Page 155 of Call Me Baby 2: Side B
“Before you walked into Venom, nobody knew your name. The second you leave this room? Everyone will know Sunset Decay.”
The drummer grins,
shaking his head as if I’m lying.
The bassist’s eyes go wide,
still pointed at the floor.
“Doors you don’t even know exist are about to swing open. Every vulture’s gonna circle. They’ll make offers. Mostly a mouthful of lies to get you to sign. Some might sound like a no-brainer or too good to pass up. And yeah, I might lose you to one of ‘em after pullin’ this off.
“Might’ve screwed myself.
“But I won’t screw you. Never you.”
That’s why I wanted Eli here,
so my words weren’t empty.
They wouldn’t’ve known me,
but I knew they’d know him.
The seriousness of the moment lands in Noah’s eyes, and I hold his gaze so he sees the honesty in mine.
“I did this to prove one thing:
“I’ll put the band first.
“Above me.
“Above my success.
“‘Cause I want you all to win.
“With or without me.”
I stand taller.
“But I hope you choose with me.
“And if you do,
“over these next twelve months
“when those vultures come—
“and they will—
“say my name. Allison Taylor.
“Watch how fast they back the fuck off.
“‘Cause they know I’m the only one in this world who’ll do right by you.
“And if you’re under my wing?
“They can’t take advantage of you.
