She let out a long sigh. It felt like her entire world was crashing down and being reduced to a sea of rubble. The world she had built and passionately cultivated since leaving Philadelphia, ironically the city she would be returning to in two days that would most likely trigger the dominoes falling on her married life.
Even though she had awards, accolades, plenty of money in the bank and was well respected in the music industry, it wasn’t lighting her up anymore and that frightened her. She was at the top of her career and all she wanted to do was walk away and not come back. She realized how long she had been running on empty and running away from that quiet inner voice that was attempting to nudge her onto a different path.
After years of ignoring it paired with an unforgettable near death experience recently, the quiet voice had now become a loud, screaming banshee that would not cease until it commanded her full attention. She knew it was time to get still and listen.
Immediately encompassed by the pure gravity of years and years of suppressing how she really felt, she started sobbing, afraid she may not stop. The phone rang, jolting her back to the moment. She hastily wiped her tears and answered, surprised she was able to beat Lila and Ariana to it.
“I didn’t expect to get you. Are you ok, Kit? I’d assume you’re still recovering. At least you should be. You’ve been through a lot, I know.”
She sniffled and grinned. “Jonathan, hey. It’s nice to hear your voice. I was thinking about calling you and here you are. What are you up to today? Can we grab lunch?”
He paused for a moment before speaking. “Are you sure you’re up to it? I dunno if it’s such a good idea. I know how you are and if we’re gonna start talking power moves over lunch then I don’t suggest it.”
She sighed. “Ok, no power moves, but Jon, you cannot leave me in the dark. I saw the pubs. Yes, I’m technically still on leave, but…”
He cleared his throat. “Ok, alright. But I’m picking you up. And you’re gonna give me full control to blow the whistle on you. This is not going to be a full blown four-hour strategy session on how to fix things. This is going to be a lunch between two friends and colleagues. Yes, I will brief you, but this is not the time to figure out next steps. Got me?”
She chuckled. “Geez, you sound just like your dad. I got you. What time are you picking me up?”
Jonathan arrived punctually at noon. Ariana welcomed him in as Kit approached to greet him with a smile. He reached out and gave Kit a brief embrace and kiss on the cheek. “How are you feeling? Are you sure you aren’t pushing it by going out to lunch?”
She nodded and gave him a reassuring grin. “I’m good, Jon. I’ve been cleared to travel across the country later this week by my doctor, so going to lunch down the street is going to be no big deal.”
He stared into her eyes and realized she was being truthful. He relaxed and cracked a smile. “Ok, but if you start feeling tired, we’ll stop and I’ll promptly bring you home.”
She winked. “Deal. Let’s go.”
Once they were settled in at their favorite table in the back at Le Dome restaurant on Sunset, Kit cut to the chase. She didn’t feel comfortable going into too much personal conversation because of what was looming with Sully.
She decided to lead with business. “What’s going on? I’ve been hearing some buzz in the trades.”
He sighed. “Uh, yeah. That’s what we’re going to address today. There are some big changes going on right now. First things first, I’m leaving Diamond Records. I wanted you to hear that directly from the source.”
Her eyes widened. She hadn’t seen this coming. She thought it was only a silly rumor the trades were spinning. She felt alarmed. Jonathan was a great ally. Initially she had her reservations, but she soon realized that he was just as supportive as Lew. Working with Jonathan had been enjoyable and fun.
She leaned forward, doing her best to mask her sudden anxiety and failing miserably. Her voice sounded high-pitched and squeaky when she inquired. “Where are you going? And when?”
He shifted in his chair. The last thing he had wanted to do at lunch was upset her. He hoped she would take the time to hear him out. He met her eyes. “Diamond Pictures. Lew feels it’s time for me to make the transition. You can’t say that you haven’t heard about this before.”
Kit sat back and surveyed him. “I remember Lew making mention, I just didn’t take it seriously or guess that it would be so soon.” Now her racing thoughts were going in a million different directions.
She reminded herself to take a breath and focus. “Where is Lew going? He’s currently CEO of Diamond Pictures.”
He cast his eyes down to avoid her seeing right through him. “My dad is taking a more passive role as chairman.” He finally looked up. “It’s a good thing. He’s got more power in that position. My brother has been getting a little crazy on the board lately talking about letting Majestic acquire us. Since he’s a majority share, my dad wanted to do something about it.”
He surveyed her closely. This was the point in the conversation that he wanted to avoid, yet knew he couldn’t.
