MassaHJ
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Chapter 89 - Momentum
🕑 Added 2025-05-02 13:41:17 +0000 UTCEllie Goulding was older than I remembered from my past life. She was already 20 years old.
She had some fame—sure, a few songs floating around—but nothing that had fully launched her into stardom just yet.
I wasn’t surprised she accepted so quickly.
Then I turned to Pepper and asked, "So... Jennifer Lopez is really going to say yes?"
"Yes. Marshmello's momentum is incredible," Pepper said without hesitation. "You’re the singer of the moment. Your songs might not attract the older audience as much, but you’re starting to dominate the younger generation. You have no idea how many offers I get every single day."
She paused for a beat and then added, "And she liked the song."
Well, On the Floor is a nice track. Not even close to one of my favorites, but it worked really well commercially.
"She’ll be the first singer I collaborate with who’s really at the top of global music right now," I said, still a little surprised by it myself.
Pepper nodded. "I wanted someone like her after hearing your first five songs. But after I saw the public’s reaction, I decided it was better to wait a bit longer. The negotiations with Jennifer Lopez are now more balanced..."
"Yeah," I said. I had agreed with Pepper when she changed her mind. We weren’t in a rush for stardom. No need to negotiate a one-sided contract.
---
After the meeting, I headed back to Uncle Charlie’s house.
Later that evening, I was sitting on the couch reading a book when the doorbell rang.
Alan went to answer it.
Moments later, I heard his voice: "Mom?"
I glanced toward the door and called out, "Hi, Grandma."
Alan stepped away to get Charlie, leaving Evelyn to walk into the living room and sit beside me.
I set the book aside and turned to her. “So Grandma, do you like horror movies now?”
She gave me the same smirk I usually wore. “No. I still think they’re nonsense. But topping the weekly box office and earning that much money in just a few days… that part I like very much.”
She leaned back with a grin. “Grandma just wants to know when she can brag to her friends about her incredible grandson. Movie and songs topping the charts..."
"In a few years, Grandma," I replied with a soft smile. "I still like my peaceful life."
She nodded in understanding, then shifted topics with a glint in her eye.
"Your Uncle Charlie thinks I don't see him... but Grandmommy sees everything."
Charlie and Alan walked back in from the deck, Charlie spreading his arms and saying, "Mom, we didn’t expect to see you today."
"I have to come unannounced," Evelyn replied. "Because when I call first, there’s no one home when I get here."
She gave a meaningful look as she added, "I imagine that’s only because my cowardly sons are trying to avoid me."
"Well, the important thing is we're all here, and we're happy to see you," Alan said, trying to smooth over the awkward moment."Right, Charlie?"
"Oh, happy isn't the word," Charlie murmured.
"So, what's new, Mom?" Alan asked.
"Well, if you really care..."
"We do, we do," Alan said quickly, nudging Charlie.
"We do," Charlie echoed.
Evelyn placed a hand on my shoulder. “Besides the old news that the only Harper who makes me proud is this one,” she said, nodding toward me, “next Sunday, I’m receiving my gold blazer from the Westside Realtor's Association.”
"I’m so proud of you," I said sincerely.
"That’s great," Alan added.
"Me too, Mom," Charlie chimed in.
"It’s the highest honor the real estate community can bestow," Evelyn declared proudly.
"I’m so proud of you," Alan said copying me.
"That’s great," Charlie echoed.
"So I wanted to talk to you about the presentation ceremony," Evelyn continued.
"We’ll be there," Alan assured her. "Just tell us where and when."
"Well, next Sunday at 5:00. And I was hoping we could have it here."
"Here?" Alan blinked.
"Why here?" Charlie added.
"I mean, we love and respect you..." Alan began.
"But why here?" Charlie repeated.
"This isn’t really a good house for parties," Alan offered.
"Yeah, it’s so big and close to the ocean," Charlie said sarcastically.
"Come on. I can’t very well throw a party for myself," Evelyn said. "This way, everyone will get to see how much my sons love and respect me."
She handed over a list. “Anyway, here is the guest list and also a suggested menu. Nothing fancy. Cocktails, buffet. Any questions?"
"No," Alan, Charlie, and I said in unison.
"Good. Big kiss. Love you all," Grandma said as she headed for the door.
"Love you too, Mom," Alan said.
"Bye, Grandma," I added.
Charlie was still too stunned to say anything, standing there in silence as the door closed behind her.
As I started to get up, I said, "I’ll go meet Laura soo—"
Alan placed a hand on my shoulder. “Oh no, you’re in this with us.”
Charlie, recovering just enough to join in, placed a hand on my other shoulder. “Yeah, our little proud Harper.”
---
The three of us sat on the couch in a quiet moment of reluctant solidarity.
"Now, what about this stupid party?" Charlie muttered.
"Here. Maybe this'll help," Berta said as she walked in, having overheard everything. She handed Charlie a business card.
"Daisy's Fishing Tackle and Live Bait?" Charlie read, eyebrows raised.
"Turn it over," Berta replied.
"Daisy's Classy Catering," Alan read from the back.
"She’s my sister. Her husband left. I’m trying to get her back on her feet," Berta explained.
"She runs a catering business and a bait shop?" Alan asked.
"Not at the same time," Berta deadpanned, then turned and headed toward the kitchen without another word.
I grabbed the card from Charlie’s hand and tossed it into the trash.
"Hey!" Charlie and Alan protested at the same time.
"Are you two kidding?" I said, looking between them. "That’s Berta’s relative. The chance we run into trouble is already high. And the chance Grandma hates it? Even higher."
"I’ll call someone who actually knows how to handle parties," I said, pulling out my phone.
"Who?" both Alan and Charlie asked in unison.
I made a small gesture for them to wait as I dialed. "Hi, Regina, how are you? I need your help..."
Comments
Castiel001
Can you make a character sheet for this?
