Chapter 22

After leaving the signing, we couldn’t go straight back home. I’d originally had the USC press conference set for the fifteenth, but since we were in LA for this signing, I’d convinced them to move the date up so I could do everything at one time, and save flying back and forth across the country two more times.

I hadn’t counted on LA traffic, though, and the trip to USC took almost forty-five minutes, making us a good ten minutes late for the press conference. As soon as we got there, I hopped out of the car and ran into the room, breezing past the person waiting to escort us in. It wasn’t hard to figure out which building it was in, with the news vans parked nearby and a couple of reporters standing outside, smoking and killing time.

Inside, everyone was talking, I guess bored and waiting for me. I’d called ahead to let them know we were running late, but I was still glad to see they waited. I’d hate to think the whole event would be delayed because of traffic.

Everyone kind of quieted down by the time I made my way up onto the small stage.

“I’m so sorry I’m late,” I said as I got to the podium where several of the USC people were standing. “My last appointment ran long, and traffic was a nightmare. Definitely not the kind we’re used to in Appalachia, let me tell you.”

That got a few chuckles from the reporters.

We’d talked through what was going to happen on the phone, at least, so I wasn’t that confused as we got started. The USC PR lady was already in front of the microphones and I stood next to her so she could give the opening remarks before turning it over to me.

“Thank you all for coming out today. I’m Lisa Thompson, head of USC’s publicity department. I’m thrilled to officially announce that Charlie Nelson will be attending the University of Southern California this fall. Charlie is not only an immensely talented musician who has toured nationally, but he’s also a dedicated student who has overcome many challenges, exactly the kind of well-rounded young adult we want on our campuses. We believe he will be a wonderful addition to our Trojan family.”

She went on for another four or five minutes, singing my praises and expressing in a dozen ways how happy they were for me to be coming to USC. I was only half listening. Maybe other singers like this kind of thing, but I found it to be kind of embarrassing and felt like I wanted to bury my head in the sand every time I had to sit through it.

“ ... with that, we’ll open the floor for questions,” Lisa finished, finally stepping back from the podium.

A few hands shot up as I stepped up to the podium and adjusted the microphone. I pointed to a middle-aged man in a suit.

“Charlie, there are rumors that you’re in town to sign with ARC Records. Can you confirm or deny these reports?”

“Actually, for once, the rumors are true. I just came from signing the deal with them. I’m really excited to be working with ARC.”

So far, the reporters had been quiet, not overly excited. I guess they showed up because there was a chance of news, but if it was just the announcement of my starting at USC, that would show up somewhere deep on a news website and that was about it. Confirming a signing, though, was actual news. It wasn’t until after I said something that it occurred to me that I might have just jumped ARC’s own press announcement, and hoped I didn’t screw up anything there.

“Can you give us any details about the contract? What does this mean for your career?” another reporter asked.

“ARC will be releasing more information about the specifics soon. Right now, I’m here to talk about my decision to attend USC.”

“Will they be producing a new record for you?” a younger reporter asked.

“Presumably, but again, you’ll have to speak to ARC, who will be releasing more information. Any questions about my attending USC?”

Several hands went down, I guess realizing I wasn’t going to answer questions about the deal. A few stayed up, though.

“Yes,” I said, pointing to a lady.

“What do you plan to study?”

“I’m looking at a degree in music composition with a minor in marketing.”

“Why bother with college at all?” the first reporter asked without being called on. “You just signed a major record deal, your music from The Stage tour is still selling well, and your original album just broke into the top 100 streams on both major platforms. Isn’t this a step backward?”

“There are a couple reasons, actually. Partly, it’s a promise I made to my mom before she passed. She always wanted me to get a degree. But more than that, I believe in always striving to be better. I’m really proud of what I’ve accomplished so far in my career, but I know I can do more. USC has an incredible program, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to study here. At the same time, I’m not naïve. I know the music industry is unpredictable. Having a solid education to fall back on just seems smart.”

They weren’t done with the questions about my deal, though, and tried a few more questions about my touring plans and upcoming album.

“ARC will have more information on that in the coming weeks,” I kept responding to everyone.

A reporter in the back raised her hand. “Charlie, what happened with Alina Petrova? She’s now telling everyone you two never dated. Is it because you two had a falling out?”

“No, she’s telling people that because it’s the truth. We were never together, just friends.”

A much younger guy who I thought might be a student reporter from the USC newspaper raised his hand. “Do you plan to get involved with any music programs or clubs on campus?”

“Definitely. I love playing with new people, and I find that I learn something every time. Being here is a great opportunity for me not only to meet other people who love music but to do what I can to help these clubs grow and spread that love, and maybe even help me in my own career.”

“Any plans for acting or other entertainment ventures beyond music?” another reporter asked.

“Music is my primary focus, but if the right opportunity comes along and feels authentic, I’m open to it.”

“Word is you’re dating one of the US Olympians. Care to comment?” Another reporter asked, surprising me.

Kat and I had been together in public and our picture had been taken, and everyone in our personal lives knew we were dating, but I didn’t go out of my way to mention her in interviews or public spaces because I didn’t want to add to her anxiety by having a bunch of strangers hound her because of something I might do. With the Alina thing, no one had even questioned if I’d had a girlfriend and the times I’d said that, without saying Kat’s name or identifying her, it had been straight out ignored. It made me wonder how much they were actually digging into my life to find stuff.