Page 39 of Conquest

“So long as your people can get the job done, one evil’s just as good as the other as far as I’m concerned. And just to make sure I’m completely clear on this, the songs we record become the property of Phoenix, even masters that aren’t released. Then if you guys decide to let us go, we can’t record those songs again with another label?”

“That’s the gist of it, but it doesn’t mean forever. After a certain time period we can relinquish those songs back to you. See here, it’s written in case you are cut loose by us, after a period of five years from that date, you can release the songs under another label.”

“I understand you guys need the copyrights so you can distribute and promote the music, but the last thing I want is to be watching TV and hear ‘Shattered’ as the background music for a tampon commercial because you guys got offered an endorsement deal. I want a clause written in that no songs bearing songwriting credits by myself or any other member of Conquest can be exploited or released for endorsements or other promotions without my direct written consent.”

Greg’s lips parted in shock. “I’m not sure I can agree to that.”

“Then I’m not sure I’m capable of holding a pen.”

Kenny looked at Jesse in alarm. He glanced at Greg and watched him and Jesse stare each other down.

Greg’s face broke into a slow smile, and he scribbled down Jesse’s demand. “The attorneys will adjust this into the final contract.”

Jesse glowed at his victory as he flipped to the next page. He didn’t care what Tim said. He knew he had everything it took to reach the highest levels of success in music, and he wasn’t going to stop until he stood on top of the world, the conquering hero for all who had ever doubted him to look upon.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Jesse stretched his arms high over his head and looked at his watch. “It’s already past seven. That took forever.”

Kenny stood beside him, rubbing his forehead. “My brain hurts.”

Jesse tossed his arm around Kenny’s shoulders. “But we did it! I told you never to lose faith in me!”

“We have to go out and celebrate! I can’t wait to call Carrie and tell her.”

Jesse rolled his eyes. “Does she have to come?”

“What do you think? She’s my girlfriend. Besides, this is a perfect excuse for getting laid.”

“You shouldn’t have to use excuses. You should just be able to say, ‘I’m horny, satisfy me,’ and get results.”

“And that’s why your relationships never last beyond a night.”

Jesse leaned toward him, speaking in a singsong voice, “Not anymore.”

He felt Kenny’s shoulders tense under his arm and saw the joy in his countenance wither. Anger welled up inside him. Even after hearing from Greg that Evan had nothing to do with the meeting, Kenny still believed he had slept with him to get the contract. He dropped his arm from Kenny’s shoulders and dug in his front pocket for his cell phone. “I’m calling Evan.”

Kenny’s expression turned apprehensive. “Is he going to go out with us?”

“If he wants to.”

Kenny opened his own cell phone and turned away from him.

Jesse glared at the back of Kenny’s head while listening to the phone ring. On the fifth ring, Evan answered with, “Hey, gorgeous. How’d things go?”

Evan’s warm greeting and the sound of his voice extinguished Jesse’s irritation at Kenny. “We got signed! I even got us a higher advance and had our royalties bumped up a couple points!”

“That’s wonderful. Congratulations.”

“Thanks! I guess I really can quit my job now.”

Evan laughed softly. “Yeah, that’d be a good idea. Listen, I hate to cut this short, but I’m kind of in the middle of something. Are you heading back to your place now?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll see you there in a little bit then.”

“Alright. Later.” Jesse snapped his phone closed and spun toward Kenny.