would he still hate her? Want nothing to do with her? Was he still angry? Would he be receptive to her apology? She froze looking at the door with reservation.
"Is everything alright?" Maggie looked concerned.
Nodding, Elizabeth took a fortifying breath and entered his office.
Her first thought was that she'd obviously misunderstood Gloria. This wasn't the private meeting she'd anticipated. Richard was also in attendance. While she normally enjoyed the attorney's company, it was abundantly clear he was there in a professional capacity.
Elizabeth's disappointed gaze locked onto Darcy. She drank in his presence in his suit without his jacket. The crisp white shirt a stark contrast to his tanned skin and jet black curls. Longing swept through her. His blue eyes were cold, distant, staring right through her as if she were a stranger. No, not a promising reception at all.
After both men rose politely, Darcy spoke first. "Ms. Bennet, thank you for making time for us this morning."
Ms. Bennet? Elizabeth couldn't remember the last time he'd addressed her so formally, and it further rattled her composure. "Of course."
The two cousins resumed their seats. Situated like this, they were going to face her like opponents. Slipping out of her leather coat, she laid it along with her purse in one of the empty seats. Her mouth felt like a desert. Helping herself to a bottle of water from the small refrigerator, she cracked it open and sipped from it well aware she was stalling. Making them wait for her somehow restored her equilibrium. When she felt ready, Elizabeth took an empty seat adopting a much more relaxed posture than either man she faced.
She forced a smile, pretending that Richard had just joined her and Darcy for a friendly lunch as he had in the past. "How's Esme?"
Caught off guard by her question, the attorney smiled reflexively, as he always did when his wife was introduced into a conversation. "She's well. In fact, we just found out that we're expecting."
"What wonderful news! Congratulations!" Elizabeth was sincerely happy for the couple. "When is she due?"
"Mid-July."
"Oh, I think summer babies are the luckiest. They get to have pool parties and —"
"Cut it out, Elizabeth." Darcy rolled up the sleeve of his shirt to the elbow on one arm, then began on the other. "Let's dispense with the act, shall we? This isn't a social call. You know perfectly well why you're here. Don't pretend otherwise."
She had a strong suspicion due to the timing, but thought it better to let him reveal their agenda. She sipped from her water bottle, giving him an innocent look.
"You're here because of this." He slid a copy of the previous morning's entertainment section on the table between them. It stopped in front of her.
Elizabeth had thought the article would provoke him. She'd been right. "I've seen it."
Scowling, he clearly expected more. Gone completely was the indifferent mask he'd worn upon her entrance. "Have you seen this as well?"
After typing something into his I-Pad, Darcy handed it to Elizabeth. Even though the footage was grainy, it was clear someone had captured performance at The Hole and had uploaded it to You Tube. She was aware of the fact both men were watching her closely for a reaction. After Wrecked concluded, the video zoomed in on her crying before ending abruptly. She put the device on the table feeling strangely vulnerable. It seemed so obvious that she had written the song for him. Had he liked it? Had it softened his resentment of her in any way? She looked at him trying to gauge his feelings. He didn't look flattered in the slightest.
"Do you understand that performing at The Hole violated the exclusivity clause of your contract?" Richard's voice was patient, as if he were talking to a child. She knew she could lie, claim ignorance, but instead she nodded honestly. After all, she had known. "You realize that Darcy Records could terminate you for such a breach?"
Wasn't firing her an over-reaction for singing a few songs at a friend's bar? Darcy leaned back in his chair expressionless. Did he want to get rid of her? She had to know. She hated that her voice wavered slightly, "Is that what you want, Will? Do you want to fire me?"
He didn't answer her, but stared on in silence.
When he didn't answer, Richard did. "No, Lizzy, no one here wants to do something so drastic for one little infraction." He placed a copy of the contract she signed on the table next to the newspaper. Again, in his patient voice he offered, "Your copy of our contract was more than likely destroyed in the fire so we wanted to make sure that you have a copy to consult. Will and I— we — felt it was important to meet with you today and remind you of your obligations to the label."
