Page 1 of Clueless
ChapterOne
Taz
“We’d like to sign you, Taz.”
I was staring at Luc Spencer, the owner of the biggest record label in Music City, in shock and disbelief.Guys like me didn’t get big breaks.A month ago, I’d been singing my songs alone in my garage when a buddy at work talked me into posting a few videos online.They weren’t supposed to go viral.I wasn’t supposed to have record labels making offers I had to refuse.
“You don’t want me.”I swiped a hand over my black beard, shaking my head.“Having me on your label would be a nightmare for you, man.Trust me on that.”I stood, offering my hand.“Thanks for the offer though.I appreciate it.”
“Taz, sit down.”When I planted my feet, he added, “Please.”
I sighed before sinking back in the leather armchair across from him.
“Tell me your story.”
I shook my head, letting the shame and self-disgust wash over me.“You don’t want to hear my story.”
“Yeah, I do.”
I had nothing to lose by telling him the whole ugly truth.At least once he heard it, he would agree I’d be a lousy fit for his well-respected label.
“Taz isn’t my real name.”I looked him in the eye when I said, “It’s a nickname I was given.I grew up running with a street gang.Ended up in jail when I was nineteen.Did twelve years.”
His eyes widened but he merely shook his head before straightening his silk tie.“Go on, I’m listening.”
At least he hadn’t shown me the door yet.I had no doubt that would be his next move.“Assault, drug possession, theft over $60k.”
He drew a deep breath.“You served your full sentence?”
I smirked.“Yeah, got into a lot of fights in the inside.Wasn’t exactly a model prisoner.”
“How long ago were you released?”
“Four years now.”
“And you’ve stayed out of trouble?You’re not on parole anymore?Anything preventing you from leaving the country?”
“No.The only country I might have some trouble entering is Canada.Apparently, they can do background checks at the border, and people convicted of drug crimes could be turned away.”
“Good to know.Problems travelling to any other countries?”
I shrugged.“I don’t think so.But to be honest, I haven’t tried.I’ve just been working with my buddy in construction, trying to stay outta trouble, put a few bucks in the bank, catch up on child support?—”
“You have kids?”
“A daughter.She’s sixteen, hates my guts.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
“Not as sorry as I am to say it.”I cleared my throat.“Her mama got pregnant with her just before I went away.Married some other dude, and wouldn’t bring my daughter to meet me.Not that I blame her.”
“Jesus, Taz.You’ve really been through it, haven’t you?”
“You don’t know the half of it.”
“Keep talking then.”
I couldn’t believe he hadn’t tossed me out on my ass by now.“I wrote my daughter letters, but I have a feeling her mama kept them from her.”
