Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
It’s the last week when I finally gather the courage to bring it up. We’re on a plane on our way back to California for the last few shows, so we have time, and none of us can escape. I refuse to get off this plane angry.
“So …” I start. Jordan squeezes my hand beside me. “What’s the plan for after the tour for everyone?”
There’s an awkward silence that falls between everyone.
“I, uh, signed the Fandom contract,” Mason says.
“That’s awesome.” It’s only a three-month gig, though, so that doesn’t fill me with confidence that he doesn’t want to get stuck into the next album right afterward.
I could maybe do a film in that time.
“You have the press tour for Faking It, don’t you?” Harley asks me.
“Yeah. Then I’m hoping to shoot something else. Don’t know what yet.”
“My movie,” Jordan says.
I’m dying to do that, whatever it will be, but if I only get to do one movie in between now and the next Eleven album, I’m going to be disappointed.
The other three are all quiet.
“Well, I’m recording a second album,” Lyric says.
“I’m producing,” Ryder adds.
Harley bites his lip, and I narrow my eyes at him.
“Why do I get the feeling you’re holding something back?” I ask.
“I … I have an idea.”
The rest of us groan. Harley and his ideas.
“No, no. You might all like it. Maybe. I’m not sure yet.” Harley glances at Mason. “This is not me wanting to abandon you, so please don’t run away to Montana for me even suggesting it, okay?”
Mason flips him off.
Harley takes a deep breath. “Watching Lyric onstage this whole tour … I … umm …” He says the next part in a rushed voice, and I can barely catch it all. “I want to develop my record label more and maybe take a break from recording and touring. Not just with Eleven but my solo stuff too.” Harley lets out a loud breath like it was hard for him to get that out.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I see Denver relax like the weight of the world left his shoulders. “Oh, thank fuck. I had an idea myself. I’ve kind of taken on the role of Mason’s manager, and I realized … It’s probably stupid—”
“It’s not stupid,” Mason says.
“I want to start a management company,” Denver blurts.
“That’s amazing,” I say. “Truly. And if I’m being honest, the reason I brought this whole thing up is I want to go back to acting. I’d love to do another album and tour, don’t get me wrong. I love you guys, and this has been a perfect escape for me, but that’s all music is to me anymore—an escape from my real job, which is making movies. I’d love to do a couple in between Eleven stuff. Unless you guys want to not do another Eleven album. I’m cool with that too.”
“I don’t want to say goodbye to Eleven,” Harley says.
There are rounds of agreements on that.
“We all came back because we wanted to prove something, and we’ve done it,” Harley continues. “We could walk away if we all wanted to, but this tour … it has been amazing. I’d want to do it again, but maybe in a few years?”
“How does another three sound?” Ryder asks. “A break will give me time with Kaylee, more time to produce, which I love. Mason finds the talent on his reality show, Denver manages them, I produce them, and Harley puts them out on his label.” He looks at me. “Oh, and Blake can …”
“I can cheer you all on while I watch from the sidelines. I’m serious when I say music isn’t my entire life anymore. I love that it is for all of you, but I have a new life now.” I look at Jordan. “One I’m really excited about.”
Jordan leans in. “I told you to just talk to them.”
“I think we were all a little scared to tell the truth,” Harley says, overhearing. “But it sounds like we’re on the same page. We’ll always be a family. We’ll keep recording and touring as long as the fans want us, but in between, let’s take things for ourselves. We’ve given the last ten years to our fans. I want to enjoy being a label exec, enjoy living with my partner.” He looks lovingly at Brix. “I want to take a break every now and then and enjoy life without thinking about work.”
We all gasp in unison, like we’d planned it.
“Oh no, this is a dream, isn’t it?” I say. “No way in hell those words came out of Harley Valentine’s mouth.”
“I’m more in fear of this plane going down,” Mason says. “Surely Harley wanting to take a break is, like, end of the world type shit?”
“Zombie apocalypse when we land for sure,” Denver adds.