Elizabeth didn't reach for the document. She'd committed certain sections of it to memory during those particularly terrible days when she thought she would tear Darcy's head off if she had to spend another minute in his presence. Her eyes drifted back to him. It was certainly ironic to know that now she'd give anything for that time back, to have even those miserable days back, to have him in her life again. Not this stranger who didn't seem to care one way or the other about the outcome of this meeting. Coldly ambivalent. As if she never mattered at all. The small hope budding in her chest when Gloria told her he wanted to see her died painfully in her breast.
"I understood my obligations, Richard." She lowered her head, feeling strangely beaten.
Darcy spoke up then, "You understood your obligation to me but you still let your so called friends pressure you to perform anyway?"
The implication that Phillip and Malcolm were taking advantage of her upset her. Angered her. "No one pressured me into doing anything, Will. Not everyone is out to take advantage of me."
"Meaning what exactly?" Darcy asked sharply. His eyes narrowed. "Are you implying that someone here has taken advantage of you?"
Elizabeth blushed. She hadn't meant it the way it had sounded. Looking from one man to the other, she wondered suddenly if Darcy confided in his cousin about their shared time in his penthouse. Had he told him the intimate details of the night they shared? Had they laughed over her reaction to him? How easily she had succumbed to the passion he evoked in her? Had she entertained them with her subsequent pitiful phone messages? She felt sick suddenly. What Richard must think of her! She realized that Darcy was glaring at her, waiting on an answer.
"Of course not, Will." She shrugged trying to adopt an air of nonchalance. "I just wanted to sing. There's nothing more to it."
"There's a hell of a lot more to it than that, and you damn well know it." He pointed at her. "You are under contract." Then, he turned his finger toward his chest. "With me."
Oh, he was angry alright. He could hide it in his expressionless face, but it was all in his voice. He sounded as angry as when he had dealt with Suzzanne. Angrier, perhaps.
Richard jumped in then, adding in a sympathetic tone, "If we cancel your contract, Lizzy, how would you be able to repay all the money we've paid out? Before your advance, your medical bills and wardrobe are well in excess of a two hundred thousand dollars."
So much had been spent on her? The sum was truly staggering. Of course, it was such an obscenely large amount to refine her rough edges. No wonder Darcy'd been so initially reluctant to sign her the night they met. From the beginning, he'd understood the financial risk involved much better than she ever would. However, none of these thoughts changed the fact what Richard said now was wrong.
"I'm not required under the document I signed to repay anything but my advance if you terminate my contract."
"It's standard language in all of our contracts. Section Four, Paragraph six. " Richard flipped a few pages into the untouched document, dragged his finger to a clause, before stopping not finding what he'd believed to be there. He looked at Darcy with a strained look.
"As far as the advance, I haven't spent any of it. If you want, I can return it to you. I can write you a check today." She turned to retrieve her purse, then paused. "But let me make sure I understand this correctly. If you terminate my contract, I'd be free to perform where and when I want again?"
Darcy sprung to his feet, slamming his palm on the table causing her empty water bottle to tip and roll harmlessly off the table. "You're out of your mind if you think I'll release you from our contract."
"Will!" Richard paled, placing a steadying hand on his cousin's arm.
Darcy shook off the restraining hand, but his voice was composed when he continued. "I mean what I say, Elizabeth. I'm going to warn you only one time. I can make what you want most go away in a snap." He demonstrated with his fingers.
What did he know about what she wanted most? He'd already taken away his friendship. Banished her from his life. In that moment, Elizabeth didn't care what he did with the beautiful songs they'd crafted together. He could take them and lock them away forever. If this was what success felt like, he could keep it all. She was miserable. Miserably in love with him. "Do your worse, Will! Don't release the CD if you don't want to. I don't care anymore."
