Faded (Rock Star Trilogy)

him. Why wouldn’t he be okay with it?
    The camera crew comes in and sets up while Peter has Barry sign a waiver. Afterward, Otto plays my music for Barry. He plays a fast tempo song first, and then he plays my ballad. I am completely amazed at my ballad. It sounds amazing, but I’m also starting to feel a little intimidated. Barry’s face is completely unreadable, and more than anything, I wish I could know what he’s thinking. After the songs are over, Barry turns to me.
    “Scarlett, this is a lot different than what you have out there now. I like it, but I’m not sure how your fans will react. Are you absolutely sure that this is the direction that you want to go in?”
    I don’t have to think before responding. “I am completely sure, Barry. This music is a part of me. I feel like I’ve been hiding too long.”
    “Okay. Well, I want to do a test run first. I want a hit single… You do your music your way, one song only at first. We will release it, and if it does well, you have free reign on this album.” He pauses, and I can tell there is a ‘ but’ coming. “But, if it is a flop, then you have to record what your fans have always liked. I will have your old producer oversee the album, of course. Does that sound fair to you?”
    I really, really do not want to go back to LA and work with him. But I know that people will like this if they hear it. I have to believe in myself. “That does sound fair.”
    “Good. I will have my lawyer draw up a contract and send it to your lawyer. You should hear from me within the week.”
    “Thank you.”
     
    1:03 PM
    Viral
     
    After Barry leaves, Alec, Bridgett, and I go to a local café to get some lunch and talk about my options.
    “Do you guys think this is a good idea? If this is a flop, it means I will be stuck with Barry for another two years, at least . I’ll be miserable.” I sigh.
    “But on the other hand, what if people hear your music, they love it, and you have free reign? It’s every artist’s dream,” Alec argues. “And you are good enough. I have absolute faith in you. If you weren’t already under contract, my dad would sign you in a heartbeat.”
    “If only there wassome way to be completely sure that the masses will like me…”
    Bridgett jumps in. “What would Bieber do?”
    Alec and I both look at her and laugh.
    “I’m serious. How did Justin Bieber have such a HUGE following before he could even get played on the radio? He had an amazing following on Twitter and YouTube. It’s all about social media,” she explains excitedly. “People want a rock star they can connect with. You just need to reach out to your fans more.”
    I start to question her, but Alec jumps in. “That’s a great idea. Seriously, Scarlett, we could record you singing some of these songs with an electric guitar and post it online. We could get feedback before the album is even released.”
    “I can’t post videos of anything that is going on the album. You know that,” I argue.
    “True, but at least they could hear your new sound and get used to it. Plus, if enough people like it, Barry would totally let you put it on your album,” he starts getting excited.
    “I just have to go viral.” I nod. “Okay. I can do this. After all, I am Scarlett Ryan.”
    “Right,” Alec agrees. “But first, we just need to record a hit song. It needs to be your best work yet.”
    “I got this,” I say, but my voice isn’t very convincing. The truth is I’m worried that I will end up stuck in the same rut… But instead of my dad controlling me, it will be Barry controlling me.
    But what if I do this and everybody loves it?
    I have to try, because I don’t want to spend the rest of my life wondering what if . This is my one shot, and I won’t let my own insecurities hold me back.
    Alec turns towards Bridgett. “By the way, never, ever bring up Justin Bieber again.”
    Bridgett laughs. “Sorry, he was the only artist I could think of that rose to fame because of social media.”
    “Rebecca Black did,” I say, not that she’s any better than Justin Bieber.
    Alec laughs. “She was popular for what? A month? Shortest lived career ever.”
    “Doesn’t matter. I still know all the words to Friday.” And so I begin to sing it, and Alec covers his ears. Bridgett and I both laugh.
    “My ears are literally bleeding.”
    “You’re so dramatic,” Bridgett tells Alec, and rolls her eyes.
    “At least I feel emotions.” Alec’s voice is suddenly angry,