Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 100: The Most Romantic Man in North America]

Atlanta, at Scooter's mansion.

"Do you remember our first meeting? At that club in L.A.? I had noticed you before; you were different from the other DJs. You had this quality -- focused, bold... you were destined to become a superstar. We could have been the best duo, but all of that was ruined by one woman -- Taylor Swift. Ryan, you're already in too deep. She has you under her spell; open your eyes and see the world! How many women are waiting for you? Is she even worth it? Does she deserve you?"

In the living room, Scooter spoke passionately, declaring that Taylor was the third wheel who had ruined their friendship, otherwise, Ryan could have enjoyed a smooth working relationship with him.

"She got you a lawyer, pushed you to give her your songs! If I hadn't gone to Nashville, she would have taken you for everything! You need to wake up; this woman will ruin you!" Scooter wore a sympathetic expression as if he were a devoted brother trying to save his sibling from a bad influence.

...

Since Ryan's acquisition proposal had surfaced publicly, the media had spun a narrative suggesting that Ryan, in love with Taylor, was willing to spend millions to buy her contract to "set her free."

In reality, Ryan's actions were merely to save on taxes and make a little extra cash. But the public clearly saw it as more than an investment; they looked at expected returns, and predicting a singer's career was as challenging as guessing the next jackpot numbers.

Moreover, Taylor's statements during a recent radio interview, which seemed to indirectly acknowledge her unfair treatment, only solidified the perception of Ryan's intentions.

The public was all too familiar with how people scattered when trouble arose; few were willing to step up with real money.

Taylor's female fans, emotional and rallying on social media, began buying Ryan's singles en masse, hoping to lend him support. Some were even ready to crown him "the Most Romantic Man in North America."

In their eyes, Ryan was a fairy tale come to life -- a modern twist on romantic literature. Young American women loved this stuff, much like popular titles such as Fifty Shades of Grey and Twilight.

It wasn't just Taylor's fans paying attention; the narrative had spread across the entire American entertainment industry. Ryan's MySpace followers surged, with women leaving messages of encouragement, urging him to hang in there and rescue his love. Meanwhile, Ryan and Taylor's relationship gossip could stretch from Flushing to the end of the continent.

Next up, perhaps they'd be holding hands and circling the equator together.

Just yesterday, someone reached out to Taylor asking to film a documentary that would capture the behind-the-scenes of Ryan's acquisition saga, aptly titled This is Love.

Reportedly, Hollywood had already started preparing a romantic film inspired by Ryan and Taylor's story.

Now, even if Ryan stood in Times Square and cuddled another woman, it would only be seen as secretly filming a movie with the photographer lying in ambush nearby.

...

Scooter, of course, felt the impact of all this, bluntly stating that Ryan had been enchanted by that vixen.

"So, to protect me, you reported to UMG and halted this acquisition?" Ryan casually picked up on Scooter's train of thought.

"Ryan, it's been a while since all this happened. I think you've calmed down by now. You know who your true ally is. Have I ever let you take a loss? I can get even blacklisted artists lucrative endorsement deals -- how many can do that in this country?"

While Scooter's working ability went unquestioned, his intentions were suspect. Ryan hadn't forgotten what happened with Wake Me Up.

"I admit, I initially saw you as just a temporary stand-in. If you want to start your own label, that's fine. I agree, you deserve it, but I want in! Let's work together! I want to see you on the Super Bowl stage!"

"Want to keep collaborating? I'm all for it, but my label won't bring anyone else on board right now," Ryan replied.

That was his core interest.

Taylor's record label was part of his assets, running parallel to his future record label, each financially independent.

"Well, negotiations end here, Ryan. That's the only solution. I don't want my hard work stolen by a woman. You think it over." Scooter shook his head, feigning a desire to find a resolution.

Anyone with a soft spot would likely have agreed to his demands.

Compared to the Scott of Big Machine Records, Ryan even felt that the one in front of him was more difficult to deal with.

"If you insist on obstructing the acquisition, then there will be no acquisition," Ryan said dismissively.

"Ryan, I knew you'd come around..." Scooter felt a wave of relief wash over him. Just as Taylor despised him, he equally resented her; if it weren't for her father's lawyer, Ryan would have been "sorted out" long ago.

"But you need to think about the consequences. Many eyes are on this now, and the public pressure will be immense. Be prepared," Ryan stood up.

"For me, it's just a matter of a few months, but for you, things might turn out entirely different." Ryan added as a reminder.

"What's the difference?"

"You'll lose a friend and gain an enemy, and that enemy is the type you had high hopes for," Ryan stated.

Ryan had already begun to show his cards, which could disrupt Scooter's plans down the line. For Scooter, that was his core interest and also his vulnerability.

"Besides the breach fee, I'll offer you some extra cash to buy the rights to the first four songs. After that, we each go our separate ways. Who knows? Maybe I'll even produce a few tracks for your little darling down the line. Isn't that your ultimate goal?" Ryan said.

"I don't see it that way," Scooter denied vigorously.

"Then I take back what I just said."

"However... this does seem like a smart resolution." Scooter smiled sheepishly.

...

"Fuck, it's finally over," Ryan lay on the spacious bed of a five-star hotel in Atlanta.

Reflecting on the recent challenges felt like navigating through a web of scheming individuals; now that everything settled, he felt deeply fatigued.

It surely wasn't as easy as writing songs, but it was a final solution -- solving matters with Scooter and Big Machine, and moving forward to establish his own record label and officially take over Big Machine.

Daddario sat beside Ryan, legs crossed on the bed, watching television.

"So, if you start a record company, do I get a raise?" Daddario asked, glancing at Ryan.

"Depends on your performance," Ryan replied, looking up at her, the shadows of his face obscured by the light.

"Is my performance not good enough?" Daddario challenged.

"Chill out; I haven't done anything to provoke you." Ryan was in a good mood and engaged with her.

"Please, you don't like me; you prefer the flat boards, afraid I might hurt you," Daddario teased.

"Not at all, I never said I didn't like you." Ryan placed his hand on Daddario's thigh.

Instinctively, Daddario shut her legs, trapping Ryan's hand.

"Where are you planning to set up the record company?"

"Of course, in Florida. That's going to be the base," Ryan specified, mentioning that Florida's DJ scene was thriving, making it a better choice than Nashville.

"Will Big Machine be moving too?" Daddario asked again.

"Not really. Taylor's doing country music, and Orlando doesn't even have a proper recording studio," Ryan reconsidered.

Seeing this, Daddario smiled, knowing Ryan won't be running into Taylor every day. Although Taylor might pop by whenever she got the chance, she would certainly have a busy schedule.

Ryan noticed her reaction and simply raised his other hand to pull her in. Daddario lay back compliantly.

"Remember, I'm your boss, and Taylor is your boss lady, so show her some respect," Ryan instructed.

During this time, every time Daddario saw Ryan getting cozy with Taylor, her expression would shift. Ryan saw this and understood her feelings; such thoughts had no place in their dynamic.

"Got it?"

"You're so mean."

"Have you forgotten how you end up here?"

"Taylor is your official girlfriend; I'm just her substitute. As for Irina, that's just a change of pace for you. Isn't that what you want to hear? I'll play along because I like you," Daddario said, pouting.

"It's not me you love, but my status and position."

With a swift rip, Ryan tore open Daddario's shirt.

With a deep breath, a significant part of the fatigue was already lifted from his spirit.

There's something in the world that can heal all of a man's exhaustion!

*****

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