He flinched as if she had smacked him. Then, he scowled, leaning forward on the table, questioning her in a low menacing growl, "You don't care? What about your 'fellas,' Elizabeth? Are they as cavalier as you? As fickle? Will they care when I dismantle their precious little business as easily as if was a house made of cards? That I wreck them as completely as I can?"
Darcy would do it. Elizabeth had absolutely no delusions about it. He would do it to strike back at her. To injure her when nothing else could. To punish her. An unchecked, angry Will Darcy would deal with anyone who crossed him with ruthless efficiency. He considered her the enemy. She didn't know how to make him understand she didn't want to be his enemy.
"This is between us, Will." Her chin rose. She felt the tears in her eyes and willed them to remain unshed. "I beg you leave them out of this."
"You're one fine actress, Elizabeth. I almost believe you do care about them." An unnatural smile curled the corner of his lips. He simply said, "No."
She wasn't surprised Darcy would not surrender his trump card over her.
Here Richard indicated his cousin should sit back down. Darcy did clearly against his better judgment. "Lizzy, we don't want our relationship to become adversarial. We all win if your upcoming release is successful. Think of this meeting as an opportunity for everyone to air out grievances and hammer out some finer details."
Elizabeth did not trust herself to speak again. She seethed. She had something she'd like to hammer, and she had grievances—oh, did she have grievances!
"You have obligations to me. I only make money if I have a product that is in demand. Nothing is made if you give it away for free." She bristled at the implication of his words, but listened in silence when Darcy continued, "You'll agree that you'll never perform at any venue again without my explicit approval. There'll be no more special appearances at The Hole. Or anywhere else for that matter. In fact, if you so much as sing in the shower in front of someone else and I find out about it, I'll make it a point to crush anyone associated with that dump."
It was clear now. She'd signed a contract with the Devil. She'd given her heart to a heartless monster in a designer suit.
"For the next two years and six months, I won't perform anywhere without Darcy Record's permission." She agreed in her sweetest voice. "However, if I faithfully abide by your terms, I want it in writing that The Hole is safe from you."
"How dare you ask me for assurances when I'm the injured party here!" Injured party?Will Darcy, poor multi-millionaire, was the injured party. It was comical. She laughed at the very thought. Her laughter clearly only irritated him further. He thumped his finger against the table to emphasis his point. "You deliberately opened your friends up to risk when you performed after signing your contract that prohibited it. They were informed of our proprietary rights to you, and they allowed you to perform anyway. I'm sure you've heard the expression you reap what you sow?"
Elizabeth had a few expressions she'd like to acquaint him. If they were alone, she wouldn't have hesitated at all. She bent down and picked up the bottle of water that had fallen, placing it firmly on the table between them. They obviously were at an impasse.
"Will," Richard turned to his cousin, "perhaps giving Lizzy the assurance in writing that you will not proceed with any litigation against The Hole would make her more willing to consider your offer."
"What offer would that be?" She asked suspiciously.
"As you know, Darcy Records has expended far more capital than we originally anticipated to get you performance ready. In order to recoup those losses, I want to expand your contract from three to five years."
She laughed throatily, then sobered when neither man joined her. "You're not serious."
"I am quite serious."
Richard smiled warmly asking cordially, "Is there any way you'd consider changing the length of your contract with us? Anything we can do to convince you?"
"Sure, I'll be glad to change the length." She strangled the empty water bottle in her hands. "How about we shave off a year or two? Or an album or two?"
Darcy countered, "How about Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars guaranteed?"
Her mouth fell open. Such a staggering sum. What could she do with so much money? She could pay off her parent's mortgage. Send Mary to Europe, pay for Kitty's art school and Lydia would never have to worry, as she had, about working while attending college. There'd be enough to even help out the fellas. She found herself warming to the idea of simply signing away another two years of her life to buy comfort for all those she loved.
Wait.
This didn't make any sense. Why would he offer her so much money if he was losing money on her? Had already lost so much on her? What wasn't he telling her?
