Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 72: A Change of Tides]

"Ugh, she is just so sneaky! I need to cut ties with her; I can't take this anymore!" That evening, Taylor shouted into the phone.

"She just wants revenge on you. In a few days, once she cools off, it'll all blow over," Ryan replied, sounding somewhat indifferent.

Abigail had previously said, "I haven't even gone to Kansas yet," but it was clear her words at the dance earlier were just to stir the pot with Taylor.

Despite Ryan's reassurances, Taylor remained anxious. She fired off questions like, "You're not actually going to marry her, are you?" "What if she's pregnant?" "Tennessee doesn't allow abortions! Kansas is even stricter!"

"Can you honestly believe what a high schooler says about marriage?" Ryan retorted.

"Why not? There are plenty of people who get married right after graduation!" Taylor exclaimed.

"But Abigail and I are different," Ryan countered.

"It's easy for you to say that; you'd love that, wouldn't you?" Taylor nearly shrieked.

Under Taylor's near-desperate demands, Ryan reluctantly agreed.

"Is anyone talking about our relationship online?" Taylor finally asked.

Ryan shared what he had seen, including all the gossip circulating the web.

"Relationships do spark major discussions among younger fans," Ryan noted, and hearing that eased Taylor's tension considerably.

"Speaking of, are those rumors true? I guess I should prepare some cash for you; I'll give it to you if you perform well, otherwise I'll leave it for next time," Taylor chuckled.

"You really think I need that?" Ryan laughed.

Not to mention, he had been raking in money lately.

Being a little ahead of the game in the music industry, the daughter of a Wall Street banker, Ryan queried Taylor about managing finances.

"Buy stocks, invest in real estate, but my dad says the housing market has stagnated, and both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are in trouble. In other words, it's really risky; he doesn't recommend any risky investments for the next two years. He told Uncle Jesse that, but when he talks to clients, his tone changes," Taylor explained.

When Jesse visited Nashville, he likely asked Taylor's dad about the current economic climate over dinner.

"What about your money?" Ryan asked.

"I gave most of it to my parents. More than half of my savings over the past two years... has gone to you," Taylor replied.

"That Navigator."

"Exactly."

Ryan chuckled; this little rich girl really knew how to spend.

Then Taylor talked about her experiences in Las Vegas and smoothly transitioned to their next destination. "The time for my cameo in the movie and concert has been set. Are you free then? This time, my parents decided not to come along."

Implying she wanted Ryan to accompany her to Los Angeles.

"It's not that I don't want to join you. You know I have to promote my new song and shoot the music video..." Ryan pondered. He had no concrete ideas for the music video yet; in the Wake Me Up video, the main character was still a young woman alongside a little girl.

Unlike the previous Tremor video, Scooter had insisted on quick shooting this time to gain exposure. With streaming platforms like YouTube, music videos gained advantages in publicity. Ryan planned to call Fizz and Mary to see if they knew any suitable candidates.

Additionally, Marvin had called him earlier. Due to the popularity of Harlem Shake and Tremor, several nightclubs hoped Ryan would perform as a guest, offering enticing paychecks. Ryan had already agreed to perform at a major nightclub in Miami.

"I know you'll be busy; just take a little time to come say hi. I miss you," Taylor said with a drawn-out tone, trying to be charming.

"Alright, I'll make time," Ryan finally agreed.

"Remember to bring that little black dress, the one you wore on the ACM stage," Ryan specified.

"Why bring that dress?" Taylor asked, puzzled.

"You'll find out later," Ryan teased, leaving a hint of mystery.

Finally, Taylor mentioned having Ryan teach her brother about tight end techniques. Even though the semester was nearing its end, the school's football games were still ongoing, with Hendersonville progressing to the 7A level, ready to face tougher opponents over the summer.

...

A few days later, Ryan and Taylor made their appearance together at the Nashville Music Zone's radio studio. While it was still on Nashville Channel, the show had shifted from morning airtime to prime evening slots.

This was Ryan and Taylor's first joint appearance on the show, where they discussed their music. Taylor even teased her upcoming EP and new album for the latter half of the year.

"Also, many listeners, including myself, are curious about your current relationship. Can you reveal anything?" the host cautiously asked.

This question was saved for last and was naturally the most significant and anticipated.

Taylor glanced at Ryan and then turned back to the host. "I think we're just two collaborators who appreciate each other's talents."

"Collaborators?" the host said, taken aback.

"Exactly. I really admire Ryan's creativity; he has countless exciting ideas in his head -- especially about music. So when he asked me to sing a special version of Wake Me Up, I immediately agreed," Taylor explained.

"Is there no private communication?" the host pressed.

"Of course there is! I've gradually realized that Ryan's appeal isn't just limited to music; it's his whole life," Taylor said, shrugging. This ambiguous answer was likely a company strategy. From the stages of flirting, pulling away, confirming their relationship, falling in love, calming down, to announcing their breakup, the record label had set a complete timeline of reveals extending to the launch of Taylor's new album -- their motive was clear.

"So, in other words, you're interested in Ryan?" the host summarized.

"Well..." Taylor contemplated her response.

Ryan, however, jumped in first. "She's actively pursuing me."

Taylor's expression shifted to panic. "Why did you say that?"

Even though Taylor's microphone was off, her words still made through Ryan's, and her fluster only confirmed what he had claimed.

"Well, I sincerely wish the two of you a happy ending. And to our viewers, Dr. Ray Ryan Rivers' new song has been released, blending electronic music with country... and it's available on all major paid platforms. Don't forget Taylor's upcoming new EP available at Walmart."

...

As soon as Ryan and Taylor left the studio, they spotted Abigail waiting at the door. The moment she saw Ryan, she rushed over and leaped into his arms, sending Taylor into a slight annoyance.

Now that Abigail had graduated, she had plenty of free time and was even more glued to Ryan than before.

"Let's go to the bowling alley tonight!" Abigail said, grabbing Ryan's hand.

"Where is it? I don't have any plans tonight; I'll come along," Taylor said, moving closer to them.

"Maybe you should sit this one out? We just want to have some one-on-one time, and I know it might be tough for you," Abigail said.

"You should really stay out of this," Ryan surprisingly chimed in, seemingly siding with Abigail, but he was only trying to keep the peace for Taylor.

Seeing Ryan give her a reassuring look, Taylor nodded, essentially agreeing, as she watched Abigail get into the car that she had carefully chosen for Ryan, and even take her own spot!

As the car drove off, Taylor smirked, pulled out her phone, and sent Ryan another message.

[Don't forget you owe me! You better keep your promise!!!!!!!!] Taylor typed, adding a multitude of exclamation marks.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.