Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 97: Set-Up]

"Ryan, what's up? How's the show going?" The next day, Scott, the owner of Big Machine Records, answered Ryan's call as if nothing was wrong.

"Come on, don't act dumb now," Ryan said, gazing out at the busy streets of New York City. It was rush hour, and the traffic was intense. The city's design, with buildings crammed close together, made the noise overwhelming, a far cry from what the planners of a century ago could have anticipated. It's no wonder this place had a reputation for mental health issues.

"So Taylor's parents sent you over here to test the waters, but you can't make any decisions. Just hang up the phone; I don't want to waste my time, kid," Scott said nonchalantly as he puffed on a cigar.

"You still haven't figured that out?" Ryan chuckled. Upon reflection, it was astonishing that a kid under 20 was already playing with capital; it made sense they had spent half the day thinking it was Taylor's father calling the shots.

"What do you mean?"

"Let's talk numbers." Ryan lifted his glass filled with ice and cola.

Scott immediately switched the phone to his other hand. "Where's your money coming from?"

"You can say I hit the Powerball."

"One hundred million! Not a penny less."

"Not interested in selling?"

"Of course not. Taylor Swift's value is on the rise. Would you sell a stock that's consistently climbing? Unless you're offering a premium well above its potential, that deal isn't fair."

"You're not wrong," Ryan replied. "But is Taylor's contract really worth a hundred million?"

"Absolutely it is," Scott claimed without hesitation.

Ten years later, when he sold Big Machine to Scooter, the disclosed price was around three hundred million dollars. By then, Big Machine controlled the master rights to six of Taylor's albums, including her peak work, 1989. At this point, however, Taylor hadn't even officially released her second album, Fearless.

Inflation aside, it was clear Scott had put forth an unacceptable offer.

"I'll wait for your real offer, whenever." Ryan didn't show any urgency; stressing wouldn't help.

Just as he hung up, Daddario walked over, looking concerned.

...

"Scooter canceled all the tour dates this week. Early this morning, he pulled all your music off the paid platforms, citing some internal issues with the record label. It's absurd, especially since the Western Music Festival has already paid for the performances, but Scooter hasn't transferred the money like before. Ryan, he formally declared war."

"This day was bound to come," Ryan figured out long ago. Even if he didn't stir the pot now, he'd apply pressure as the contract neared expiration. In fact, he was a little relieved that he had made his move sooner than expected.

By afternoon, Daddario showed Ryan trending news on sites like BuzzFeed and various gossip outlets, all filled with headlines about him. The stories featured his photos with nightclub girls, and a few had been identified as local high-end escorts. The articles boldly claimed that Ryan had been cheating while on tour.

Some escorts even gave interviews, earnestly detailing "that night" with Ryan.

Ryan found himself chuckling. This was the extent of their so-called scandal?

"Get ready to leave," Ryan instructed Daddario, packing up.

"Where to?"

"Nashville."

"Are you meeting Taylor? I think it might be wise for you two to avoid each other for now -- don't drag her into this too." Daddario tried to reason.

"I'm going back to Nashville for more than just her." Ryan shook his head, indicating he had other plans.

...

By evening, Ryan and Daddario were disguised, making their way to a private airport.

"The whole Reddit is buzzing about you, claiming you've been..."

"And there are threats of lawsuits against you, saying you touched someone's drum while posing for photos."

"Any photos?" Ryan shot back.

Daddario shook his head.

No photos? That's just absurd.

...

Upon landing in Nashville, Ryan's phone buzzed with notifications.

"Ryan, you really stirred the pot," Trey said confidently.

She had no idea about the rift between Ryan and Scooter, but upon hearing Ryan's explanation, she became furious.

"Ryan, you're a bit impulsive, but Scooter's being a jerk! You have money now -- just buy your way out of the contract." Her implication was clear. "And watch your personal safety; stay under the radar. You might want to hire two professional bodyguards," she added as an afterthought.

...

In addition to Trey, friends like Joel, Deadmau5, and Diplo also called Ryan, asking how he was holding up. Ryan didn't reveal much, but they offered plenty of advice.

Soon after, Ryan received a call from Irina.

"Are you in trouble?" Irina asked hesitantly.

When Ryan didn't respond, she jumped in, "What do you need me to do?"

"Nothing -- just act like nothing happened," Ryan said, knowing her involvement wouldn't benefit him.

"Got it. If Fizz asks me, I won't admit to anything," Irina resolved firmly.

"And if Fizz threatens to jeopardize your career?"

"Then I'll just terminate my contract; you helped me sign it, so I owe her nothing." Irina brushed it off lightly.

...

Ryan hung up the phone, then noticed a message from a model in Australia. Over time, as Ryan became busier, their communication dwindled. It was nice she reached out, but being a college student, she wasn't much help aside from a casual check-in.

Even Elizabeth had sent Ryan a message, warning that Scooter wasn't easy to deal with, but her sisters could offer some assistance if Ryan needed it.

Her sisters were wealthy and well-connected, which could be beneficial for Ryan, especially if they could introduce him to reliable lawyers skilled in reputation-related lawsuits.

...

Finally, Ryan received a call from Taylor.

"Where are you?" she asked, lowering her voice.

"Perfect timing! I'm right at your doorstep, waiting for you to come back."

...

In the living room, Taylor paced back and forth while Daddario went out to grab dinner for the two of them. Ryan took a seat on the couch.

"Scott called me today."

"Accused me of using you?" Ryan shot back immediately.

"Yeah... kinda." Taylor nodded. "He said you've been using me the entire time, and that if you become the boss, you'll have total control over me."

Scott knew that breaking the trust between Ryan and Taylor was the best strategy.

"I was hoping for that," Ryan pointed out thoughtfully.

"Control me? No one can control me!" Taylor moved closer, sitting next to Ryan, resting her chin on his shoulder and intertwining their hands.

Scott's scheme was falling flat; their relationship wasn't about Ryan using Taylor -- it was quite the opposite.

"Scooter also reached out to me today, saying similar things to Scott, and he even mentioned a bunch of dirt on you. You've been busy, Ryan, performing all night then going out with women," Taylor relayed, then laughed. "But he doesn't know I see through it all."

She meant Daddario, who had kept a close eye on Ryan. She was aware of every detail -- when he slept, who he met with, and even what women he talked to.

"Actually, Daddario was secretly responsible for monitoring your activities. I admit I was a bit worried about you at first; I'm sorry. But I've come to realize that if I love you, I need to accept your work environment. Just, can you avoid putting your hands anywhere inappropriate in future photos?" she teased playfully.

Ryan felt somewhat wronged; it was others who were crossing boundaries, not him.

"You got it. If it helps, I'll just give a hug instead; I'm not that petty. But my parents asked about you, and this time they were very thorough with their questions. They haven't voiced any opinions yet, just suggested not to get too carried away -- we all know how you and Abigail can be!" she pouted.

"Ryan, what if my parents don't approve of us?" she voiced her first worry of the night.

"Then I'll play them a snippet of Love Story," Ryan said casually.

"Good idea!" Taylor said, her face lighting up again.

In that song, Taylor reimagined a happy ending for Romeo and Juliet.

*****

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