Darcy continued, "You'll be expected to increase your album output from four to six. I'll control the song selections. I'll remain on as your producer."
There was no way she could do two extra albums with him. The remaining ones she'd already agreed to were going to be enough penance for a lifetime. Being alone with him, close to him for any length of time would be sheer torture. Especially if this was how he was going to react to her. She wasn't sure how she was going to stand it. Survive it. She was honest. "I don't think I can do it if you are producing."
She had expected another explosion, but instead, it was as if his anger snuffed out. The light completely extinguished in his eyes. The unfeeling mask had fallen firmly back in its place.
Richard offered "What if we negotiate who'll be in the booth with you? Maybe Paul? Or -"
"No." Darcy said firmly, cutting his cousin off. "If I am not producing her albums, then there will be no extension."
Richard looked like he was wrestling with his patience and losing. "Lizzy, you should seriously consider our offer. It's very lucrative. I think it shows that Darcy Records is interested in a long and profitable partnership. If you want to take some time to think it over, I could put something together for you to review — "
"I don't need any time to consider it." She could not look at Darcy. She took a deep steadying breath, "I won't do it. After my current contract ends, I want to be free to do what I want."
"Free?" Darcy's voice sounded strange, different, strangled.
"Yes." Elizabeth was suddenly furious at this entire ambush. Furious that her hopes had been dashed so cruelly. Her performance at The Hole certainly had been a violation, but there had to be some other reason she had been invited here. She wanted to get it out in the open so she could leave this disastrous meeting. Lick her wounds in private. Cry in solitude. "Now that you've threatened me and bullied me, why don't you two cut to the chase? Why am I really here?"
Without another word or look in her direction, Darcy pulled back from the table and stalked to the windows behind his desk. He stood legs apart, arms folded, glaring down on the rest of New York as if he could intimidate the entire city.
Richard looked after him, before looking back to her and soldiering on solo. "I'll be frank with you, Lizzy. Wrecked is a special song. When we heard it this morning, we thought it should be on the album. We can bump delivery of your CD out two weeks but we've got to get you into the studio and record it now. Strike while the proverbial iron is hot."
The request surprised her. Even though it was Richard talking, she knew Darcy was behind this request. He must believe in the song. Why else would he be willing to postpone the release of her album?
Tempted more than she would like to admit, she asked, "When would we record it?"
The truth was that the moment she'd finished Wrecked, she'd wanted to share it with him. She was curious about the changes he'd make to it. Those brilliant tweaks that had always brought out the best in her music. The song would have been exactly the way it sounded in her head if he had been involved in the process.
"We'll start on Monday." Darcy said from his side of the room. He did not look at her. "Hopefully, it can be completed by Wednesday. I've hired a film crew to record the process. Wrecked will serve as your first video. It'll be released a week before your CD goes on sale to help kick off the PR blitz Gloria discussed with you today."
Moving to sit on the corner of his desk, he continued down an impressive list of things that needed to be accomplished if they were going to meet the tight window. He'd never change. The familiarity of it made her smile bitter sweetly.
As if her smile offended him, his voice became sterner. "The Band of Funk will back you on Wrecked instead of The Hole House. As I've stated repeatedly, a professional band needs to be with you on your tour. There's no reason you shouldn't start your collaboration now."
It was like being dunked in the Arctic Ocean. His coldness as he casually dispatched her friends! He'd even forgotten her Thanksgiving trip home. It was just another reminder of how little he now cared for her. How she was no longer important to him. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, Will, but I fly out of LaGuardia tomorrow. I simply can't be in two places at once."
He straightened. "You're still planning on going home after being off for three weeks?"
"Perhaps you should be the one to consult our contract. It's full of fascinating things. Including that I get the week of Thanksgiving off."
He paced, stopping to glare at her. "I've already permitted you an extensive break."
"And I thank you for your generosity," she responded tartly.
"You're being unreasonable. I've had everyone re-arrange their schedule."
