Chapter 212: Songs

Sam said she had something to do and that she’d see us later at Regina’s party. Freddie took advantage of the ride to go as well, to meet Cara

“All done. Now I’ll only make changes toward the end of the year—unless something completely shifts the stock market,” I murmured.

In my family’s portfolio (Harper Fund), the returns will be much higher (especially since I acquired put options), but the fund’s people can make money in other ways.

“Jake, when will I be able to release Say It Right?” Britney asked.

“End of next month. And why are you in such a hurry? ‘Where Is the Love?’ is sitting at number one on the Billboard charts,” I replied.

‘One More Light’ is right behind it at number two. Even though it’s only been a week or so, both songs are topping charts in several countries (not really a surprise, given their immense impact).

“The singles are selling like crazy, huh? Even here in the U.S., where we basically don’t buy that format anymore,” Britney pointed out.

“Yeah, they are. And every single cent of the profit is going to the families of the victims of the September 11 attacks.”

She nodded with a smile, fully supportive of the idea: all four of us gave up our royalties (and made it public in writing).

On top of that, I released the songs for free use (no licensing fees). That basically silenced the few critics who spoke up after the ceremony (there were very few ones. And JD will remember)

We also accepted an invitation from President Bush to perform on September 11 at the memorial. It’ll be just me and Chester (or maybe the full Linkin Park), and we’ve promised another song in the style of One More Light. 

I already have the perfect song in mind (don’t worry, Green Day—your song will be in better hands).

So, the only one still facing criticism is Eminem—but he’s controversial by nature.

“Are you going out with your other friend today, Brit?” Regina joined the conversation.

“Yes, with Natalie,” she replied, smiling.

“Wow, you’ve got to introduce her to us,” Cher said excitedly.

“How the hell did you manage to be friends with Portman?” I asked, astonished.

Huh, another upgrade. From Paris Hilton to Natalie Portman.

“Britney charm is unstoppable,” Britney said snobbishly.

“Whoa, Jake’s infection,” Carly remarked.

“We might need to warn Pepper, so she can quarantine her before the case gets worse,” Regina mocked.

I gasped. “Brit, I’ll trade these two”—placing a hand on Carly and Regina’s shoulders—“for Natalie. And I’ll even throw in Cher as a bonus.”

“Hey, I said nothing,” Cher protested indignantly.

“Only because I didn’t give you time,” I teased.

“In the United States, we work with the presumption of innocence,” she retorted.

Then Britney jumped in again, “How about I take these three”—pulling the three of them closer to her—“and still keep Natalie?”

“That’s not how negotiation works, Brit,” I said, pinching one of her cheeks.

“Yes, it is! I learned it from you! I don’t trade, I take it all,” she said smugly, then added, “And us girls stick together, right girls?!”

Cher, Regina, and Carly struck a pose with Britney in my direction.

“Is that so?” I said, narrowing my eyes. “What a shame…” I picked up a piece of paper. “Here I am with a new song…”

Britney broke away and jumped to hug me. “I’ll trade all four of them for you, Jake.”

“Britney!” the other three shouted in unison.

We all laughed. Britney was still hugging me while trying to grab the paper from my hand. I playfully dodged her every time.

“Gimme, gimme, gimme,” she pleaded, grinning.

“Okay, but this one you’re going to sing alone, without me featuring. I will help with the beat,” I said.

“At least you’ll be credited as the writer,” she replied, then murmured as she read the title, “Levitating.”

“And talk to Guy—it’s better to release this one a few months from now. Since we’ve locked in a collaboration with Shakira, I’d like to release the one with her before Tomorrowland, even if it’s last minute” I said.

“Recording in two weeks,” she nodded. “You’re doing three songs with her, right?”

“Yeah, one with both of you, and the other two with just me and Shakira.”

“One of them sounds very Jake lazy-style,” Carly chimed in. “I saw it at school—it’s got a bunch of ‘la la’s, and the song’s name is literally La La La.”

The girls laughed.

“Another for our list, Cher,” Regina commented.

“Yeah,” Cher grinned. “Now we just need Beyoncé. Ashanti and Pink would be cool, but they’re not exactly our style.”

“Okay, girls, we have a party at Regina’s today. We need to get ready,” I reminded them

“Yes,” Regina said excitedly, “and tomorrow here!”

Seeing Britney pout, I added, “Two Saturdays from now we can throw one with more celebrities—you can join in, Brit. But bring Natalie, so there’s someone closer to your age.”

“Cool!” Britney grinned.

“Wow, let’s tell everyone so they can start inviting others for two weeks from now,” Cher said.

---

The party went smoothly on both Friday and Saturday. I spent my last days with Lindsay (just like Uncle Charlie with Heidi), since both of them would return to NY on Sunday.

Speaking of Lindsay, I met another one—Lohan. She was very cute, but too much of an attention seeker for my taste.

If it weren’t for Regina, Lohan would probably have tried to make herself the center of attention. She respects Regina as an equal, even though Regina has little fame for now.

Lohan must also know that Regina has good connections with Pepper and with Murdoch. Regina might have let it slip that both of them attended her 16th birthday party, along with Britney performing.

Lindsay can be a little arrogant, but she’s not (that) stupid.

Today, February 12, someone woke me up with an early morning phone call....