"I'm sorry, but you did all of that without consulting me." She crossed her arms.
"Sorry?" His laugh lacked any humor. "You're not sorry in the slightest."
Darcy was wrong. She was sorry. Just for things she couldn't say in front of others. The beginnings of a headache took root behind her eyes. "Look, it doesn't matter. We can just put Wrecked on the next album. I already have many other songs we could use." She retrieved her notebook from her purse. It was half full. After Wrecked, lyrics had just rushed out of her. He should be pleased. They were all love songs full of yearning and heartbreak. Not one of them optimistic in any way. Just like he liked her to sing.
Darcy's considerable attention focused on the notebook.
For just a moment, Elizabeth saw the spark of his familiar, naked curiosity. Music had always brought them together in the past. Connected them. Improbable hope returned. She had something in which he was still interested. Her songs.
Her mind whirled through the possibilities. She just wanted what they had back again when they made their album together. She didn't deserve it, but she wanted it. She was desperate to get it back. Just this little piece of him would satisfy her. Could music be the foothold to climb into his life again? Conceding this victory to him could be the catalyst to end their estrangement. Give him back a measure of pride if he won this battle? Perhaps, it wasn't too late to undo all the damage she'd caused. Soothe his masculine ego. Give in. Submit to his wishes.
"Fine." Elizabeth relaxed coming to a decision. "I'll change my vacation plans. I'll do it because you ask me too." He looked suspicious. "I only have one small condition."
"Of course, you do." He sounded so much like his old self it made her heart ache.
"I won't do it without The Hole House." She couldn't turn her back on her friends. They'd been with her from the beginning. "If they're out, I'm out."
The struggle could not be concealed on his face. She held his gaze. Willing him to be reasonable.
Like a spectator in a slow tennis match, Richard watched them both, his attention leaving one to drift to the other. A long excruciating minute passed. Finally, he prodded, "Will?"
"Go ahead and make arrangements for them to be here at nine sharp on Monday." It was difficult to keep the victorious smile from her face, but she was glad she managed it when he added, "No matter how much you beg me, they will not be going on tour with you. There's nothing you could do to get me to agree to it, Elizabeth. Nothing. You better start getting used to the idea now."
Elizabeth didn't understand why he'd never warmed to her friends, but she wouldn't give up her campaign for them. If it was a war he wanted, frankly, it was a war he was going to get. For now, though, it was better to let him think he'd won the battle. She gave him a lukewarm smile. "Since it's what you want, I'll try to get use to the idea."
Again, there was that look. The one of supreme distrust. Then, he glanced at his watch. "Unless there's something else, I've spent enough of my time dealing with this nonsense. It's made me late for important meetings. You know the way out."
Being dismissed by him in such a way stung. Her capitulation had gained nothing but made her look weak. Unable to hide her own hurt feelings, Elizabeth stood grabbing her belongings in a huff. "In the future, gentlemen," her hot gaze included Richard, "when we're going to discuss any aspect of my contract I want to be notified ahead of time so I can arrange to have my own attorney present."
"That would be the prudent thing, Elizabeth." Darcy agreed as he opened a folder on his desk and began reading it as if she was now an afterthought. "You should have someone represent your business interests at all times. Usually artists bring a whole host of people with them – attorneys, agents, advisors – to help spell things out in negotiations, review contracts."
"Where was this sage advice the day I signed with you?"
He looked up from his work. "I think you have me confused with someone else. I'm your employer. It is not my job to protect you from bad business decisions or any other questionable choices you make with your life."
Darcy was right. He wasn't responsible for her poor business acumen. She should've known better. She'd just been so discombobulated from hearing Jane's voice on the subway platform she'd accepted Darcy's offer and signed his infernal contract on blind faith alone. None of that was his fault. Without another glance at either men, she snatched the copy of her contract from the table and stormed from the office before she made a complete fool of herself and burst into tears.
One thing was abundantly clear. If she had ever meant anything to Darcy, she didn't anymore.